Sunflowers and open books greet you at the Heinz-Galinski-Schule. This isn’t just any school. This is a beacon of Jewish education in Berlin a testament to resilience and hope.
The Heinz-Galinski-Schule opened its doors in 1986 in Charlottenburg. It started small just 25 students. The fall of the Berlin Wall brought an influx of families from the former Soviet Union. The school needed more space.
In 1995 a new building opened on Waldschulallee in Grunewald. This wasn’t just any school building. It was the first new Jewish school built in Germany after the Holocaust. This stunning building designed by Israeli architect Zvi Hecker resembles a sunflower its petals reaching towards the sky. From above it looks like an open book a symbol of learning and knowledge. The Hebrew word for book Sefer is part of Beit Sefer the Hebrew term for school. The design represents childhood’s joy thirst for knowledge play and optimism.
The school follows the Berlin curriculum. It incorporates Jewish traditions and history. Students learn Hebrew religion and Torah. They celebrate Jewish holidays. Every Friday they observe Kabbalat Shabbat. The school teaches Jewish values through class projects. The school has specialized classrooms for English Judaic studies science and music. Smartboards equip every classroom and specialist rooms. The school provides a bio-kosher lunch prepared daily in its kitchen.
A school bus system transports students. The school also offers extracurricular activities called Chugim. These range from crafts to chess to a school orchestra. The school has a state-of-the-art sports hall.
The Heinz-Galinski-Schule welcomes children of all faiths. It reflects the spirit of Heinz Galinski the school’s namesake and long-time chairman of the Jewish Community of Berlin. His legacy continues to inspire students and educators alike. The school’s story is one of renewal growth and a vibrant future. A future that builds upon a rich past. A past never forgotten.