The Posner Menorah: A Beacon of Courage and Faith
In the shadows of pre-World War II Germany, as the oppressive regime of the Nazis rose to power, the Jewish community faced an increasing tide of antisemitism. Amid this growing darkness, one symbol shone brightly, embodying the courage and resilience of the Jewish people – the Posner Menorah.
Rabbi Dr. Akiva Posner, wife Rachel and Family (Photo Credit: Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Center,yadvashem.org)
The Courage and Chutzpah of the Rabbi's Wife
Central to the story of the Posner Menorah is the incredible courage and "chutzpah" (defiant boldness) of a rabbi's wife. Rachel Posner and her husband, Rabbi Akiva Posner, lived in Kiel, Germany. Rabbi Akiva was a scholar with a doctorate degree in philosophy and served as the rabbi for some 600 members of Kiel’s Jewish community. In 1931, as Nazi ideology spread, the front window of their home looked out onto a large Nazi flag hung from the building across the street. The symbol of hatred for them and their people accosted their view every day.
At Chanukah, the family had a choice. Would they display their Chanukah menorah in a prominent window, as Jewish tradition directs, or would they hide it? Would they risk vulnerability to the growing persecutions creeping into their once peaceful lives or play it safe? Rachel boldly placed the menorah in the front window for all to see, just had they had done in prior years. On the eighth night, with Chanukah candles placed and ready for lighting, Rachel took what is now a famous photograph.
Photo Credit: Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, yadvashem.org
Rachel wrote a short poem in German on the back of the developed photo, capturing the essence of hope and resistance.
“Juda verrecke,” die fahne spricht — “Juda lebt ewig!” erwidert das licht.
It was later translated into English, and it says:
“Death to Judah,” so the flag says. “Judah will live forever,” so the light answers.
This poem continues to inspire generations. It speaks to the unwavering faith and courage required to light the menorah, a tradition that dates back centuries and symbolizes the perseverance of the Jewish people.
In 1933, Rabbi Posner heeded the urging of his congregation and moved his family to Israel. At his pleading, most of the congregation’s members also immigrated to Israel. These mutual persuasions saved their lives. The Posner family still lives in Israel. The Chanukah menorah sits on loan in the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem until it’s returned each year to Akiva and Rachel’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren for their family Chanukah observances.
Rachel Posner’s story reminds us of the indomitable spirit found within the Jewish community throughout history. During a time when displaying one's faith was an act of bravery, she placed the family’s Chanukah menorah in the window, defying the darkness and proclaiming the promise of Scripture, that the Jewish people would live on.
Shared Values of Courage and Faith
For the Christian community, the Posner Menorah is more than just a historical artifact; it is a testament to shared values of courage and faith. It is a reminder of the strength found in standing firm in one's beliefs, even when faced with persecution. The story of the Posner Menorah invites us to reflect on the bravery required to uphold religious traditions and personal faith convictions - and to stand against hate and discrimination.
Jewish people have demonstrated this bravery throughout history. Despite the dangers, they’ve continued to light and display Chanukah menorahs, even as antisemitism grew worldwide. For Christians, this courage echoes the profound teachings of Jesus, who Himself celebrated Chanukah—a festival that commemorates the miracle of light and the rededication of the Holy Temple.
Solidarity Against Antisemitism
The historical oppression faced by the Jewish community is not confined to the past. Today, antisemitism persists as a global issue that demands our attention and action. It is crucial for the Christian community to express empathy and solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters. By standing together, we embody the shared values of love, support, and resilience.
“By standing together, we embody the shared values of love, support, and resilience.”
Throughout history, many Christians have shown unwavering support for the Jewish community.
Pastor Martin Neimöller founded the Confessing Church in protest of Nazi infiltration of protestant churches in Germany. He worked to oppose Hitler, spent eight years in concentration camps, and, after his release, helped reestablish the Evangelical Church.
Deitrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian, was an early critic of the Nazi regime. He worked as a double-agent with the German Military Intelligence under the pretense of gathering information about churches for the Nazis, all the while actually conveying information to the Resistance. He was arrested, and the Nazis later learned of his involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler, for which he was later executed.
The ten Boom family hid a group of Jewish people in a specially built secret closet in their Holland home. Though the ten Booms were arrested, those hidden upstairs survived the raid and were freed days later by other Resistance members.
Joop Westerweel and fellow Dutch Christians smuggled hundreds of Jewish people to safety in Switzerland and Spain.
Don Bruno, a Catholic priest in Belgium, arranged hiding places for hundreds of Jewish children whose parents had been taken to death camps. He placed them with monasteries, convents, churches, and families, checking in on their welfare afterward – all by bicycle.
Mother Maria, a Russian who became a nun in France, heard that Jewish people were being brutally treated in a nearby internment camp and worked to collect and smuggle food into the camp. Maria was ultimately arrested for assisting Jewish people. She spent three years in concentration camps, ultimately dying in a gas chamber.
These stories of interfaith understanding and compassion serve as powerful examples for us all. By reaching out to our Jewish neighbors with love and support, we can foster stronger bonds and a deeper understanding of our interconnected histories.
“By reaching out to our Jewish neighbors with love and support, we can foster stronger bonds and a deeper understanding of our interconnected histories.”
A CALL TO ACTION
The story of the Posner Menorah is a call to action for all of us. Here are some ways you can engage further with this message:
Share the Story: Spread awareness of the Posner Menorah and its significance within your community and on social media. Highlight the shared history and values between Christian and Jewish traditions. To learn more about the Posner Menorah, see this Yad Vashem article, this Times of Israel article, and this New York Post article.
Participate in Educational Events: Join initiatives that promote interfaith understanding and support for the Jewish community. Engage in dialogue that fosters empathy and compassion
Reach Out: Personally connect with someone in the Jewish community. Express your love and support and build bridges that strengthen our shared humanity
TOGETHER, we can honor the legacy of the Posner Menorah and continue to stand against hate and discrimination. Let's illuminate the world with our shared values of courage and faith, shining brightly in the face of adversity.