When questioned about the design of Berlin’s Jewish museum - why one must enter through an old Berlin building to access his new deconstructive one - the architect, Daniel Libeskind, said [in paraphrase]: One cannot think of Jewish history without thinking of Berlin history but conversely, one cannot think of Berlin history without thinking of Jewish history. Perhaps the same could be said of Reform Judaism - to understand its origins, one must come to Berlin.

The name Moses Mendelssohn is inextricably linked to this city. Arriving at the age of 13, Mendelssohn spent over four decades here in the 18th century. Known as the ‘German Socrates’, in his writings he promoted tolerance of all world religions; he translated the Torah into modern German so many more could have access to its teachings and he dreamt of a school where Jewish and non-Jewish scholars would study side-by-side. The school was founded in his honor and the follow-up school exists in Berlin today.

In 1854, Berlin’s first ‘Temple’ opened its doors on Johannis Street in the Mitte district. Services were held mainly in German, men were not required to cover their heads, men and women could sit together. The great 19th century rabbi and scholar Abraham Geiger advocated ‘from learning to belief’ and had yet another dream - an academically based rabbinical college. This too was founded in Berlin in 1872 when the College of the Science of Judaism opened its doors. Rabbi Leo Baeck taught here. Women were admitted and in 1935 the world’s first female rabbi, Regina Jonas, graduated and began serving the community in synagogues around the city.

After the Holocaust the small Jewish communities in Germany chose mostly a conservative orientation. This is changing in recent years as Reform communities once again find their place and voice. A highlight was the first ordination of rabbis since the Shoa in the summer of 2006. They graduated from the liberal program at the Abraham Geiger College in Potsdam near Berlin. A Reform minyan meets at the beautiful golden domed New Synagogue, where also men and women may sit together for services.

For anyone interested in the roots of the Reform movement, Berlin is a must. The sights and stories are plentiful and the Reform spirit lives once again in this city.