Berlin's Jewish community has gained a reputation for being one of the most lively and creative communities in Europe. And rightfully so. This dynamic development for the community has gone hand in hand with Berlins resurgence as a European metropolis. Berlin has become an important tourist destination for Americans, Israelis and Jews from throughout the world. Whats more is that they are also staying! There are currently 12,000 active members of the Jewish Community of Berlin, and it is estimated that there are at least another 6,000 Jews residing in the city.

All this has had an enormously positive impact on both Jewish life in Berlin and on the citys general cultural andscape. Names such as Daniel Barenhoim, Lior Shambadal and Heinz Berggruen have become closely associated with the city. Furthermore, orthodox and liberal Jewish institutions are flourishing; Shabbat is celebrated in no less than eight synagogues across the city.
When one considers educational opportunities and schooling (an important indicator for the attitudes and comfort levels of 2nd and 3rd generation Post-war Jews in Germany), then one is struck by the diversity of a growing number of institutions. The Gemeinekindergarten, a Masorti kindergarten from Chabad, a planned kindergarten from the Lauder Foundation and many Russian speaking kindergartens are but a few examples of kindergartens that prepare even the youngest for a life in the Jewish community in the capital. The Jüdische Gemeinde zu Berlin also runs a K-12 school open to Jewish and non-Jewish pupils alike. In addition, various international schools in Berlin have started to attract Jewish pupils by offering Jewish religion classes. There are also growing opportunities in the field of higher education. The Jewish-American College of Economics will soon be joined by a school of medicine that is currently being founded. Two of Berlins state universities also offer degrees in Jewish Studies. And last but not least, a liberal Rabbi seminary openned its doors just a few years ago.

Cultural associations, artist groups, a film festival, two theaters, womens groups, professional associations, cafes and restaurants, grocery stores, a bookstore, and frequent concerts and recitals all attest to a blooming Jewish community.

One big question remains though. Will the one, united community that served the needs of the Jewish community so successfully for many years fall by the wayside in the 21st century? Or will our diversifying community better be served, as in other cities, by multiple community centers? Its too early to tell at the moment, but two thing will be decitive for the path chosen: the degree to which Jews continue to feel safe and welcome here and to what extent they will continue to direct their energy to the further development and