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Bringing Back Lost Pages of History: The "Library of Lost Books" Project
Step into the world of the "Library of Lost Books," an ambitious project by the Leo Baeck Institute. The goal? To reunite the hidden gems of knowledge that once graced the shelves of the "Hochschule für die Wissenschaft des Judentums" in Berlin. This institute was a hotbed of intellectual exchange, even offering rabbinical training to women. Seized by the National Socialists, the library's 60,000 volumes were scattered across the globe, but now they're resurfacing in archives and antiquarian shops.
In the spirit of this historic endeavor, the "Library of Lost Books" project seeks to track down these long-lost books. Using clues like stamps, signatures, or dedications, their locations will be meticulously documented digitally.
Irene Aue-Ben-David, director of the Leo Baeck Institute Jerusalem, shares their vision. "We wanted to engage young minds, fostering a connection with the history of 'Hochschule für die Wissenschaft des Judentums' in Berlin, and inspire them to delve deeper into German-Jewish history," she explains.
Kicked off in November 2023, the project has already reaped rewards: 3865 books have been discovered, with another thousand added to the list. In 2024, the Citizen Science project garnered the prestigious Grimme Online Award.
Unveiling Jewish Exile Stories: The "Exile" Podcast
Another intriguing project from the Leo Baeck Institute is "Exile," a podcast that delves into the experiences of individuals shaped by exile, migration, or persecution. Drawing upon letters, diaries, and interviews from the Institute's expansive archive, the podcast is narrated by actor Mandy Patinkin ("Homeland"). A German version, narrated by actress Iris Berben, is also available.
Miriam Bistrovic, director of the Leo Baeck Institute Berlin, explains the podcast's appeal. "We wanted to preserve these unique stories not just for future generations in our archives, but to make them accessible to a wider audience," she says.
"A podcast has a certain intimacy, immediacy," she continues. "The sounds and voices evoke emotions, immersing the listener in a poignant journey."
The podcast, launched in 2022, has amassed over 560,000 downloads across 200 countries. A staggering 87% of listeners see it through to the end, indicating a captivated audience. In 2023, "Exile" earned two Signal Awards.
Enrichment Insights
- The "Library of Lost Books" project, an international initiative, recently won a Bronze award at the German PR Awards, highlighting its impact and visibility.
- A new travelling exhibition, "Gedenkanstoß – denk Erinnerung weiter" ("Kick-off for Remembrance – Take Memory Further"), explores football's links with the National Socialist regime and is part of the Library of Lost Books project.
- The Leo Baeck Institute is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, marking seven decades of supporting research, education, and commemoration of German-Jewish history.
- In the realm of science and education-and-self-development, the "Library of Lost Books" project, recognized with a Bronze award at the German PR Awards, aims to reunite the hidden treasures of knowledge from the destroyed library of the "Hochschule für die Wissenschaft des Judentums" in Berlin.
- The Leo Baeck Institute's latest project, "Exile" podcast, focuses on enriching history education by sharing the poignant stories of individuals affected by exile, migration, or persecution, making these unique tales accessible to a wider audience through a medium that offers intimacy and immediacy.
