At first I wasn’t even sure whether I was up to go to another memorial of Jewish culture in Germany. Dachau was enough for me to internalize, I did not want to be reminded again of the horrible acts committed not too long ago.

However, after arriving at the museum I was astonished by its presence.  Even though I had done research on the building, the purpose, and the architect I did not feel ready for what the building had to offer. It was a great surprise to me how much one could feel from being close to that building.

It was at that moment that I began forming second initial opinions about the building. I was honestly afraid of going through the emotions I felt at Dachau again in Berlin. In Berlin I wanted to have a more pleasant “this is what Germany is now” experience and not have to be reminded of its past. But at this moment I thought that perhaps this building was going to sort of explain to me what is missing from the lessons that can be learned from the Jewish culture.

I absolutely adored the exhibits and how the museum lead you through a time line of the Jewish culture, history and various achievements. Even though our time in the museum was very short, I believe I have gained a renewed perspective on how to approach the Jewish history. One must only regard the Holocaust as a blip. The culture of the Jewish people is much deeper and richer.