Pilgrimage: Berlin

Fri., March 3-Sun., March 12, 2023

The Program

The history of Europe in the twentieth century is marred by the atrocities of World War II. The story of minority traditions is particularly bleak, and few moments evidence this more than the era of Nazi Germany. From the cataclysmic events of the Holocaust to the division of Berlin after World War II, there is a complicated history of religion, trauma, and horror, but also a recent history of multifaith dialogue, reconciliation, and hope. In fact, Germany’s efforts to learn from the Holocaust and WWII have in part led it to be among one of the leading European countries in hosting refugees.

Pilgrimage: Berlin is an intensive travel seminar that includes a half-unit course, a 9-day experience in Berlin, follow-up presentations, and intensive reflections. The program will explore the roots of Judaism and rise of Nazism in Germany, the lead-up to and effects of the Holocaust on the modern German community, and the way Germany, Europe, and the World have attempted to remember and reconcile the destruction of the Holocaust.

Of particular interest will be the way narratives surrounding Nazi Germany and the Holocaust are used today in American discourse and in conversations surrounding Israel and Palestine. While the first half of the trip focuses specifically on German history, the second half will be spent with refugees in Berlin’s migration hub and Israeli and Palestinian communities in Berlin delving into how Holocaust memory impacts modern efforts to welcome refugees and seek just solutions for Palestinians and Israelis.

Requirements

This program is open to full-time, undergraduate students of all faith backgrounds. Students will participate in a half-unit pass/fail course that meets weekly throughout the spring semester. Through Pilgrimage: Berlin, students will use historical, social, political, and spiritual insight to:

  • Understand the religious and historical significance of the Holocaust, particularly in Jewish tradition and to the broader German community.
  • Consider the role of memory in shaping and affecting individual and group identities
  • Appreciate the influence narratives of the Holocaust have on current political events in America and in Israel and Palestine.
  • Learn about how Germany continues to grapple with the repercussions of WWII, and think about implications for social responsibility outside of Germany.

Each student will be expected to fully commit spiritually and intellectually to the pilgrimage (the course and the travel excursion) and offer an open and generous heart to the experience of their teammates. The Chaplaincy will cover all costs except passport and visa application fees (if applicable), gear for the pilgrimage, meals in the airport, and spending money.

Expenses

Participants will be responsible for passport and visa application fees, some meals while traveling, and personal spending money. The Chaplaincy will cover all other costs. Those with financial limitations or concerns should contact the trip leaders.

Leaders
 The pilgrimage will be co-led by Josh Jeffreys, Jewish Chaplain and Director of Religious Life, and Jamie Lynn Haskins, Chaplain for Spiritual Life and Communications Director.