Grape Jews

The Jewish Historical Society of Napa Valley presents

Jewish Voices in Germany and Napa

Sunday, February 21, 2010

The Jewish Historical Society of Napa Valley and Congregation Beth Sholom proudly announce a program by Rabbi Dr. Leo Trepp, on Sunday February 21, 2010 at 3:00 pm at our synagogue in Napa.

Dr. Trepp, in his nineties, is most likely the only Rabbi living today who can claim to have witnessed first hand the brutalities of the Nazi regime in Germany while serving as Rabbi of a synagogue in that country over 60 years ago. After the pogrom known at Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass in November 1938, Dr. Trepp was rounded up and taken to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Through the efforts of the Chief Rabbi of Great Britain as well as family members living in the US, the Trepps were able to immigrate to the United States.

Since his arrival in the US, Rabbi Trepp has assumed pulpits on both coasts, including becoming Congregation Beth Sholom’s first part time rabbi in 1961. A much respected and beloved rabbi, Dr. Trepp is a true scholar, having penned a multitude of essays and histories in both English and German. His work resulted in a vast number of honors. In 1981, Rabbi Trepp was invited by German leaders to teach Judaism in universities and communities throughout that country. Among other honors he addressed the Parliament of the German State of Rheinland-Pfalz.

Locally, Rabbi Trepp has taught college classes in Napa and Solano counties and served as the Jewish Chaplain at the Veteran’s Home in Yountville.

Rabbi Trepp will give a brief overview of the history of Reform Judaism in Germany, contemporary Jewish history in Napa and discuss assimilation as it concerns the upcoming holiday of Purim.

The community is invited to this homecoming event, which is free of charge to all.

Please join us on Sunday, February 21 at 3pm

Congregation Beth Sholom
1455 Elm Street in Napa.

Refreshments will be served.
Info at (707) 251-9092