Reading Group

Rahel Varnhagen Reading Circle       

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The Rahel Varnhagen Reading Circle is a monthly gathering in Berlin inspired by the legacy of Rahel Varnhagen (b. Berlin, 1771), one of the city’s most influential intellectuals. As the daughter of a Jewish merchant, Rahel hosted a prominent salon in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, fostering thoughtful dialogue on literature, philosophy, and culture. Her life and work, as highlighted in Hannah Arendt’s biography, reflect the challenges of asserting identity and belonging within a complex social and cultural landscape.

The reading circle aspires to continue Rahel’s tradition by creating a space for critical thinking and meaningful discussion. Held in various Berlin cafes, these meetings explore themes rooted in contemporary Jewish issues, as well as broader questions of identity, belonging, and the transformative power of ideas. Guided by the values of respect, inclusivity, and open dialogue, this community welcomes participants of all backgrounds who seek to engage with pressing and, at times, challenging topics.

The sessions are conducted in English, providing an inclusive platform for Berlin’s diverse population, and are designed as safe spaces for exploring different perspectives with mutual respect and active listening.

2024-2025 Cycle

The Rahel Varnhagen Reading Circle successfully began its 2024–2025 cycle with its first meeting on Thursday, December 5, 2024, where we explored different perspectives on Israel and the Middle East before and after October 7th.

The second meeting took place on February 13, 2025, and centered on the theme of forgetting, through a discussion of A Primer for Forgetting by Lewis Hyde, a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to let go of memory in personal, political, and cultural contexts. We complemented this with Funes, the Memorious by Jorge Luis Borges, a short story that brilliantly imagines the impossibility of forgetting and the burden of total memory.

We are already planning the third meeting for the end of April 2025—stay tuned for updates!

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While participation is free, registration is required due to limited space. Registered participants will receive the reading materials and location details before the meeting. During the sessions, attendees are welcome to purchase drinks and snacks from the hosting cafe.

Join us in honoring Rahel Varnhagen’s legacy and building a vibrant intellectual community where ideas have the power to shape and transform our realities.

Register Here