The Remarkable Women of the Yekkes
Part One
Judith Gerdi
By: Avner Gershony
Judith Gerdi, born Katy Ledermann, was born in Berlin on February 21, 1914, the first child of four siblings. Her parents were German-born, and the family, as Judith admitted, was completely assimilated into German culture. Her educational environment had no real links to Judaism. Judith recalled that learning about Greek and Roman culture heavily influenced her worldview and her activities in a Jewish youth movement.
During her eight years as a youth movement member, Judith became a captain. She began her journey, ultimately leading to her departure from Germany to Palestine/Eretz-Israel. She started asking herself questions about Judaism and studied Hebrew with a strong emphasis on biblical studies. After she completed her high school diploma in the summer of 1932, Judith entered the Hochschule für die Wissenschaft des Judentums (Higher Institute for Jewish Studies) in Berlin. She successfully passed exams in biblical studies, as well as Talmud and Mishna. Hungry for knowledge, Judith took lessons in French and Philosophy at the University of Berlin.
Following an illness in her stomach, Judith was forced to leave her studies and moved to France for four months, probably in 1933, as the precise date is unknown. True to her passion, she taught the Hebrew language and Jewish history. In her personal letters, which are stored today in the Yekkes Archive, she confides that the decision to move to Palestine/Eretz-Israel was made even before her move to France, but she had difficulties in obtaining a visa and passport by the Nazi authorities. She made good use of such a delay by becoming the private secretary of the renowned scholar Doctor Simon Bernfeld in Berlin. Among his many occupations, Bernfeld significantly contributed to the Jewish Literary Journal Ha-Shiloah.
Supporting Judith’s efforts to move to Eretz-Israel and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher, Bernfeld wrote a very enthusiastic recommendation letter to David Yellin, a prominent Zionist who was one of the early advocates of reviving the Hebrew language and its implementation as the official language of the Jewish Yishuv in Palestine/Eretz-Israel. The letter reveals Bernfeld’s appreciation for Judith and her skills.
Berlin, Charlottenburg, Passover Eve, 1934.
To Mr. David Yellin
Jerusalem
My dear important sir.
This letter, which I am writing for you, concerns a recommendation to a well-known acquaintance of mine.
The young Katy Ledermann wishes to move to the Land of Israel and enter the teacher’s school you manage. This young lady is from a decent family, has already graduated from the Humanistic Gymnasium in Berlin, and is 17 years of age. Her talents are remarkable, and she has practically taught herself Hebrew. Last winter, she was the eyes for the blind with all my communications. She read before me letters and books, and she was the editor of my last three articles, “Mimaamakim” (the literal translation is “depth,” but Bernfeld played with the word to imply that his article was about soul searching and reflection within the depth of his being) which I published in the “Die Welt” journal several weeks ago.
Ms. Kate Ledermann studied Hebrew thoroughly but lacks the ease of speaking our language as she has no one to converse with. I do not doubt that she will adjust to the language shortly upon her arrival.
I kindly ask you, my honorable sir, to judge her favorably. In my opinion, she could enter your school without an exam, and while attending the school, the teachers will surely notice her many talents, as she is quick to learn and her soul yearns to learn.
You could accept her on condition, and after some time you will realize that she is more than deserving of a permanent place as a regular student.
My poor condition and weakness prevent me from even dictating my many praises for her. And you, my good sir, were at my house and saw my physical condition.
Ms. Katy Ledermann does not need material and financial assistance, only a good advice to help her reach her goal without delay.
And to you, my honorable sir, shalom for you and your household, and also shalom for all those accompanying you.
With the blessing of Zion, respectfully
Graduate and honorably
Simon Bernfeld
Such a candid and fabulous letter of recommendation sheds light on Judith’s work and remarkable intellect. Her determination to leave Germany and become a teacher was not only the result of involvement in Zionist youth movements but rather deep passion and meticulous understanding of the role that teachers will play in Palestine/Eretz-Israel. In her private collection in the Yekkes Archive exists a two-page essay in Hebrew entitled “Why I decided to Become a Teacher,” showcasing her thoughts about the manner in which she perceived her destiny.
To be continued…
