The Arizona Post

Plush Nazi Resort Is Now A Kosher Hotel

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following story is a report of a Torah Convocation sponsored by the National Jewish Welfare Board in Berchtesgaden, Germany recently. Military personnel are invited to attend the annual gatherings which stress religious emphasis.)

By Chaplain George Vida

The date: January 8, 1959.
The place: The General Walker Hotel in Berchtesgaden, Germany.

We left Munich early that morning. An old fashioned little train took us slowly, laboriously, high up into the Bavarian Alps. Then an Army bus wound its way on narrow, breathtaking roads (I was really scared) three thousand feet up to the General Walker Hotel.

Having checked into our rooms, we went down to the snack bar. We were starved. Somebody put in an order: "One hamburger, please."

The waiter looked at him disapprovingly.

"Meal time will begin at three p.m. I am sorry, but you will have to wait a few minutes."

"How about a cup of coffee 'til then?"

"I can only serve you black coffee. We are not allowed to serve milk, or any dairy products after 2:30. This entire hotel has been converted to kosher operation."

I HAD TO PINCH myself. Where am I? Is this the General Walker Hotel in Berchtesgaden, Germany, or one of the famous Catskill resorts?

I was in the Walker all right. I could look out of the window and see the 'Eagle's Nest', that extravagant little teahouse which Hitler built long, long ago for his super-secret conferences. As a matter of fact this large, modern, luxury hotel was also built by Hitler for the use of Nazi VIPs and personal guests.

The homes of a dozen Nazi big-wigs used to be within walking distance.

How times have changed! Those private homes have disappeared. They were destroyed by bombs, and what was left was obliterated by souvenir seekers.

This hotel, which was also damaged by bombs, was subsequently rebuilt for the use of American military personnel seeking recreation.

Some found more than that: The feeling of the nearness of God in the midst of the majestic mountains. Thus, as a part of the religious program of the U. S. Army, Europe (USAREUR), sponsored by the USAREUR Chaplain, Protestants, Catholics and Jews use the General Walker for the larger religious retreats. They come here to meditate on certain religious truths and to develop those qualities which strengthen the moral character of men.

In this framework, about three hundred young Jews gathered here from Jan. 8 to 12, and another three hundred again from Jan. 15 to 19 for two Torah Convocations.

They came from the Army, Navy and Air Force; from Germany, France, Italy, England, Turkey and the North African countries. They came from Orthodox, Conservative or Reform Jewish homes to pray and study together, to observe a traditional Jewish Sabbath together. They were enriched by an unforgettable experience, enlightened by new knowledge, and above all, spiritually uplifted by old, but often forgotten, Jewish values.

AN IMPROMPTU choir was organized by Chaplain Henry F. Skirball, to enhance the services.

The 'Skyline Room was completely filled with worshippers. Their strong, young voices were echoed by the snow covered hills, their praise of God was never more genuine.

Several study groups met on Friday and Sunday after breakfast.

Wherever we went, at the snack bar, the lounge, the Bavarian room, the theater, everywhere we found standing room only.

I sat in the lobby, listening to the conversations, and "shepping naches."

"Jewish Education in the Armed Forces, that's in the Bavarian room. Where is that Bavarian room anyhow? This place is so big, you can get lost."

"I want to go to the lower lounge. 'God and Man in Judaism' sounds very interesting."

"Where is that class on the Sabbath Table?"

"Why? Are you interested in recipes of Jewish dishes?"

"Yeah! If I can't get a kugel like my mother makes it, at least I want to talk about it."

"Are you going on the ski slope this afternoon?"

"Me? I am strictly a 'balabatishe' skier."

"What is a balabatishe skier?"

"Didn't you hear Chaplain Blaine, yesterday? A balabatishe skier is one who goes to the ski lodge, rents all the equipment from the parka to the ski poles. He puts on everything to look like an expert, or a native. Then he asks a friend to take a few pictures of him. This accomplished, he goes back and takes off his rented outfit."

"Well, nobody has ever broken a leg that way."