Stolperstein Dedicated to Berthold Selig

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Berthold Selig in Mainz-Hechtsheim is a powerful memorial that connects visitors to the city’s Jewish heritage and the tragic history of Nazi persecution. Stolpersteine (literally “stumbling stones”) are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks across Europe, representing the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial project, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig. At Grauelstraße 19, the stone commemorates Berthold Selig—a respected Jewish livestock dealer and community member whose family’s roots in Mainz-Hechtsheim trace back to the early 19th century (Beer-Mainz, Stolpersteine.eu).

This guide offers essential information for visitors—historical context, accessibility, visiting hours, nearby sites, and ways to engage with the ongoing memory culture in Mainz. Whether you are a local, a history enthusiast, or a traveler, this article will help you make the most of your visit.

Jewish Life in Hechtsheim and the Selig Family

The Selig family, like many Jewish families in Rhenish Hesse, were integral to Hechtsheim’s social and economic life for generations. Their presence dates back to at least 1813, when Simon Selig I became one of the first documented Jewish residents in the village (Beer-Mainz). The Seligs primarily worked as traders in fruit, grain, and livestock.

Berthold Selig, born in 1878, inherited Grauelstraße 19 from his father. He married Margarethe Hirsch and together raised two children. Berthold was active in the Jewish community, serving on the board during the 1920s and maintaining an orthodox-traditional lifestyle, while also encouraging educational opportunities for his children in Mainz (Alemannia Judaica).

The Rise of Nazi Persecution

With the Nazi rise to power in 1933, daily life for Jewish families in Hechtsheim changed dramatically. Antisemitic acts—such as stone-throwing at the Selig home and false accusations about their business—marked the start of increasing isolation (PDF, p.5). Systematic exclusion soon followed, with Jewish livestock dealers barred from markets and, eventually, forbidden to work. The family was forced to sell property under duress and suffered during the November Pogrom (“Kristallnacht”), when Jewish homes and businesses were attacked.

Visiting the Stolperstein for Berthold Selig: Hours, Accessibility, and Tickets

Location: Grauelstraße 19, Mainz-Hechtsheim

• Hours: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7, with no visiting restrictions.
• Tickets: No tickets or reservations are required; visiting is free.
• Accessibility: The memorial is set in a public sidewalk and is wheelchair accessible. The area is safe and suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

How to Get There:

• By Tram: Line 50 to Hechtsheim stop (short walk to Grauelstraße).
• By Bus: Lines 62 and 63 serve nearby stops.
• By Car: Limited street parking is available.

For those visiting several Stolpersteine or seeking more context, periodic guided tours are offered by local organizations (Haus des Erinnerns). These tours provide detailed historical narratives and are highly recommended.

Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring these important landmarks:

• Hechtsheim Synagogue Site: While the original building no longer stands, the site is marked and offers insight into the area’s Jewish community (Alemannia Judaica).
• Mainz Old Town (Altstadt): Home to the Romanesque Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and charming medieval streets.
• Jewish Museum Mainz: Offers exhibitions and educational programs on the city’s Jewish history.
• Other Stolpersteine: With over 350 Stolpersteine in Mainz, visitors can create thematic walking routes.

Guided Tours and Commemorative Events

Guided Tours: Local organizations, such as Haus des Erinnerns, periodically offer walking tours focusing on Jewish history and Stolpersteine. These tours are an excellent way to deepen your understanding and are sometimes accompanied by descendants or historians.

Commemorative Events: Community cleaning and remembrance events often take place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and the anniversary of Kristallnacht (November 9). Participation is open to visitors and locals alike.

For schedules and bookings: Check the Haus des Erinnerns website or the Stolpersteine Mainz website.

Visitor Etiquette and Practical Tips

• Pause and Reflect: Spend a moment at the Stolperstein to read the inscription and honor Berthold Selig’s memory.
• Photography: Discreet photography is permitted; respect the solemn nature of the site.
• Cleaning: Bringing a soft cloth to gently clean the brass plaque is a traditional act of remembrance, especially on commemorative dates.
• Flowers or Pebbles: Leaving a small flower or stone is a recognized gesture of respect in Jewish tradition.
• Accessibility: Sidewalks in Mainz are generally accessible, but some areas in the Altstadt may have uneven cobblestones.
• Safety: As the Stolperstein is in a public area, be mindful of pedestrian traffic and local residents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where exactly is the Stolperstein for Berthold Selig?
A: In front of Grauelstraße 19, Mainz-Hechtsheim (Beer-Mainz).

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, the Stolperstein is accessible free of charge, 24/7.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local organizations offer guided tours—check Haus des Erinnerns for schedules.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the memorial is at street level and accessible.

Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Daytime is recommended for visibility. Commemorative events are held on January 27 and November 9.

Q: How can I learn more about Berthold Selig and other Stolpersteine?
A: Visit the Stolpersteine Mainz website, Haus des Erinnerns, or Stolpersteine.eu.