Stolperstein Dedicated to Max Tschornicki

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Max Tschornicki in Mainz, Germany, is a powerful micro-memorial that personalizes the memory of those persecuted during the Nazi regime. Stolpersteine, or "stumbling stones," are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks across Europe, each commemorating a victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the project has become the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 100,000 stones in more than 1,800 cities (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia).

One such stone, located at Große Bleiche 38 in Mainz, honors Max Tschornicki—a Jewish lawyer, anti-Nazi resistor, and symbol of courage. This guide presents the historical background of Tschornicki, practical visitor information, and suggestions for deeper engagement with Mainz’s Jewish heritage and the Stolpersteine project.

Historical Background: Max Tschornicki

Early Life and Education

Max Tschornicki was born on August 9, 1903, in Rüsselsheim, Germany, to Orthodox Jewish parents of Russian descent. His father, Jakob Tschornicki, was a religious official and ritual slaughterer (“Schochet”). The family moved to Mainz, where Max attended the “Altes Gymnasium” and became active in Jewish youth organizations, such as the Jung-Jüdischer Wanderbund and the Jungzionistischer Kreis Mainz. Influenced by the political climate, he joined the Independent Social Democratic Party of Germany (USPD) in his youth (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

Legal Career and Political Activism

Tschornicki continued his studies in law, eventually becoming a practicing attorney in Mainz. He was particularly noted for defending Social Democrats and members of the Reichsbanner Schwarz-Rot-Gold, a republican paramilitary organization committed to defending democracy during the Weimar era (Wikipedia: Max Tschornicki). His political activism and legal advocacy made him a prominent opponent of rising National Socialism.

Persecution and Resistance

With the Nazi seizure of power in 1933, Tschornicki, as a Jewish lawyer and socialist, was targeted for persecution. He was arrested several times and, on May 24, 1933, was interned at the Osthofen concentration camp under the “Verordnung zum Schutz von Volk und Staat” (Decree for the Protection of People and State). On July 3, 1933, Tschornicki and Wilhelm Vogel became the only two inmates to successfully escape from Osthofen (projektosthofen-gedenkstaette.de).

Exile and Final Years

Following his escape, Tschornicki fled first to the Saar region and later to France. In exile, he continued his resistance work and sought the release of his fiancée and her mother, who had been arrested. After the German occupation of southern France, he was captured by the Gestapo in Lyon. Tschornicki survived imprisonment in multiple camps but died on April 20, 1945, in the Allach subcamp of Dachau, days before liberation (projektosthofen-gedenkstaette.de).

The Stolpersteine Project and Its Significance

Gunter Demnig’s Stolpersteine project is a decentralized and participatory form of remembrance. Each Stolperstein—a brass-plated cobblestone—bears the name, birth year, and fate of a victim, and is placed at their last freely chosen address (mainz.de). In Mainz, more than 350 Stolpersteine have been installed since 2007, each serving as a daily reminder of lives interrupted by Nazi persecution (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

The Stolperstein for Max Tschornicki, laid on April 17, 2019, at Große Bleiche 38, marks not only a specific life but also the broader history of Jewish resistance and suffering in Mainz. The act of pausing and reading the inscription often compels visitors to bow their heads, symbolically paying respect to the victim.

Visiting the Max Tschornicki Stolperstein in Mainz

Location and Access

Address: Große Bleiche 38, Mainz Altstadt (mapcarta.com)

• Distance from Mainz Hauptbahnhof: 10–15 minutes on foot, or accessible by local buses and trams.
• Proximity to Attractions: Close to the Landesmuseum Mainz, Neuer Brunnen, and the city’s historic Jewish sites.

Visiting Hours and Admission

• Open 24/7: The Stolperstein is embedded in a public sidewalk and can be visited at any time, year-round.
• Free Admission: No tickets or reservations are required.

Accessibility

• The site is at street level and generally accessible to visitors with mobility challenges, though neighboring streets may feature cobblestones or uneven paving.

Tips for Visitors

• Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon visits provide a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere.
• Photography: Discreet photos are permitted; please be respectful of residents and the solemnity of the site.
• Commemoration: Many visitors clean the brass plate during their visit; leaving a small stone or flower is a traditional gesture of remembrance.
• Facilities: Cafés, restaurants, and public restrooms are available nearby. The Landesmuseum Mainz offers additional historical exhibits (happytowander.com).

Nearby and Related Sites

Explore other important historical sites in Mainz:

• Stolperstein for Karoline Tschornicki (Max’s mother)
• Haus des Erinnerns – Für Demokratie und Akzeptanz
• New Jewish Cemetery Mainz
• The Mainz Synagogue and Jewish Museum

These sites provide further context on Jewish history, remembrance culture, and the ongoing efforts to confront the city’s past.

Educational Value and Community Engagement

The Stolperstein for Max Tschornicki serves not only as a memorial but also as an educational resource:

• Personalizing History: Standing at the site brings home the reality that the Holocaust affected individuals and neighborhoods (stolpersteine.eu).
• Interdisciplinary Learning: The memorial is used by schools and educational organizations for history, civic education, and art projects (Körber-Stiftung).
• Community Events: Installations and commemorative walks often involve local residents and descendants, reinforcing remembrance as a shared civic responsibility.

Visitor FAQs

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Max Tschornicki Stolperstein?
A: The Stolperstein is in a public space and accessible 24/7, year-round.

Q: Is there an admission fee or need for tickets?
A: No, visiting the Stolperstein is free for all.

Q: How do I reach the Stolperstein from Mainz Central Station?
A: It’s a 10–15 minute walk from Mainz Hauptbahnhof to Große Bleiche 38; public transport options are also available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local organizations and the Mainz tourism office offer guided tours focusing on Jewish history and Stolpersteine.

Q: Can I take photos at the site?
A: Yes, respectful photography is permitted.

Cultural and Educational Context

The Stolperstein for Max Tschornicki is a focal point for reflection on resistance, justice, and democracy during the Nazi era. By marking the last freely chosen address of a persecuted individual, the project counters historical erasure and personalizes the history of the Holocaust (mainz.de; stolpersteine-mainz.de). It also stimulates ongoing dialogue about human rights and memory culture in Mainz and beyond.

Making the Most of Your Visit

• Combine Visits: Explore nearby Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage sites for a fuller understanding of Mainz’s history.
• Participate in Events: Join public remembrance walks or Stolperstein cleaning events, especially on memorial dates such as Holocaust Remembrance Day.
• Use Digital Resources: Many Stolpersteine are linked to online databases or QR codes, offering extended information and biographies (stolpersteine.eu).

Plan Your Visit with Audiala

Download the Audiala app for guided tours, interactive maps, and expert audio content to enrich your exploration of Mainz’s historical landmarks.

Stay connected via social media for updates on commemorative events, new memorials, and educational opportunities.

Summary

The Stolperstein for Max Tschornicki at Große Bleiche 38 is more than a memorial plaque—it is a living site of remembrance, education, and community engagement. By visiting, you honor the memory of a courageous resistor and participate in a city-wide commitment to remembering the lessons of history. The network of Stolpersteine and related sites in Mainz makes this city an essential destination for those seeking to understand the ongoing relevance of Holocaust remembrance and the value of human rights.