Ekaterina Kulakova interviewed
She is the Chairwoman of the Saxony State Association of Jewish Communities, succeeding Nora Goldenbogen sel.
March 2025:
Since 17 January 2025, Ekaterina Kulakova has been the new Chairwoman of the Saxony State Association of Jewish Communities. The 55-year-old musician was elected to succeed Nora Goldenbogen and is also Chairwoman of the Jewish Community of Dresden. We asked Mrs Kulakova for an interview:
We congratulate you on your election as Chairwoman. What tasks are associated with the chairmanship of the Saxony State Association of Jewish Communities and what do you see as the biggest challenge?
Ekaterina Kulakova: Our Saxony State Association of Jewish Communities will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. The state association and with it all three Jewish communities in the state are an integral part of this country. However, we are concerned about the future of Saxony. The election results this year and last year clearly show how divided the state is. Added to this is the deteriorating economic situation, which poses a threat to political stability. The democracy that has been cultivated in Germany for many years now needs our support. I suspect that we need much more communication, debate and perhaps also new priorities. In any case, we are part of German society, with a desire for security and freedom. And we are ready to play an active role in shaping social life.
How many parishioners live in the Free State in total and how are they distributed?
EK: The three unified parishes of Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz have just over 2,200 members in total, with the largest parish in Leipzig.
What do you want to focus on during your term of office?
EK: There are so many different tasks that we have to fulfil that I can't go into detail here. I'd rather talk about the first steps we are planning. Every Jewish community - just like every church community - has at least two target groups that need constant attention: Youth and seniors. Every community endeavours to solve the problems internally. We are now considering how we can improve the situation together. We are looking for partners not only in Germany and would like to realise cross-border projects for young people. This doesn't just mean young people, but also young adults. We are looking forward with great hope to the planned German-Israeli Youth Organisation. Youth exchange is enormously important for the future of democracy. But it's not just about young Germans and Israelis. We also need similar efforts with regard to our neighbouring countries Poland and the Czech Republic. We are also looking for opportunities for this in our structures and are planning the first steps.
What are your hopes for the Year of Jewish Culture in Saxony?
EK: I very much hope that we won't lose newly established relationships after the end of the 2026 festival year and that the willingness to engage in fruitful joint activities will continue. German and other traditions should not be mutually exclusive. Conversely, exchange and interaction enrich the lives of everyone.
You are a pianist. What is your favourite piece and how much time do you still find to play music today?
EK: Oh, one favourite piece is not enough for me. There are a huge number of perfect, brilliant composers and everyone has written something beautiful. The world's musical heritage is incredibly rich. I work with children at school and I get great pleasure every time I listen to music with my pupils and talk about it. Children intuitively understand music much more subtly and precisely than adults sometimes do.
Is there a Yiddish word that you particularly like?
EK: "Momele" - it's a Yiddish word that everyone understands, regardless of whether they speak Yiddish or not.