Lilli Schocken

Lilli Zerline Schocken (Ehrmann) was born on June 30, 1889, in Frankfurt, Germany, daughter of Gustav and Amanda Ehrmann. She married Salman Schocken when she was in her early twenties. Her upper middle-class family was not pleased with her suitor, an ostjuden who came from a humble background.

Lilli and Salman had five children in quick succession: Gustav, Theodore, Chawa, Gidon and Micha. According to family lore, at the birth of each of the four sons, Salman sent Lilli a huge bouquet of roses. When Chawa, the only daughter, was born, there were no flowers.

Like many women in her generation, Lilli did not seek to have an impact on the world beyond her home and family. After being forced to leave Germany, the adjustment to Palestine was difficult for both Salman and Lilli. When her youngest son Micha decided to continue his studies in the USA, Lilli also relocated to the USA, renting a small apartment near him. She was content to be on her own, without Salman’s overbearing personality, and, for the first time, without care taking servants.

Lilli’s fifteen grandchildren, in Israel and in the USA, remember her fondly and warmly. Always the proper and dignified lady, with a warm spot for grandchildren that Salman either lacked or could not express easily.