The life and career of the musician Werner Sander (1902-1972) were particularly shaped by external political influences: first under National Socialism and then in DDR socialism. Born in Breslau, he received training as a music teacher with a focus on piano and singing. He also worked as a music critic and choir director. After the Nazis came to power in 1933, he established himself in Jewish music. Following his emigration to East Germany after the end of World War II, he continued his career as a synagogue musician while also pursuing his great interest in oratorio performances. Sander is especially remembered as the founder of the Leipzig Synagogue Choir, which he cultivated as a concert choir and which continues to dedicate itself to Jewish music in all its diversity to this day. Tina Frühauf focuses particularly on Sander's struggle for survival.