Jewish Culture and History in Thuringia

Nine centuries of Jewish life

Thuringia uniquely combines a great architectural heritage with a long Jewish history that is still alive today. A discovery tour leads to Erfurt to the unique UNESCO ensemble of synagogue, mikveh and Stone House. But also to unexpected cultural treasures in smaller communities that tell of diverse Jewish stories in rural areas. It is a journey through several centuries - beginning in the Middle Ages, through the 19th century to the present day - which shows that in Thuringia, Jewish life and Jewish culture in all its diversity and vibrancy have a home not only in museums, but also in the here and now.

Sites of commemorative culture also play an important role in this theme.

Expeditions into Jewish life in a city
Gems of Jewish culture in Erfurt
Exciting city history, found treasure, and a medieval community: expeditions into jewish life in Erfurt
Hidden treasures of all sizes
Happy moments
Every year, we go on a short trip together. We’ve never been to Erfurt before - I'm curious to find out what we'll discover on a weekend. Our way leads us to the city's landmarks, such as the Krämerbrücke and the Erfurt Cathedral. But also to the Old Synagogue. And so we immerse ourselves in the 900-year-old Jewish culture in this city.
5 special places you should not miss on a city walk
„Mazal-tov“ Jewish medieval heritage in Erfurt
The historic city center of Erfurt holds numerous places worth seeing, where history was written, important personalities worked or neighborhoods that are characterized by their residents. During a stroll through the city, you will always find special treasures. One of these is the authentic Jewish medieval heritage of Erfurt, which is unparalleled. Finds that have rewritten the history of the city and which UNESCO also appreciates and protects. On September 17, 2023, the Old Synagogue, the Mikveh and the Stone House were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Event list
Remembering together, celebrating together
The MENORA portal is dedicated to Jewish history and culture in the Free State, among other things with a comprehensive overview of events.
Words for the anniversary year "900 years jewish life in Thuringia"
Jewish Life today: Hopes, thoughts and commemoration
“The great architectural heritage and long history of the Jewish community in Erfurt are quite extraordinary,” says Rabbi Alexander Nachama, who has been leading the community of the New Synagogue in Max-Cars-Platz since autumn of 2018.  Prof. Dr. Reinhard Schramm, Chairman of the Jewish Community of Thuringia, talks about his hopes for the anniversary, the wealth of Jewish life in Thuringia, and the dangers of resurging nationalism.

Jewish Life in Thuringia

In der mittelalterlichen Altstadt findet sich eine Fülle an Zeugnissen jüdischer Kultur im Alltag und im Gemeindeleben. Der Fund des Erfurter Schatzes im Jahr 1998 fügte ein fehlendes Puzzleteil zur Rekonstruktion der jüdischen Historie der Stadt hinzu. Heute können die Stätten – darunter der Erfurter Schatz mit dem berühmten Hochzeitsring – aus verschiedenen Jahrhunderten erkundet werden. Ausstellungen und Veranstaltungen in ganz Thüringen laden ein, die jüdische Kultur zu erleben.

 

Event highlights