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.

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.
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
App Thuringia.MyCulture.
Life in the Middle Ages - Jewish cultural heritage in Thuringia
For 1,700 years, Jewish life has been intertwined with German history – in Thuringia it has been more than 900 years. In 2021, Thuringia was celebrating this anniversary with high-profile exhibitions, events and concerts. We take a trip to Erfurt to see its remarkable ensemble of a Jewish synagogue, mikveh and treasure. But our journey also includes unexpected cultural gems in smaller towns that tell the many varied stories of Jewish life in rural areas. We’ll take you on a very special tour of discovery that you can undertake safely and securely from the comfort of your own home. How does it work? We’ll show you!
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.
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.
Cultural wealth, everyday life, persecution
Jewish life in the Middle Ages and in the 19th century
For many centuries there was a continuity of Jewish life in Thuringia. Unique artefacts and treasures bear witness of its cultural wealth. The first Jewish communities in Central Germany were founded in the Middle Ages.

Jewish Life in Thuringia

In the medieval old town of Erfurt there is a wealth of evidence of Jewish culture in everyday life and in community life. The discovery of the Erfurt Treasure in 1998 added a missing piece of the puzzle to the reconstruction of the city's Jewish history. Today, sites - including the Erfurt Treasure with its famous wedding ring - from various centuries can be explored. Exhibitions and events throughout Thuringia invite visitors to experience Jewish culture.

 

Events