Iconic German Church Candelabrum Was Actually Torah Stand
German scholars believe that a large candelabrum in a cathedral in Erfurt was originally a Torah stand made for a local synagogue in the 13th century.
The team of researchers from the University of Erfurt, a city 150 miles southwest of Berlin, found that the Dom Cathedral candelabrum, in the form of a life-sized man with upraised arms, probably depicted Aaron. They also believe it was made in the same Erfurt foundry that produced the Sabbath lamp of the city’s synagogue, the news site jenapolis.de reported Friday.
The scholarly team is part of a state-funded research project that focuses on relations between Jews and Christians in the Middle Ages.
Sleuthing through medieval documents, they found a reference in a 13th-century manuscript to a donor who had the object made. The researchers suggest it was used to hold one of the huge, unique Erfurt Torah scrolls, which are currently housed in the Berlin State Library.
It was then removed from the synagogue during a pogrom in 1349 and ended up in the Mariendom Church sometime before 1425. At some point, it was inscribed with an evening “university prayer” and refitted as a candelabrum.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
