Grave markers whisper stories of centuries past here at the ehemaliger jüdischer Friedhof. This former Jewish cemetery offers a glimpse into Muenster’s rich Jewish history. It is a place where lives, traditions, and memories intertwine.
The medieval Jewish community established a burial ground in the 13th century. This was Muenster’s first Jewish cemetery. It was located on the site of today’s Gymnasium Paulinum high school. A memorial stone commemorates it now.
After the Pest pogrom in 1350 Jews were expelled. The synagogue closed and the cemetery was destroyed. Stones were used for construction including the city wall. The area became part of the city’s defense system. Today the site lies under the Gymnasium Paulinum.
Only two gravestone fragments remain from this medieval cemetery. One dates back to 1313 or 1314. Another dates to 1324. The first fragment was discovered in 2016. It was found among spolia used to reinforce foundations. The second fragment was found in 1950. It was discovered during construction work near the Zwinger.
The oldest fragment reads partially in Hebrew. It acknowledges the year 74 of the sixth millennium according to Jewish calendar. The second oldest fragment marks the grave of a woman. It mentions her death on Wednesday July 26 1324. It states she was the daughter of Isaac.
Abraham Sutro documented stones with Jewish inscriptions. These stones were found near the Neubrücken gate. Hermann von Kerssenbroick also wrote about these stones. He noted them in his history of the Anabaptists.
Eight gravestones were found in 1887. They were discovered during the demolition of St Lamberti’s tower. These stones had been incorporated into the tower. They were used after the cemetery’s destruction. Only one stone was readable. It marked the grave of Joseph son of Jerachmiel. He died on Monday August 21 1302.
The Gymnasium Paulinum created a memorial stone in 2015. It commemorates the medieval Jewish cemetery. A ceremony unveiled it on April 29 2015.
The ehemaliger jüdischer Friedhof stands as a testament. It reminds us of Muenster’s Jewish community. Its history spanned centuries. The fragments and memories invite reflection. They prompt remembrance of a vibrant past.