Synagogue Niederzissen - Discoveries in the Genizah

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Andreas Lehnardt
• Subject Area: Religious Studies and Jewish Studies
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 254173583

In recent years several new Genizot were discovered in old synagogue buildings in Germany. Most of them are located in Germany, in small villages were Jews lived from 17th century until the 20th century. In the synagogue of Niederzissen (in the vicinity of Koblenz) one of the largest Genizot in Germany has been discovered in 2012. The building has been refurbished and under the roof of the synagogue thousands of printed books and other religious objects came to light. A Genizah is a storeroom for religious objects and books. One of the most famous Genizah-discoveries has been made in Cairo/Egypt, containing invaluable manuscripts from the Middle ages. The synagogue in Niederzissen was opened in 1841 and preserved rare books and manuscripts from all fields of Jewish life. The findings have been sorted and described in a preliminary publication (2012). Since the findings are seriously damaged and in bad condition a thorough investigation and careful storage is urgently needed. The Genizah preserved one of the finest collections of Jewish wooden garments and textiles. All findings will be photographed or scanned. Each item will be catalogued and described. Some of the most important findings will be presented in an online exhibition.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professorin Dr. Annette Weber