Founders´ Inscription, Worms’ synagogue, 1034

The first synagogue in Worms was built in 1034, as we know from the original founder’s inscription. It is the oldest Hebrew inscription north of the Alps. It names the founders, Jacob and Rachel, a childless couple who are praised in that what they did was “Better than sons and daughters / They shall remain remembered for good memory”. It is also said that the Worms’ synagogue is “the small sanctuary” (miqdash me’at) in reference to the temple in Jerusalem as large sanctuary. The term reflects the experience of exile and at the same time of great creativity and achievement especially in ShUM.