Jews in the Christian Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period

Guided Tour

In this guided tour, we introduce the permanent exhibition with a focus on the first historical epoch room Ashkenaz, which covers the period from the Middle Ages to the early modern period. We also take a look at the iconic architecture of the museum building that frames the exhibition rooms.

By appointment

Map with all buildings that belong to the Jewish Museum Berlin

Where

Jewish Museum Berlin
Lindenstraße 9–14, 10969 Berlin

Where, when, what?

Jews in the Christian Middle Ages

In the first part of the guided tour “Jews in the Christian Middle Ages,” we will explore the question of when Jews began living on the territory of present-day Germany. According to current knowledge, the first Jewish communities settled in the northern part of Central Europe. This region went down in history under the name of “Ashkenaz.” How did Jews feel about their Christian environment at this time? Sources provide contradictory information about this – we will consider these historical testimonies during the tour. Our agenda includes immersing ourselves in medieval Worms with the help of a media city map and learning how everyday Jewish life was organized in a Christian environment.

Drawing: On the right and on the left a man in medieval clothing, the left man wears a Jewish hat. Between them are speech bubbles. — Exhibition view from the historical epoch room Ashkenaz; Jewish Museum Berlin, photo: Roman März

Early Modern Period

The second part of the tour focuses on the early modern period. In this epoch, the emergence of letterpress printing had a great influence on Jewish culture. The itinerant printer Chaim ben David Schachor (1490–1548) from Prague is considered to be the first to have printed Hebrew texts in the German-speaking world. While upward mobility was possible for some Jews, most led a life of dependence with the worry that their right to stay would be revoked.

Interaction with the exhibition enables a personalized experience and provides opportunities for group discussion.

What is Ashkenaz?

Ashkenaz, Hebrew, used since the Middle Ages to describe the area of present-day Germany, later also a description of (northern) France and northern Italy.

Where, when, what?

WhenTour by appointment
Duration60 or 90 minutes
Where Jewish Museum Berlin
Lindenstraße 9–14, 10969 Berlin
See location on map

Cost per group60 min (without architecture)
35 € for school groups
50 € for adults reduced rate
70 € for adults

90 min (including architecture)
45 € for school groups
60 € for adults reduced rate
90 € for adults

Booking requestFor groups we offer guided tours on your desired date. Please contact us at least 4-6 weeks before your desired date for this service.
Booking request

ContactT +49 (0)30 259 93 305 (Mon–Fri, 10 am–4 pm)
visit@jmberlin.de

Number of participants up to 15

Languages We generally offer this tour in German and English. If you would like to request it to be held in French, Italian, Hebrew, or Simple German, please contact us and we will confirm whether this is possible for your desired date and time.

Please note This workshop is suitable for school groups ages 13 to 19.