Online Archive of Jewish Communities

Jewish life in the city can be traced back to the 10th century with the help of written sources, although it is assumed that immigration dates back even further. There are indications that Jews were already living in the region around Bobertumagus or Civitas Vangionum in Roman times - the city received its present name only in the 6th/7th century. After forays by crusaders at the end of the 11th century, Jewish life in the city recovered at the turn of the century. During the Middle Ages, the "Jerusalem on the Rhine" was considered the center of Ashkenazi teachings.