Disappearance on Display: Vanished Torah Arks in Medieval Synagogues and Their Presentation
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arts
Article
Disappearance on Display: Vanished Torah Arks in
Medieval Synagogues and Their Presentation
Maria Stürzebecher
Dezernat Kultur und Stadtentwicklung, 99084 Erfurt, Germany; maria.stuerzebecher@erfurt.de
Received: 29 March 2020; Accepted: 4 May 2020; Published: 20 May 2020
Abstract: In planning the museum in the medieval Synagogue in Erfurt more than 10 years ago,
there was one big problem: the building had gone through many changes over the centuries,
which wiped out almost all traces of the synagogue’s use. The Bimah was destroyed, presumably
during the pogrom on 21 March 1349. By converting the former synagogue into a warehouse (following
the pogrom), a big gateway was inserted into the eastern wall, at the place of the former Torah Ark.
Only the light cornice is still recognizable on the synagogue’s walls. To find an adequate solution for
displaying the vanished Torah Ark in the Old Synagogue in Erfurt, we compared examples in other
locations in Europe, suggesting the presentation eventually chosen for the Old Synagogue of Erfurt.
Keywords: synagogue; Torah Ark; medieval; museum; reconstruction
When work on the museum concept for the Old Synagogue in Erfurt was started in 2007,
it was indisputable that the building’s history and function would be one main topic in the upcoming
museum.1 But this caused one of the biggest difficulties for the didactic work. Although the building
itself is preserved in a very good condition (Figure 1) (Altwasser 2009)—unusual for medieval
synagogues—almost everything of the interior is lost; especially those features which make a synagogue
a synagogue. This did not just happen in the 19th and 20th century. Already, by converting the building
into a warehouse after the devastating Pogrom of 21 March 1349, when all Erfurt Jews were murdered,2
the building structure became a totally new one. For the warehouse, the main prayer room was split up
into several storeys with two solid timber ceilings. Additionally, the new owner fitted in a vaulted cellar,
which destroyed the Bima, the steps towards the Arc and all traces that could be found in the floor.
The lighting cornice was spalled off and the original portal of the synagogue was walled up. Instead,
two large gateways were inserted to enable a carriage to drive directly into the ground floor of the
warehouse (Figure 2) (ibid., pp. 84–94). One of these gateways presumably destroyed the Tora Ark:
it is located in the middle of the eastern wall, the wall which points to Jerusalem. It is assumed that
this gateway was placed here on purpose to erase the most important part of the former synagogue,
the Torah Ark.
1 See for the museum concept: (Ostritz 2009, pp. 228–34, esp. p. 230).
2 On basis of various sources the course of the pogrom was reconstructed, see (Weigelt 2016).
Arts 2020, 9, 61; doi:10.3390/arts9020061 www.mdpi.com/journal/arts
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Figure
Figure 1. Medieval
1.
Figure Medieval Synagogue
Synagogue
1. Medieval ofofErfurt,
of
Synagogue Erfurt, Western
Erfurt,Western Façade
WesternFaçade (Albrecht
Façade (Albrecht vonKirchbach,
von
(Albrecht von Kirchbach,used
Kirchbach, used
used with
with
with permission).
permission).
permission).
Figure 2.
Figure Gateway in
2. Gateway in the
the Eastern
Eastern Wall
Wall (Maria
(Maria Stürzebecher).
Stürzebecher).
Figure 2. Gateway in the Eastern Wall (Maria Stürzebecher).
Against this background,
Against this
this background, the thecrucial
crucialquestion
questionbeforebeforecreating
creatingthethemuseum
museumwas washowhowtotoexplain
explain
Against background, the crucial question before creating the museum was how to explain aa
asynagogue
synagogueinina aroom roomlikelikethat,
that,without
withoutany
anytypical
typicalfurnishing—without
furnishing—withoutthe theBima
Bimaandandthe theTorah
Torah Ark,
Ark,
synagogue in a room like that, without any typical furnishing—without the Bima and the Torah Ark,
the
the most
most important
importantitem itemin inaaasynagogue
synagogueroom?
room?At Atleast,
least,Elmar
ElmarAltwasser,
Altwasser, who
who examined
examined thethe
history
historyof
the most important item in synagogue room? At least, Elmar Altwasser, who examined the history
the building,
of the
the building,could
building, could identify some
could identify artefacts
identify some from
some artefacts the synagogue
artefacts fromfrom the interior:
the synagogue in the cellar,
synagogue interior: he
interior: in discovered
in thethe cellar, three
cellar, he
he
of
stones, which
discovered three probably
three stones, originally
stones, which belonged
which probably to the
probably originally Bima, and
originally belonged enabled
belonged to him
to the to
the Bima, propose
Bima, and a reconstruction
and enabled
enabled him him to to
discovered
of it (ibid.,
propose pp. 56–59).3 Inof theit northern wall, he pp.
identified
56–59).a33 stone
thewith tracery ornaments in secondary
propose aa reconstruction
reconstruction of it (Altwasser
(Altwasser 2009,
2009, pp. 56–59). In the
In northern
northern wall,
wall, he identified
he identified aa stone
stone
use
withastracery
a former
tracery part of the
ornaments Torah Arkuse
in secondary
secondary (Figure 3) and part
as aa former
former delivered theaTorah
of the reconstruction
Torah Ark (Figure
(Figureof 3)
theandshrine as well
delivered
with ornaments in use as part of Ark 3) and delivered aa
(Figure 4) (ibid.,
reconstruction of pp.
of the 59–61,
the shrine fig.
shrine as 400).
as well Although
well (Figure
(Figure 4) this reconstruction
4) (Altwasser
(Altwasser 2009, is
2009, pp. not indisputable,
pp. 59–61,
59–61, fig.
fig. 400). to date
400). Although there
Although this is
this
reconstruction
reconstruction is not indisputable, to date there is no other, and we are still working
reconstruction is not indisputable, to date there is no other, and we are still working with it. But how with it. But how
to communicate
to communicate this this reconstruction
reconstruction (or (or any
any other)
other) in in the
the museum?
museum?
3 For another possible reconstruction, see (Altwasser 2012, p. 54). Another reconstruction variant by Simon Paulus, which is
more based on the longitudinal rectangular models of the Middle Ages and early modern times, was presented at the special
exhibition shown in the Old Synagogue in autumn 2018.
33 For another
For another possible
possible reconstruction,
reconstruction, see
see (Altwasser
(Altwasser 2012,
2012, p.
p. 54).
54). Another
Another reconstruction
reconstruction variant
variant by
by Simon
Simon
Paulus, which
Paulus, which is
is more
more based
based on
on the
the longitudinal
longitudinal rectangular
rectangular models
models of
of the
the Middle
Middle Ages
Ages and
and early
early modern
modern
times, was
times, was presented
presented at
at the
the special
special exhibition
exhibition shown
shown in
in the
the Old
Old Synagogue
Synagogue in in autumn
autumn 2018.
2018.
Arts 2020, 9, 61 3 of 12
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with it. But how to communicate this reconstruction (or any 12
in the
Arts museum?
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Figure 3. Northern Façade (Albrecht von Kirchbach, used with permission).
Figure 3. Northern
Northern Façade (Albrecht von Kirchbach, used with permission).
Figure 4. Reconstruction
Figure of the
4. Reconstruction Torah
of the ArkArk
Torah (Elmar Altwasser,
(Elmar used
Altwasser, with
used permission).
with permission).
Figure 4. Reconstruction of the Torah Ark (Elmar Altwasser, used with permission).
WeWe chose
chosethethe
original place
original of the
place Torah
of the TorahArk
Arkin in
thethe
former synagogue.
former synagogue.To To
find a solution
find to deal
a solution to deal
with
withthe
thedisappearance,
disappearance, we wecompared
compared other
other examples
examples in former
in former or still-working
or still-working medieval medieval
synagogues
We chose the original place of the Torah Ark in the former synagogue. To find a solution to deal
synagogues
in Centralin Central Europe.
Europe.
with the disappearance, we compared other examples in former or still-working medieval
EvenEvenif every
if everyexample
exampleisisdifferent
differentinin place,
place, preservation and
and condition,
condition,these
thesecan
canbebedivided
dividedinto
synagogues in Central Europe.
into several
several categories:
categories:
Even if every example is different in place, preservation and condition, these can be divided
• into
Still intactcategories:
several and/or working synagogues with existing Torah Arks.
• Synagogues which are functioning as museums, with or without Torah Arks.
• Still intact and/or working synagogues with existing Torah Arks.
• Synagogues which are functioning as museums, with or without Torah Arks.
Arts 2020, 9, 61 4 of 12
• Still intact and/or working synagogues with existing Torah Arks.
• Synagogues which are functioning as museums, with or without Torah Arks.
• Mostly intact synagogues, which are today in other use as residential buildings, concert halls,
meeting places, etc.
• Synagogues which are not intact but preserved in their basic structure (some including traces of
Arts 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 12
the Ark).
• Vanished synagogues which are remembered in modern synagogues, museums or similar
• Mostly intact synagogues, which are today in other use as residential buildings, concert halls,
institutions somewhere else, using fragments of Torah Arks
meeting places, etc.
•
Only Synagogues
a few medievalwhich are not intact
synagogues butserving
are still preserved in their basic
as synagogues, structure
4 I will (somehere
concentrate including traces
on Prague andof
Worms. theToday,
Ark). the Old New Synagogue in Prague Josefov, completed in 1270 (Paulus 2007, pp. 441–46),
• Vanished synagogues
is not only an active which
synagogue, butare
alsoremembered in modern
one basic element of many synagogues,
guided toursmuseums or similar
through the Jewish
quarterinstitutions
of Prague.somewhere else,
Its interior using fragments
is mostly of Torah
intact, with ArksBimah in the center, surrounded by
the metal
wooden
Only a fewseats. The Torah
medieval Ark, covered
synagogues byserving
are still the parochet, still contains
as synagogues, 4 I willTorah scrolls here
concentrate for the
on service
Prague
(Figure 5). The famous synagogue of Worms was destroyed by the Nazis in
and Worms. Today, the Old New Synagogue in Prague Josefov, completed in 1270 (Paulus 2007,1938 and rebuilt in 1961,
pp.
using most of the original stone material (Böcher 1960; Paulus 2007, pp. 97–109). The
441–46), is not only an active synagogue, but also one basic element of many guided tours through baroque Torah
Ark has alsoquarter
the Jewish been reconstructed
of Prague. Its (Figure 6). The
interior building
is mostly today
intact, functions
with as a museum,
the metal Bimah in as well
the as a
center,
synagogue, for the Jewish community.
surrounded by wooden seats. The Torah Ark, covered by the parochet, still contains Torah scrolls for
In Prague,
the service as well
(Figure 5). as in famous
The Worms, the whole synagogue
synagogue of Wormswithwasits interior are
destroyed byin use—and
the Nazis incan alsoand
1938 be
visited
rebuilt by tourists,
in 1961, individuals
using most of the or original
with an stone
organized guided
material tour.1960;
(Böcher There are no2007,
Paulus further
pp.explanations
97–109). The
(except
baroque Torah Ark has also been reconstructed (Figure 6). The building todayTorah
by the tour guide); the Torah Ark just functions as a Torah Ark, containing the scrollsasfora
functions
the service. Of course, this is the best solution of
museum, as well as a synagogue, for the Jewish community. all!
Figure 5. Old New Synagogue, Prague (Creative Commons, Deror Avi).
Avi).
4 For the most comprehensive overview on medieval synagogues, see (Paulus 2007). While numerous synagogues can be
proven archival, only very few have been preserved in their architectural structure (ibid., pp. 56–59).
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Figure
Figure 6. 6.Worms
Worms(Creative
(Creative Commons,
Commons,Willy
WillyHorsch).
Horsch).
In Prague,
The Old as well in
Synagogue as Sopron,
in Worms,built
the whole
in thesynagogue
early 14thwith its interior
century, was are in use—and
used can also until
as a synagogue
be visited by tourists, individuals or with an organized guided tour. There are no further
1526, when the Jews were expelled from the town. The former synagogue then became a residential
explanations (except by the tour guide); the Torah Ark just functions as a Torah Ark, containing the
building, which was renovated in 1967. Today it houses a museum. The Torah Ark is still intact, with
Torah scrolls for the service. Of course, this is the best solution of all!
the original
Thetracery and colored
Old Synagogue painting
in Sopron, built(Paulus 2007,
in the early pp.century,
14th 414–17, esp.
was pp.
used as 416–17 with until
a synagogue fig. 159).
Today, it iswhen
1526, arranged withwere
the Jews twoexpelled
“Torah from
scrolls”
the to explain
town. the function—staging
The former a synagogue
synagogue then became interior in
a residential
the museum (Figure 7).
building, which was renovated in 1967. Today it houses a museum. The Torah Ark is still intact, with
Arts 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 12
the original tracery and colored painting (Paulus 2007, pp. 414–17, esp. pp. 416–17 with fig. 159).
Today, it is arranged with two “Torah scrolls” to explain the function—staging a synagogue interior
in the museum (Figure 7).
In Sopron, another medieval synagogue has been preserved, built in the middle of the 14th
century, presumably as a private synagogue. Only the gable of the medieval Ark was left above a
simple niche (Figure 8) (ibid., pp. 417–19, fig. 164)—but, for creating a proper, nice, and “medieval”
impression, the Torah Ark was “renovated” by adding a lancet blind arch (Figure 9). The Torah Ark
now functions as a sign for the former use as a synagogue—without being authentic anymore.
Figure
Figure 7. Old
7. Old Synagogue,Sopron
Synagogue, Sopron (Creative
(Creative Commons,
Commons,Emmanuel
EmmanuelDyan).
Dyan).
Arts 2020, 9, 61 6 of 12
In Sopron, another medieval synagogue has been preserved, built in the middle of the 14th century,
presumably as a private synagogue. Only the gable of the medieval Ark was left above a simple niche
(Figure 8) (ibid., pp. 417–19, fig. 164)—but, for creating a proper, nice, and “medieval” impression,
the Torah Ark was “renovated” by adding a lancet blind arch (Figure 9). The Torah Ark now functions
as a sign for the former use as a synagogue—without being authentic anymore.
Figure 7. Old Synagogue, Sopron (Creative Commons, Emmanuel Dyan).
Figure
Figure
Arts 2020, 9, x FOR 8. Private
8.
PEER Private Synagogue, Sopron
REVIEWSynagogue, Sopron (Simon
(Simon Paulus,
Paulus, ca.
ca. 1970, used with
1970, used with permission).
permission). 7 of 12
We can see the opposite approach in Maribor (Paulus 2007, pp. 401–4). Here, the Torah Ark was
renovated too—but by aligning the surface and creating a regular form. Today, the former Torah
Ark is just a white, clean niche in the eastern wall of the former synagogue (Figure 10). The building
today functions as a place for concerts, lectures and exhibitions—and the Torah Ark disappeared
almost completely and has no function at all. The Maribor synagogue is an example, using
synagogues as meeting places or function rooms—this is quite rare in medieval synagogues; later
synagogues often are used like that.
Figure 9. Private Synagogue, Sopron (Creative Commons).
We can see the opposite approach in Maribor (ibid., pp. 401–4). Here, the Torah Ark was renovated
too—but by aligning the surface and creating a regular form. Today, the former Torah Ark is just a
white, clean niche in the eastern wall of the former synagogue (Figure 10). The building today functions
as a place for concerts, lectures and exhibitions—and the Torah Ark disappeared almost completely
Arts 2020, 9, 61 7 of 12
and has no function at all. The Maribor synagogue is an example, using synagogues as meeting places
or function rooms—this Figure
is quite9.rare in medieval synagogues; later synagogues often are used like that.
Private Synagogue, Sopron (Creative Commons).
Figure 10. Maribor
Maribor (Krista
(Krista Titz-Tornquist,
Titz-Tornquist, used with permission).
The next step in disappearance we can see in the medieval synagogue in Rouffach. Rouffach. The late 13th
century building is in use today as a private residential building. Only Only traces
traces ofof the
the Torah
Torah Ark are
visible—but not
not for
forregular
regularvisitors
visitors(Paulus
(ibid., 2007,
pp. 487–92, esp. esp.
pp. 487–92, p. 491
p. 491with
withfig.fig.203).
203). The
The medieval
synagogue in Miltenberg today is part of a brewery (ibid.,
of a brewery (ibid., pp.pp. 153–58; Purin 1998). In the city’s
Purin 1998).
museum, the gable of the Torah Ark is on display,display, which
which derives
derives from
from this
this synagogue.
synagogue. It was in use
presumably until the early 15th century, and and then
then became
became property
property of of aa parish.
parish. In 1755, the newly
established Jewish
established Jewishcommunity
communitybought
bought thethe
building andand
building usedused
it as it
a synagogue
as a synagogueagain, again,
until the middle
until the
of the 19th
middle century.
of the In 1877, the
19th century. community
In 1877, sold the building—and
the community reused thereused
sold the building—and Torah theArkTorah
in the Ark
newly
in
builtnewly
the synagogue,
built which was inaugurated
synagogue, which wasininaugurated
1904 and destroyed
in 1904inand
1938.destroyed
Here, the medieval gable was
in 1938. Here, the
combined with 19th century columns (Paulus 2007, pp. 157–58, fig. 42)—similar to in the museum
today (Figure 11). The Torah Ark gable is part of the exhibition on Miltenberg city’s history and the
history of Jews living in the city. Here, the Torah Ark (fragment) became an exhibit, taken out of its
primary context. It is the only medieval Torah Ark which is on display in a museum.
The crest of a Torah Ark, originating from the late medieval synagogue of Nuremberg, was reused
several times too. It seems that it was inserted in a residential building in the 16th century. Later, in the
year 1909, it was incorporated in the 19th century synagogue at the Hans-Sachs-Platz—which was
destroyed in 1938. The gable was retrieved and kept (again). In 1987, it was inserted into a wall in the
newly built synagogue, where it remains today (ibid., pp. 168–70, fig. 50). Here, it not only functions
as a memorial for the expelled and murdered Jews of Nuremberg in medieval times, but also for the
Shoah (Figure 12).
medieval gable was combined with 19th century columns (Paulus 2007, pp. 157–58, fig. 42)—similar
to in the museum today (Figure 11). The Torah Ark gable is part of the exhibition on Miltenberg
city’s history and the history of Jews living in the city. Here, the Torah Ark (fragment) became an
exhibit,
Arts 2020, taken
9, 61 out of its primary context. It is the only medieval Torah Ark which is on display8 of
in12a
museum.
Figure 11.
Figure 11. Museum
Museum Miltenberg
Miltenberg (Alemannia Judaica, used
(Alemannia Judaica, used with
with permission).
permission).
Arts 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 12
The crest of a Torah Ark, originating from the late medieval synagogue of Nuremberg, was
reused several times too. It seems that it was inserted in a residential building in the 16th century.
Later, in the year 1909, it was incorporated in the 19th century synagogue at the
Hans-Sachs-Platz—which was destroyed in 1938. The gable was retrieved and kept (again). In 1987,
it was inserted into a wall in the newly built synagogue, where it remains today (Paulus 2007, pp.
168–70, fig. 50). Here, it not only functions as a memorial for the expelled and murdered Jews of
Nuremberg in medieval times, but also for the Shoah (Figure 12).
Most of the preserved medieval synagogues today only exist in remains. One of the better
conserved synagogues is the one in Speyer, sanctified in 1104, where the western and eastern walls
are still standing (Harck 2014, pp. 242–48; Heberer 2004, 2012; Paulus 2007, pp. 85–96). But, by
converting the synagogue into an armory in the 16th century, the Torah Ark and the appendant apse
were removed (Heberer 2012, p. 46; Paulus 2007, p. 96). The traces of bricking up the wall are hardly
visible today. In the Museum SchPIRA, aside from the synagogue, there are spolia of the Torah Ark
on display, together with a screenshot from the three-dimensional reconstruction of the synagogue’s
interior.
Figure 12. Nürnberg
Figure 12. Nürnberg (Israelitische
(Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Nürnberg, used
Kultusgemeinde Nürnberg, used with
with permission).
permission).
Most of the
In Vienna, thepreserved
medieval medieval
synagoguesynagogues today
was excavated; only exist
in contrast in remains.
to Speyer, onlyOne of theparts
the lower better
of
conserved synagogues is the one in Speyer, sanctified in 1104, where the western and eastern
the walls are kept, as well as the basis of the Torah Ark and the Bima. Three main building phases walls are
still
could standing (Harck
be detected 2014, pp.
between the242–48; Heberer
early 13th and 2004, 2012;
the late Paulus
14th 2007,
century pp. 85–96).
(Helgert and But, by converting
Schmidt 2000, pp.
91–110; Paulus 2007, pp. 379–83; Harck 2014, pp. 265–72). Today the remains of the synagogue are
shown at the Museum Judenplatz. In order to guarantee the supervision of the remains of the Bima
in the underground showroom with the excavation, this was lowered in 1998 by approx. 1.6 meters.
The place of the Torah Ark is marked. A wooden model of the medieval synagogue only shows the
outside of the building. In the course of a new conception of the permanent exhibition in the
Arts 2020, 9, 61 9 of 12
the synagogue into an armory in the 16th century, the Torah Ark and the appendant apse were removed
(Heberer 2012, p. 46; Paulus 2007, p. 96). The traces of bricking up the wallFigure are hardly visible(Israelitische
12. Nürnberg today. Kultusgemein
In the Museum SchPIRA, aside from the synagogue, there are spolia of the Torah Ark on display,
together with a screenshot from the three-dimensional reconstructionInofVienna, the medieval
the synagogue’s synagogue was excavated
interior.
In Vienna, the medieval synagogue was excavated; in contrast the walls are kept,
to Speyer, only as thewell
lower as parts
the basis
of of the Torah Ar
could
the walls are kept, as well as the basis of the Torah Ark and the Bima. be detected
Three between
main building the could
phases early 13th and the late
91–110;and
be detected between the early 13th and the late 14th century (Helgert Paulus 2007,2000,
Schmidt pp. 379–83; Harck 2014, pp. 265–
pp. 91–110;
shown at the Museum
Paulus 2007, pp. 379–83; Harck 2014, pp. 265–72). Today the remains of the synagogue are shown Judenplatz. In order to guarant
at the Museum Judenplatz. In order to guarantee the supervision in the of
underground
the remainsshowroom
of the Bima with
inthe excavation, th
the underground showroom with the excavation, this was lowered The place of the
in 1998 byTorah
approx. Ark1.6is meters.
marked. A wooden mod
The place of the Torah Ark is marked. A wooden model of the outside medievalofsynagogue
the building. onlyIn the course
shows the of a new con
outside of the building. In the course of a new conception of the Museum
permanent Judenplatz,
exhibition which will be presented from No
in the Museum
Judenplatz, which will be presented from November 2020, an AR/VR interior reconstruction
of the synagogue is currently
of the interior being worked on
of the synagogue is currently being worked on. By means of will be able to call
a progressive webup more
app, detailed
visitors willinformation on ind
be able to call up more detailed information on individual elements the Torah of Shrine. 5
the excavation, including
the Torah Shrine.5 The medieval synagogue of Regensburg was dest
The medieval synagogue of Regensburg was destroyed inIn contrast
1519 to older assumptions,
and excavated the 16th century Neu
in the late 1990s.
In contrast to older assumptions, the 16th century Neupfarrkirche the synagogue—the
wasn’t built at the exactsynagogue’s
place of the remains coul
synagogue—the synagogue’s remains could be excavated west(Codreanu-Windauer and Ebeling 1998; Paulus 2007,
of the church (Codreanu-Windauer
6
and Ebeling 1998; Paulus 2007, pp. 174–81). The basis of the alsoTorah
discovered.
Ark was Today, a sculpture, created by D
also discovered.
synagogue by imitating
Today, a sculpture, created by Dani Karavan, commemorates the medieval synagogue by imitating the synagogue
the structure. Th
Arts 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW
inscription מזרח, i.e.,
synagogue structure. The place of the Torah Ark is marked by theinscription , i.e.,
easteast (Figure
(Figure 13).
13). 10 of 12
5 Kind information by Astrid Peterle, Museum Judenplatz—
6 The 1995–1997 excavation is currently being review
reconstruction is undergoing a critical revision.
Figure 13. Regensburg (Creative Commons, Dr.
Dr. Meierhofer).
The most recent recent example
exampleisisthe theemerging
emergingJewish
Jewish Museum
Museum in in Cologne.
Cologne. At the
At the moment,moment,
the
the collaborators
collaborators are working
are working on theon concept—thankfully,
the concept—thankfully, they they provided
provided me with
me with an insight
an insight into
into their
plans.7 Within the excavated foundation walls, the basement of the Bima was discovered, as well as
the basis of the Torah Ark—as well as decorative and architectural fragments—already by Otto
5Doppelfeld in theby1950s.
Kind information Astrid Both structures
Peterle, were damaged,Museum
Museum Judenplatz—Jewish in partVienna.
after the excavation, when a public
6
square was created above it (Paulus 2007, pp. 118–27; Harck 2014, pp. and
The 1995–1997 excavation is currently being reviewed in a project at the LMU Munich the reconstruction
217–42). is undergoing
In excavations since
a critical revision.
2007, all structures have been discovered again (Kliemann and Wiehen 2016, 2019). The Torah Ark
basis was found in 2014, and will be replaced in the upcoming museum. Due to the architectonical
conditions and the fragility of the archaeological features, it will not be possible for future visitors to
go inside the former synagogue and have a close look at the remains of the Ark. The museum’s
underground walking level will be some meters below the synagogue level; here, finds that can be
linked to the Ark will be on display and a reconstruction will also be shown. From the first floor of
the Museum building, and a balcony on the ground level, one can take a look at the synagogue’s
Arts 2020, 9, 61 10 of 12
their plans.7 Within the excavated foundation walls, the basement of the Bima was discovered, as well
as the basis of the Torah Ark—as well as decorative and architectural fragments—already by Otto
Doppelfeld in the 1950s. Both structures were damaged, in part after the excavation, when a public
square was created above it (Paulus 2007, pp. 118–27; Harck 2014, pp. 217–42). In excavations since
2007, all structures have been discovered again (Kliemann and Wiehen 2016, 2019). The Torah Ark
basis was found in 2014, and will be replaced in the upcoming museum. Due to the architectonical
conditions and the fragility of the archaeological features, it will not be possible for future visitors
to go inside the former synagogue and have a close look at the remains of the Ark. The museum’s
underground walking level will be some meters below the synagogue level; here, finds that can be
linked to the Ark will be on display and a reconstruction will also be shown. From the first floor of
the Museum building, and a balcony on the ground level, one can take a look at the synagogue’s
interior from above and get an overall view. There information panels will be placed to explain the
archaeological features and the architectural parts of the synagogue, like the ark.
These various examples show that there are as many solutions to deal with the (former) Torah Ark,
as synagogues from the middle ages have survived.
The best solution, of course, is to use the Torah Ark for its primary function—but there are very few
medieval buildings left that still function as synagogues. Most of the kept, rediscovered or excavated
synagogues today are museums—but most of them only have very few remains of the Torah Ark or
have lost it at all. Medieval Torah Arks function today as an exhibit or memorial; some became just
a clean niche in the wall or disappeared altogether.
It is the same situation in Erfurt, where the Torah Ark was destroyed as early as the middle of
the 14th century. But it was clear that it was necessary to mark the original place in the museum,
and we finally decided to do that by using the reconstruction drawing by Elmar Altwasser (Figure 4)
(Altwasser 2009, p. 61, fig. 40). This was converted into a light projection (Figure 14). The partly blurred
lines illustrate the uncertainty of the reconstruction—the whole projection can be easily switched off or
replaced by a renewed reconstruction. With this projection, the orientation to Jerusalem for the former
prayer room is re-established—without a “real” reconstruction of the Ark.
Arts 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 12
Figure
Figure 14.
14. Ground
Ground Floor
Floor of
of the
the Museum
Museum (Albrecht
(Albrecht von
von Kirchbach, used with
Kirchbach, used with permission).
permission).
Even though three-dimensional reconstructions in animated films risk creating an apparent
reality,
7 Kind they are easy
information to understand
by Tanja and loved
Potthoff and Christiane by theMiQua,
Twiehaus, public.LVR—Jüdisches
This is whyMuseum
we decided to create a
im Archäologischen
Quartier Köln.
three-dimensional reconstruction of the Torah Ark too—included in an animated film—but not to
show it on a big screen or similar in the museum. It is integrated into the guided tour via an
iPod-based video guide, or can be seen on the museum’s website.8 While using the video guide
iPod, the visitor not only learns about the form and function of Torah Arks in the middle ages—he
will (hopefully) also understand why the Erfurt Ark is gone and how we tried to reconstruct it.
Conclusions
The Torah ark is one of the most important pieces of the interior in a synagogue. In the fewArts 2020, 9, 61 11 of 12
Even though three-dimensional reconstructions in animated films risk creating an apparent
reality, they are easy to understand and loved by the public. This is why we decided to create
a three-dimensional reconstruction of the Torah Ark too—included in an animated film—but not to
show it on a big screen or similar in the museum. It is integrated into the guided tour via an iPod-based
video guide, or can be seen on the museum’s website.8 While using the video guide iPod, the visitor
not only learns about the form and function of Torah Arks in the middle ages—he will (hopefully) also
understand why the Erfurt Ark is gone and how we tried to reconstruct it.
Conclusions
The Torah ark is one of the most important pieces of the interior in a synagogue. In the few
medieval synagogues that have survived, or where at least parts of them have been preserved, the Torah
shrines are often damaged or have disappeared completely. But, even if the Torah shrine is completely
lost, as in the Erfurt synagogue, it should still be included in a museum presentation to demonstrate
the function of the building as a synagogue. In Erfurt, a light projection was chosen for this purpose,
which shows the form of the shrine, but also the fragility of the virtual reconstruction.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.
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