Issachar Berend Lehmann: Encyclopedia II - Issachar Berend Lehmann - Life in Halberstadt

Issachar Berend Lehmann - Life in Halberstadt

In the 17th century, Halberstadt, an episcopal see, had one of the largest Jewish communities in central Europe. At the time, nearly one in twelve of the town's inhabitants, almost 700 people, were Jewish. Berend Lehmann was considered one of the town's brightest stars, and brought new life to the community.

One example of Lehmann's work was the impressive synagogue he financed in Bakenstrasse, which was completed in 1712. In 1938 after Kristallnacht most of the building was taken down as the attack on it was said to have left it in danger of falling down.

A short distance from the synagogue, in the Rosenwinkel alley, Lehmann also had a house built for students of Judaism, with a collection of theological writings. This building, known as the "Klaus", was where many important students of the Talmud and rabbis were taught. The "Klaus" gave Halberstadt the reputation of being an important centre for the study of the Torah. Today the Moses Mendelssohn Academy is based there; this organises exhibitions, congresses and presentations and provides a wide range of information about the Jewish culture and way of life.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Life in Halberstadt", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki