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Judaica Collection
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Permanent loan

The extensive Judaica collection

Since 2024, the municipality has been supported by a Extensive Judaica collection enriched. It was founded by the medical councillor, paediatrician and philanthropist Dr Thomas Weggemann from Bludenz is on permanent loan and is displayed in specially designed display cases in the parish hall.

Priv.-Doz. Dr Ursula Schattner-Rieser, A classical philologist and Judaist at the Institute of Linguistics at the University of Innsbruck, she has contributed her outstanding expertise on this collection and other objects owned by the Jewish Community in a comprehensive catalogue, thereby making a significant contribution to the educational and public relations work of the community. She has also donated some of her most valuable artefacts from her private collection to the Jewish Community.

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Collection

Historical books and ritual objects

The collection consists of ritual objects for daily and/or special private and synagogue use, such as kiddush cups, Shabbat candlesticks, besamim boxes, Torah pointers, rhimmonim and tefillin. Historical books, such as prayer books, Talmudic writings, Bible editions and other remarkable writings can be found in the newly designed bookshelf and also come largely from Dr Weggemann's collection, and in some cases from the congregation's own holdings. A remarkable centrepiece of the collection are Torah fragments from various eras and regions, which are explained in detail in the catalogue. The most interesting objects are on display in the multi-purpose room. Probably the most striking objects from the collection and the ones that most characterise the design of the community centre are historic Gate curtains and gate mantles, almost all from Hungary, which are displayed on the south wall of the vestibule and in the multi-purpose room. One parochet (gate curtain) stands out and deserves special mention here; it comes from Innsbruck, is embroidered in German in Hebrew letters and was donated by the women of the congregation at the time in 1899.

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Judaica Collection

Opening 2024

The collection was opened on 16 September 2024 as part of a well-attended event. Chief Rabbi Jaron Engelmayer from the Jewish Community of Vienna was connected via Zoom and gave an impressive lecture on the origins and beauty of Jewish arts and crafts.

Alongside the prayer room, the collection forms a centrepiece of our guided tours. The well-founded and informative catalogue is available in bookshops and can also be purchased from the municipality.

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