Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery
- The History of the Cemetery
- The Architecture of the Cemetery
- The Tombstones
- The People Buried in the Cemetery
- The Cemetery as a Memorial
- Visiting the Cemetery
- Guided Tours
- Other Things to See in the Area
- Getting There
- Public Transportation
- Car
- Parking
- Accessibility
- Things to Remember
- Photography
- Researching Your Family History
- Volunteering
- Insider Tip
The History of the Cemetery
The Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Germany. It was founded in 1272 and has been in continuous use ever since. Over the centuries, it has been the burial ground for thousands of Jews from all walks of life. Some of the most famous people buried in the cemetery include the Rothschild family, the poet Heinrich Heine, and the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn. The cemetery is also the resting place for many victims of the Holocaust.
Today, the Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery is a protected historical site. It is a poignant reminder of the rich history of the Jewish community in Frankfurt and the devastating impact of the Holocaust.
The Architecture of the Cemetery
The Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery is a remarkable example of Jewish funerary architecture. The cemetery is laid out in a grid pattern, with the graves arranged in long rows. The tombstones are made of sandstone and are typically decorated with Hebrew inscriptions and symbols. Some of the tombstones are also adorned with sculptures, such as lions, angels, and menorahs.
One of the most striking features of the cemetery is the "Ohel Sarah", a large mausoleum built in the 18th century. The mausoleum is named after Sarah Gumpertz, a wealthy Jewish businesswoman who donated the money to build it. The Ohel Sarah is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the cemetery.
Another interesting feature of the cemetery is the "Wall of Remembrance". The wall was built in the 1950s to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. The wall is made up of thousands of small stones, each of which represents a victim. The Wall of Remembrance is a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and is a place where people can come to remember and mourn the victims.
The Tombstones
The Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery is home to a wide variety of tombstones, each with its unique story to tell. The oldest tombstones date back to the 13th century, while the most recent ones were erected in the 20th century. The tombstones are made from a variety of materials, including sandstone, limestone, and marble. Some of the tombstones are simple and unadorned, while others are elaborately decorated with carvings and inscriptions.
The inscriptions on the tombstones are in Hebrew, German, and Yiddish. They often include the name of the deceased, their date of birth and death, and a short epitaph. Some of the epitaphs are simple and straightforward, while others are more poetic or elaborate.
To find the grave of a specific person, you can use the cemetery's online database. The database is searchable by name, date of birth, and date of death. You can also find the grave of a specific person by asking a cemetery employee for assistance.
The People Buried in the Cemetery
The Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable people who made significant contributions to the city's history and culture. One of the most famous people buried in the cemetery is Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who wrote a diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Anne's diary has been translated into over 70 languages and has become one of the most widely read books in the world.
Another famous person buried in the cemetery is Mayer Amschel Rothschild, the founder of the Rothschild banking dynasty. The Rothschild family became one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Europe, and their financial empire played a major role in the development of modern capitalism.
The cemetery is also the resting place of many other prominent figures, including:
- Leopold Sonnemann, the founder of the Frankfurter Zeitung, one of the most influential newspapers in Germany.
- Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, who lived in Frankfurt for many years.
- Paul Ehrlich, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the cure for syphilis.
- Max Horkheimer, the founder of the Frankfurt School of social theory.
These are just a few of the many notable people buried in the Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery. Their stories are a reminder of the rich history and culture of the city, and their contributions have helped to shape the world we live in today.
The Cemetery as a Memorial
The Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery serves as a solemn memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The sheer number of graves, the poignant inscriptions on the tombstones, and the overall atmosphere of the cemetery create a powerful sense of remembrance. Visitors can pay their respects to the victims by walking through the cemetery, reading the inscriptions, and taking a moment to reflect on the lives that were lost.
One of the most moving ways to remember the victims is to attend a memorial service or event held at the cemetery. These events often feature speakers who share stories about the victims, as well as readings from the Torah and other religious texts. Visitors can also participate in activities such as candle-lighting ceremonies and the laying of wreaths.
The cemetery also offers a number of educational programs about the Holocaust. These programs are designed to teach visitors about the history of the Holocaust, the experiences of the victims, and the importance of remembering. The programs are offered to schools, community groups, and individuals.
Visiting the Cemetery
The Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery is open to the public from 8am to 5pm daily. There is no admission fee.
It is best to visit the cemetery on a weekday, when it is less crowded. The cemetery is also open on Sundays, but it is important to note that some of the graves may be inaccessible due to religious observances.
When visiting the cemetery, it is important to be respectful of the dead. Visitors should dress appropriately and avoid making noise. It is also important to stay on the marked paths and not disturb the graves.
Photography is allowed in the cemetery, but it is important to be respectful when taking photos. Visitors should not take photos of people without their permission, and they should not take photos of graves that are in poor condition.
Guided Tours
If you want to learn more about the history of the cemetery and the people buried there, you can book a guided tour. Tours are available in English and German and last for about 90 minutes. During the tour, you will visit some of the most interesting graves in the cemetery and learn about the lives of the people buried there. You will also learn about the history of the cemetery and its role in Frankfurt's Jewish community.
To book a tour, you can contact the cemetery office or visit the cemetery's website. Tours are available Monday through Friday at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. The cost of the tour is €10 per person.
Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery and its history. They are also a good way to pay your respects to the victims of the Holocaust.
Other Things to See in the Area
The Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery is located in the Ostend district of Frankfurt, which is home to a number of other historical and cultural attractions. Just a short walk from the cemetery is the Ostend Synagogue, which was built in 1876 and is one of the oldest synagogues in Germany. The Jewish Museum Frankfurt is also located in the Ostend district and tells the story of the Jewish community in Frankfurt from its beginnings to the present day.
Other attractions in the area include the Museum of Applied Arts, which houses a collection of decorative arts from around the world, and the Natural History Museum Senckenberg, which is one of the largest natural history museums in Germany. The Frankfurt Zoo is also located nearby, and is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world.
There are a number of restaurants and cafés in the Ostend district, offering a variety of cuisines from around the world. The Kleinmarkthalle is a popular food market that offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. The Konstablerwache is a lively square that is home to a number of restaurants, bars, and cafés.
Getting There
Public Transportation
The Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery is easily accessible by public transportation. The closest U-Bahn (subway) station is the Ostbahnhof (East Station), which is served by lines U6 and UFrom the Ostbahnhof, you can walk to the cemetery in about 10 minutes.
Car
If you are driving to the cemetery, you can take the A66 motorway and exit at the Ostbahnhof exit. From there, you can follow the signs to the cemetery. There is a parking lot located near the cemetery entrance.
Parking
There is a free parking lot located near the cemetery entrance. The parking lot is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Accessibility
The Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery is wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps throughout the grounds. There are also a number of benches and resting places where visitors can sit down and take a break. If you have any specific accessibility needs, please contact the cemetery office in advance to make arrangements. The cemetery staff is always happy to help make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit.
Here are some additional tips for visitors with disabilities:
- Wheelchairs: The cemetery is wheelchair accessible, but some of the paths may be narrow. Please be careful when navigating the grounds.
- Strollers: Strollers are also welcome in the cemetery. However, please be aware that some of the paths may be narrow.
- Service animals: Service animals are welcome in the cemetery.
- Parking: There is a limited amount of accessible parking available at the cemetery. Please contact the cemetery office in advance to reserve a space.
- Restrooms: There are accessible restrooms located in the cemetery office.
Things to Remember
When visiting the Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery, it is important to be respectful of the dead. This means being quiet and not talking loudly, walking slowly and carefully, and not stepping on or touching the graves. It is also important to be mindful of the fact that the cemetery is a place of mourning for many people, so it is important to be sensitive to their feelings.
There are a few rules and regulations that visitors to the cemetery should be aware of. First, photography is not allowed in the cemetery without permission from the cemetery office. Second, visitors are not allowed to bring food or drink into the cemetery. Third, visitors are not allowed to smoke in the cemetery.
If you are visiting the cemetery with children, it is important to talk to them about the importance of being respectful. You should also explain to them that the cemetery is a place of mourning, and that they should be sensitive to the feelings of others.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the cemetery, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should always be respectful of the dead and their families. This means that you should not take photos of people who are visiting the cemetery or of graves that are in disrepair. Second, you should not use a flash when taking photos, as this can damage the tombstones. Third, you should not take photos of specific graves without first getting permission from the cemetery office.
If you would like to take photos of specific graves, you can contact the cemetery office in advance to get permission. You will need to provide the names of the people buried in the graves and the dates of their deaths. The cemetery office will then issue you a permit that will allow you to take photos.
When taking photos in the cemetery, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to be respectful of other visitors. You should also be careful not to damage the tombstones or other property.
Researching Your Family History
If you are interested in finding out if your ancestors are buried in the Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery, there are a number of resources available to help you with your research. The cemetery office has a database of all the burials that have taken place in the cemetery, and they can help you search for specific names. You can also search the online database of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Frankfurt.
If you are unable to find the information you are looking for online, you can contact the cemetery office directly. They may be able to provide you with additional information, or they may be able to put you in touch with a genealogist who can help you with your research.
Once you have found the graves of your ancestors, you can visit the cemetery to pay your respects. You may also want to take some time to learn more about their lives and their contributions to Frankfurt's history.
Volunteering
The Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery is always looking for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, such as cleaning and maintaining the grounds, leading tours, and researching the history of the cemetery. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and learn more about the cemetery and its history.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the cemetery office. They will be happy to provide you with more information and help you find a volunteer opportunity that is right for you.
Insider Tip
- Don't miss the memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. This memorial is located in the center of the cemetery and is a powerful reminder of the tragedy that took place here.
- Be aware that the cemetery is a sacred place. Please be respectful of the dead and their families.
- Take some time to reflect on the lives of those buried in the cemetery. The Frankfurt Jewish Cemetery is a place of great history and significance. It is important to remember the people who are buried here and the stories they have to tell.
