The Jews of Cologne are proud to belong to the oldest Jewish community in Europe north of the Alps. Standing in the depths of the 12th century mikveh in Cologne in the heart of the former Jewish Quarter, one feels an awesome connection to the many generations of Jews of the Rhineland.

It is said that Jews came to this city as early as the year 70 CE, traveling up the Rhine with the Romans. Descending the original steps of the mikveh to the clear ground water fed by the Rhine, the origins of Jewish life in Germany and its 2000 year tradition seem material.

Signs of Jewish history are present throughout Cologne. In the Gothic City Hall three of the ‘Nine Worthies’ represent Jewish history in the huge statues of Judas Maccabeus, King David and the prophet Joshua. Offenbach Square is named for the 19th century influential composer of popular music, son of a cantor, Jacques Offenbach. Forerunners of Theodor Herzl, like Max Isidor Bodenheimer and David Wolffsohn, worked in Cologne in the early 20th century, turning this city into one of the most important centers of the Zionist movement. They are remembered with a memorial plaque.

The struggle of the Jews of Cologne to free themselves from ancient discriminatory laws was exemplary. After an expulsion in 1424, Jews returned under Napoleon’s rule and the community served as a model of Jewish emancipation in Germany. Cologne became the most populous and economically powerful city in the Rhineland and the Jewish community was part of that prosperity.

One of the six pre-war synagogues has been re-built. A good example of the important Holocaust memory work taking place in Germany is the Stolpersteine (‘Stumbling Blocks’) project by Cologne artist Gunter Demnig.

Today, the Jewish community of Cologne has more than 6000 members and a well-developed infrastructure, including both liberal and orthodox services, a Jewish kindergarten and school, a youth club and the excellent kosher restaurant Weiss. For those wishing to explore the towns on both banks of the Rhine, many signs of Jewish life and history can be found. Yet another reason to include this magical city on the Rhine in your Germany tour.

Zionist greetings from Cologne!

Tour Options
- 5-hour tour, walking and public transportation, of Jewish and general sites
- 3-hour walking tour of Jewish sites

pictures: © Jussi Isaaksen