Würzburg. Würzburg can look back on 900 years of Jewish history. Signs of this rich history are the tombstones of the first Jewish cemetery in Pleich on the site of today’s Julius Hospital.
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Cleared away, used for other buildings and only rediscovered in the 1980s, they now form a basis for the Shalom Europa Jewish Museum and thus also for the community center.
The artist Jens Reulecke picks up on these tombstones from the medieval cemetery in his exhibition “Reverberation” in Shalom Europe. “This installation succeeds in recalling the long history of Jewish life in a remarkable, artistic way and connecting it to its roots,” emphasized Mayor Christian Schuchardt at the opening of the exhibition.
“A lot can resonate” during the installation, says Dr. Josef Schuster, chairman of the Jewish community in Würzburg, because what it means for a Jewish community if its cemetery is cleared can only be assessed when one knows that these cemeteries have been laid out for eternity. “These tombstones tell of 900 years of Jewish history,” said Dr. Schuster, “the echo will be implemented by Jens Reulecke.” You have to be found, says Reulecke himself about his installation.
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The theme of the old Jewish cemetery – which he traces in his installation – demands this attitude: The installation “‘Reverberation” is an expression of a sensual approach to the topic, “says Reulecke:” The installation evokes inner images. “Inner images related to the old Jewish cemetery. Würzburg had had a Jewish community since the 11th century. Its merchants contributed to the economic development of the city, while its scholars were in close contact with those in other Jewish communities. “As citizens of Würzburg, we should be aware of this heritage and work for a climate of openness and mutual respect in this city,” said Schuchardt. The opening was accompanied by the performance “Herz-Klang”. pm
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