Fragment of a building inscription from the synagogue

This fragment of a building inscription is the earliest known piece of evidence of a women’s shul in Mainz. The first prayer rooms for women are built in the ShUM communities. This inscription commemorates the donation made by a married couple towards repairs to the synagogue.

This is the legacy of Mr David,

son of Abraham, the scholar.

He began and united benefactors

and collected 8 silver marks for this building,

to restore its condition and repair

the damage to its roofs,

and the gates to the synagogue for the men

and the women. May his voluntary donation

grant him the fulfilment of his hope,

... and that of his wife, Mrs Bona

daughter of Rabbi Joseph.

May God guide them in the Garden of Eden. Amen Sela!

 

 

English translation based on the German translation by Siegmund Salfeld