Founder’s inscription of Worms Synagogue (replica)

Praised forever be He who hears the supplication,

who has filled the heart of His servant with faith

of Mar Yaʿaqov[MH1]  ben David, a man of success,

that he built a house for His great name,

and his consort, Mrs Raḥel[MH2] , distinguished among the noble ones.

They respected the Lord and rejoiced in him, with their assets.

They adorned this lesser sanctuary with implements,

and it was completed in the month of Elul, 794 according to the reckoning.

To their Maker, it was better than offerings of sacrifices.

They achieved everlasting fame,

a memorial and joyful acclamations

better than sons and daughters.

They shall be held in good remembrance,

And whoever reads this should be mindful to respond “Amen”!

English translation based on the German translation by Otto Böcher/Christoph Cluse 

The founder’s inscription states that the first Romanesque synagogue in Worms was completed in August/September 1034. It is the oldest written evidence of a synagogue in Worms and Europe. It is also the oldest dated Hebrew inscription in Europe north of the Alps. The inscription states that Yaʿaqov ben David and his wife Raḥel invested their assets in the construction and decoration of the synagogue.