Gottesdienst am Versöhnungstage im Lager vor Metz/ 1870עבדת יום הכפורים תרל”א במחנה אשר על פני מעץ
Object numberM2018/044
TitleGottesdienst am Versöhnungstage im Lager vor Metz/ 1870עבדת יום הכפורים תרל”א במחנה אשר על פני מעץ
DescriptionDecorative Textile depicting a Yom Kippur service in 1870, in a camp near Metz, France, during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871).
The textile, believed to be designed by Jewish artist Hermann Junker, depicts Jewish soldiers dressed in full military uniform and prayer shawls gathered in large numbers in a valley outside the city of Metz. They face a wooden ark on a raised mount of earth, in front of which a cantor leads the service. On the right hand side upon a hill are Christian German soldiers; supposedly protecting their Jewish peers from attack.
Beneath a Star of David in the upper middle of the textile, German text reads: “Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us?” (Malachi 2:10). In the four corners of the textile are poems or stanzas. The first poem sets the scene, alluding to a crowd of 1200 Jewish soldiers. Poem number two illustrates the process of setting up the altar (Aron Kodesh), the ark and the Bimah. The third states: “The Jewish soldiers follow man by man (one after the other); they follow loud and mighty the Holy Song…with tears they commemorate the beloved comrades; whom they lower in the Graves”. And finally, the fourth poem describes the broader scene, suggesting the men, both Jewish and Christian, are united: “The Christian comrades as loyal guards of Love; they protect their brothers from early morning till night.”
Historical accounts suggest there was a Yom Kippur service held for Jewish servicemen at Metz, but that the numbers were considerably lower (100-200). Reports also suggest the service was actually held indoors in a dilapidated building. Seemingly, arrangements for a larger outdoor open-air service were in place, but were interrupted by imminent battle plans. Embellishments in the depiction and the sentimentality of the poem are suggestive of an attempt to rally patriotism among German Jewry, and counter perceptions that Jews were not active in defence of their homeland. In addition, it is often interpreted as a piece that reflects Jewish hopes for inclusion, equality and religious tolerance.
The textile, believed to be designed by Jewish artist Hermann Junker, depicts Jewish soldiers dressed in full military uniform and prayer shawls gathered in large numbers in a valley outside the city of Metz. They face a wooden ark on a raised mount of earth, in front of which a cantor leads the service. On the right hand side upon a hill are Christian German soldiers; supposedly protecting their Jewish peers from attack.
Beneath a Star of David in the upper middle of the textile, German text reads: “Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us?” (Malachi 2:10). In the four corners of the textile are poems or stanzas. The first poem sets the scene, alluding to a crowd of 1200 Jewish soldiers. Poem number two illustrates the process of setting up the altar (Aron Kodesh), the ark and the Bimah. The third states: “The Jewish soldiers follow man by man (one after the other); they follow loud and mighty the Holy Song…with tears they commemorate the beloved comrades; whom they lower in the Graves”. And finally, the fourth poem describes the broader scene, suggesting the men, both Jewish and Christian, are united: “The Christian comrades as loyal guards of Love; they protect their brothers from early morning till night.”
Historical accounts suggest there was a Yom Kippur service held for Jewish servicemen at Metz, but that the numbers were considerably lower (100-200). Reports also suggest the service was actually held indoors in a dilapidated building. Seemingly, arrangements for a larger outdoor open-air service were in place, but were interrupted by imminent battle plans. Embellishments in the depiction and the sentimentality of the poem are suggestive of an attempt to rally patriotism among German Jewry, and counter perceptions that Jews were not active in defence of their homeland. In addition, it is often interpreted as a piece that reflects Jewish hopes for inclusion, equality and religious tolerance.
Production date 1870 - 1870
Subjectantisemitism, High Holy Days, prayer, Jews in military, myths, artists
Object namewall hangings
Materialcotton
Dimensions
- width: 655.00 mm
height: 675.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by George Freund.
This object is donated in memory of Charlotte (Sari) and Leslie Freund.