The New Israelite Temple Association - Additional Info Landmarks of Jewish History

1811/5571. Dissolution of the Triple Congregation

In 1811, Hamburg became part of the French Empire. The legal reorganization also led to the dissolution of the Triple Congregation. In 1812, the German-Israelite Congregation was founded in the city. With 6,300 members, it was the largest Jewish congregation in Germany at the time. The disappearance of “conservative” influence from Altona is considered a prerequisite for the development of Reform Judaism in Hamburg.

1841/5601. Dispute over a Prayer Book

In 1841, congregation rabbi Isaak Bernays publicly prohibited the use of a prayer book published by the Temple Association. The ensuing dispute illustrates the religious differentiation in the nineteenth century: A power struggle ensued between reformers and representatives of “law-abiding” Judaism. Even among the supporters of reform, there were disputes about the extent of liturgical changes, such as the abridgement of traditional prayer texts.

1844/5604. The Temple on Poolstrasse

In 1818, the Temple Association rented premises in Hamburg-Neustadt and set up the first “temple” – in contrast to the term “synagogue.” The Association gained more and more members, causing a shortage of seating. In 1844, a new building was dedicated on Poolstrasse. The reformist approach was also evident in the building’s design, featuring a common entrance for women and men and a built-in organ – the first in a German synagogue.

The Israelite Temple on Poolstrasse

Wood engraving, 1844, reproduction,

SHMH-Museum für Hamburgische Geschichte Inv. No. EB 1940, 191

The neo-Romanic building stood in a converted backyard, but was visible from the street. The building and the front houses belonged to the temple association. Restrictions on the acquisition of real estate by Jews had only been abolished in 1842. Religious services were held there until 1931.

Dr. Eduard Kley

Preacher and School Principal, 1789–1867

Isidor Popper, lithograph, circa 1848, reproduction,

Hamburg State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky,

call number P 22:K 30

Kley headed the reform-oriented Israelite Free School in Hamburg from 1816. There he organized the first reform services, resulting in the founding of the Temple Association. From 1817 to 1840, he was one of the first two preachers of the Temple. He is considered a pioneer of modern synagogue preaching.

Dr. Isaak Bernays

Rabbi, 1792–1849

Siegfried Bendixen, lithograph, 1822, reproduction

Hamburg State Archives, reference number 720-1-1/2-288-5/080

Isaak Bernays was rabbi of the German-Israelite Congregation from 1821. As a pioneer of modern Orthodoxy, he rejected Reform Judaism. At the same time, he introduced secular subjects into Jewish schools. With his German-language sermons, he set an example for the new beginning of an Orthodox rabbinate.

Temple Prayer Book from 1841

Israelite Prayer Book for Sabbaths and Holidays, printed work, 1841,

reproduction, Klau Library, Cincinnati, Hebrew Union College

In 1841, the prayer book of the Temple Association of 1818 was published in a revised edition. Some of the traditional texts were reworded in line with the spirit of reform. For example, the request for a return to Israel was omitted. The temple would now stand in Hamburg and would not need to be rebuilt in Jerusalem.

Middle class

Middle class originally referred to the social class of citizens, i.e. the urban middle class who were neither nobles nor workers. It also describes a way of life based on middle-class values such as order, conformity and achievement.

Emancipation

Emancipation refers to the process of liberation from social, political or legal restrictions. It often refers to the attainment of rights and equality, especially for women or minorities.

Orthodoxy

Orthodoxy refers to the strict observance and preservation of traditional religious teachings and practices. In relation to religions, this means adhering to the original principles of faith.