The Cathedral and the Jews

16 members and 2 guests met for lunch at the Gaffel am Dom before gathering in front of the Dom where John Sykes gave us (16 participants) a brief introduction to the topic of his tour: The Cathedral and the Jews. Once inside, John offered us a fascinating insight into the history of the Jews in Cologne as depicted in the Cathedral’s stained-glass windows and carvings, from the very early good relations between Christians and Jews through the deterioration of the relationship towards antisemitism. Thanks to John, we were fortunate to be able to enter areas normally closed to the public – the Choir Stalls and the Golden Shrine and the Kinderfenster with its portrayals of children from the Old and New Testaments as well as modern times. 

Those who missed the tour can find information under: https://www.koelner-dom.de/kunstwerke/der-dom-und-die-juden

John Sykes has also published a book: ‘Discover Jewish Life in Cologne’, “a lively, varied and moving history, an account of good times and bad times”.  The book is a self-guided walking tour and contains a wealth of interesting and colourful illustrations and information.
The afternoon was rounded off by a lovely cappu at Café Reichardt.