Kick off the ShUM-Artist in Residence 2026 programme with a series of exciting events in Speyer, Worms and Mainz over the next few weeks. Meet the international artists in person, take a behind-the-scenes look at their work, and experience where art, history and the present converge.

🟣 Wed, May 6 | 2:30 p.m. | Speyer
🗣️ Artist Talk with Roy Efrat (English)
📍 Künstlerhaus Speyer, Große Sämergasse 1A, 67346 Speyer

🟣 Wed, May 13 | 6 p.m. | Worms
🗣️ Artist Talk with Atalya Laufer
📍 SchUM-Lab, Neumarkt 10, 67547 Worms

🟣 THU May 21 | 6:00 PM | Mainz
🗣️ Artist Talk with Raphaël Fischer-Dieskau + Cello Concert
📍 Klarastraße 10, 55116 Mainz (outdoor area)

⚪ TU May 26 | 6:00 PM | Worms
🎨 Project presentation with Atalya Laufer
📍 Location to be announced

⚪ TU May 26 | 6:30 PM | Speyer
🎨 Project presentation with Roy Efrat (English)
📍 Historic Council Chamber, Maximilianstr. 12, 67346 Speyer

⚪ Wed, May 27 | 5:30 PM | Mainz
🎨 Project presentation with Raphaël Fischer-Dieskau
📍 Klarastraße 10, 55116 Mainz (outdoor area)

⚪ Fri, May 29 | starting at 7:00 PM | Speyer
🎨 Roy Efrat x Kult(o)urnacht Speyer
📍 Künstlerhaus Speyer, Große Sämergasse 1A, 67346 Speyer

From concept to finished work: The Artist Talks offer initial insights, while the closing events present the projects in their final form. Free admission and no registration required.

Nearly a century ago, in 1927, the young art historian Richard Krautheimer published the first comprehensive art-historical study of medieval synagogue architecture. His theories shaped research for decades and are still used today as a central reference for describing and characterizing the synagogue as the architectural center of Jewish community life in medieval urban spaces. However, since then, archaeological findings, comparative architectural research, and more in-depth source studies have significantly expanded our understanding of the significance of these buildings, painting a more complex picture than Krautheimer articulated.

To mark the nearly centenary anniversary of this study, PD Dr.-Ing. habil. Simon Paulus will address this topic in his hybrid lecture. The lecture is part of the "SchUM Insights" series, organized by the ShUM-Cities association. It will take place on May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Landesmuseum Mainz. The lecture will also be available online. Paulus will critically appraise and revise Krautheimer’s groundbreaking work. Starting with the synagogues of the ShUM communities, he will shed light on the historical significance of these buildings and present contemporary discourses and future perspectives in research on the architectural infrastructure and topography of Jewish residential quarters, drawing on current interdisciplinary approaches.

Please register via email by 12:00 p.m. on May 11 at anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de. Participants will receive the access link via email after the registration deadline. Participation is free of charge.

SchUMobil Meets Weinmeile: From April 23 to 26, 2026, the area between the Luther Monument and Luginsland in Worms will be transformed into a lively promenade for all ages.
Curious explorers will be happy to know that we'll also be there with the SchUMobil on the weekend!

An exciting journey of discovery through the history, traditions, and culture of the UNESCO World Heritage ShUM Sites of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz awaits you.
The focus is on the regional and global significance of the ShUM sites:

• What exactly is ShUM?
• Which World Heritage components are in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, and what makes them special worldwide?
• Which Jewish rituals and customs are part of Ashkenazi everyday culture?

Small, interactive stations—such as the engaging "Did You Know?" panels—invite visitors of all ages to discover the Jewish heritage along the Rhine in a playful way and to gain a better understanding of Jewish culture.

Forecourt of the Heylshof Museum
Saturday, April 25, 3–8 p.m.
Sunday, April 26, 12–6 p.m.

In 2024, the “SchUMobil” took its first trip to the ShUM-City of Speyer. Notable visitors included Talya Lador-Fresher, the Consul General of Israel for Southern Germany, who visited in August with Minister President Alexander Schweitzer, and Interior Minister Michael Ebling, who visited during the nationwide opening of National Heritage Day in September. The following year, the mobile visitor center debuted in Mainz appearing at events such as the opening celebration of the Rhineland-Palatinate Cultural Summer, the Museum Night, the Science Market, and the open house of the Jewish Community of Mainz-Rheinhessen. In the anniversary year of the ShUM Sites' designation as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the SchUMobil will return to Worms and be on display at various events.

The first opportunity to visit will be on April 12 during the "Worms blüht auf" event weekend. From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the SchUMobil, together with the ShUM-Cities e.V., will invite visitors to Synagogue District for a journey of discovery into the history, tradition, and culture of the UNESCO World Heritage ShUM Sites Speyer, Worms, and Mainz. Other events will take place during the "Wormser Weinmeile" on April 25 and 26 and on UNESCO World Heritage Day on June 7. The SchUMobil will also be present at the "Wormser Kulturnacht" on June 13. A special highlight will be the children's workshop "Reading and Writing with Jakub: A Journey Back in Time." In this free workshop organized by ShUM-Cities e.V., participants will hear the story of Jakub, an orphan who was trained as a sorcerer’s apprentice in Worms by the Jewish scholar MaHaRiL. Jakub had to pass an exam to prove himself. Participants will learn the Hebrew alphabet, the Alef-Bet, alongside Jakub and discover the unique Jewish heritage along the Rhine with the SchUMobil in a playful way.

About the SchUMobil
The SchUMobil is an educational program that takes place in public spaces. It offers visitors a compact and easily accessible journey through Germany’s first Jewish UNESCO World Heritage Site. It highlights the global and regional significance of ShUM. What exactly is SchUM? Which World Heritage components are in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, and what makes them special? Which Jewish rituals and customs are part of Ashkenazi everyday culture? Small, interactive stations - such as the engaging "Did You Know?" panels - invite visitors of all ages to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site in a playful way. Learning about the rich Jewish history along the Rhine and the coexistence of Christians and Jews fosters mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect that lasts.
In 2023, the city of Worms developed the SchUMobil in collaboration with the ShUM-Cities e.V. for the UNESCO World Heritage ShUM Sites Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, expanding it in 2024.

The Old Jewish Cemetery "Heiliger Sand" has existed since the 11th century. It is Europe’s oldest in situ Jewish cemetery and is located outside the medieval city limits. Its 2,500 gravestones bear witness to centuries of history, making the cemetery a unique cultural monument of international significance. Many prominent scholars and rabbis are buried here, which is why the site remains an important destination for Jewish believers from all over the world.

Since July 2021, the cemetery has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ShUM-Sites Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, alongside the synagogue district, including the synagogue, the Rashi Yeshiva, the mikveh, and the Rashi-House.

Starting March 20, a one-hour guided tour of “Heiliger Sand” will take place every Friday at 3 p.m. During the tour, guides will explain the cemetery's unique features, history, and distinctive atmosphere.

In November, the tours will begin at 2 p.m., except for Friday, May 22, and September 11 and 25.

The Tourist Information office offers the tour for individual guests and small groups of up to six people. Male visitors must wear a head covering.

Tickets cost €10.00 and are available online at www.ticket-regional.de/tiworms until the start of the tour. They are also available in advance at the Tourist Information office, the Shop am Dom, and all other Ticket Regional advance sales locations. Children 14 and under are free.

Many contemporary Jewish traditions appear to be time-honored and deeply rooted in the religion. For example, the separation of men and women in the synagogue is often regarded as a self-evident practice. However, a closer look reveals that many of these customs have a long history of development shaped by cultural and historical influences.

Dr. Friederike Schöpf, a renowned expert on ancient Judaism, medieval synagogues, and the development of women's sections in synagogues at the Institute for Jewish Studies at the University of Münster, will trace the origins of women's synagogues in her hybrid lecture. She will also open up new perspectives on religious life in the ShUM communities through these unique spaces.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Landesmuseum Mainz, Große Bleiche 49-51, 55116 Mainz

Please register by email by March 30 at 12:00 p.m. at anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de. The access link will be sent to participants by email after the registration deadline. Participation is free of charge.

The moment had finally arrived on July 27, 2021, at 3:47 p.m. After years of effort, the ShUM-Sites in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site— the first Jewish World Heritage Site in Germany and a site of global significance. To mark the first anniversary of “Jerusalem on the Rhine,” the ShUM-Cities Speyer, Worms, Mainz Association, together with ShUM-Cities 2026, is holding a year of colorful celebrations.
The Jewish communities in the three cathedral cities on the Rhine—Speyer, Worms, and Mainz—have been closely linked since the Middle Ages and have had an immense influence on the architecture, culture, liturgical poetry, and religious law of Northern, Central, and Eastern European Judaism (Ashkenaz). Since then, the ShUM communities have been regarded as the center and cradle of Ashkenazi Judaism. Exemplary synagogue buildings, impressive and pioneering ritual baths, and the oldest preserved Jewish cemeteries in Europe were established here and can still be discovered today as testimonies to the rich Jewish life of the past. These sites are exceptional reminders of the 1,000-year history of Jews along the Rhine. The term ShUM is composed of the initial letters of the Hebrew city names: Schpira – Speyer, Warmaisa – Worms, and Magenza – Mainz. The ShUM sites and their heritage connect Jewish history with European and global history. Birgit Kita, the Site-Manager of the ShUM-Sites and the executive director of ShUM-Cities e.V., emphasizes the outstanding significance of the World Heritage Site: "Five years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important milestone, yet ShUM has resonated throughout the Jewish world for nearly 1,000 years. The architecture, culture, and religious traditions that emerged here tell a unique story of the dark and bright times of Jewish life along the Rhine — a story that continues to shape identity in Germany and around the world to this day. Nowhere else are these historical traces preserved as impressively as in the 'Jerusalem on the Rhine".

Throughout the year, visitors can look forward to a diverse program ranging from exhibitions and festive events, such as the opening of the first ShUM Visitor Center in Mainz, the ceremonial presentation of copies of the World Heritage Certificate to the ShUM-Cities e. V. board members, and a festive annual celebration in Speyer, to academic lectures and workshops. "World Heritage connects us across time, religions, cultures, and borders. We look forward to celebrating the international significance of Jewish life with local residents and people from the region through the events of this anniversary year," said Birgit Kita.
Stefanie Seiler, chair of the board and mayor of the city of Speyer, adds: "The world has looked to ShUM since the Middle Ages. For five years now, our serial World Heritage Site has represented a history of international significance, as well as our shared responsibility to carry this heritage of humanity further into the world. The opening of the first World Heritage visitor center in Mainz and the presentation of copies of the World Heritage Certificate in Speyer highlight the collaborative efforts of all those involved. At the same time, this makes it clear that the significance of ShUM can only be fully experienced through collaboration among the participating cities."

What do the pyramids of Giza, Cologne Cathedral, the Old City of Jerusalem, the Wadden Sea, Hadrian's Wall, and Trier Cathedral have in common? The answer is the concept of UNESCO World Heritage, which aims to protect, preserve, communicate, and safeguard exceptional sites and landscapes for future generations.

Our new lecture series, "Heritage Talks," invites you to carry this idea forward and discover the stories behind World Heritage Sites alongside experts. In collaboration with the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage RLP, specifically the Secretariat for World Heritage in Rhineland-Palatinate, and the State Museum Mainz, we aim to foster connections among people, transcending time, cultures, and borders.

At our kickoff event on January 13, 2026, Friederike Hansell, Head of the World Heritage Coordination Office at the Federal Foreign Office, will give a keynote speech about UNESCO's criteria and its work. This will be followed by a discussion with Dr. Stefanie Hahn, Head of the "Cultural Heritage, World Cultural Heritage" Division at the Ministry of the Interior and Sport of Rhineland-Palatinate, and Prof. Brigitte Mang, a member of the Monitoring Group of the German National Committee of ICOMOS. They will discuss the World Heritage Sites in Rhineland-Palatinate, their particular challenges, and the rich cultural heritage in Germany and beyond. Birgit Kita, the managing director of ShUM-Cities e.V. and site manager of the ShUM-Sites, will moderate the evening.

We cordially invite you to attend this hybrid lecture. As space is limited for in-person attendance, please register by January 12 at 12 p.m. by email to anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de. The access link for online participation will be sent via email after the registration deadline. Participation is free of charge.

Jewish culture and music are integral to European and German culture. For this reason, internationally acclaimed concert guitarist Lucian Plessner developed an exciting musical program for the 2021 “1700 Years of Jewish Life in Germany” anniversary year, which has been touring successfully ever since. The program, Jewish Music — What Is It?" Sephardic and Ashkenazi Musical Creations from Al-Andalus to Modern Europe and America, is a musical journey from the early Middle Ages to the present day. It combines impressive compositions with reflections on Jewish artists' willingness and ability to integrate into different countries and eras. Jewish composers from the United States and Latin America have also contributed their works to this unique program.

Starting in November 2025, Plessner will present the program for the first time in Germany, in the ShUM-Cities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz.

Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. Worms
SchUM-Lab, Neumarkt 10, 67547 Worms
Register at laura.karnasch_at_schumstaedte.de.

Sunday, November 30, 2025, 5 p.m. Speyer
Beith Shalom Synagogue, Am Weidenberg 3, 67346 Speyer
Registration: laura.karnasch_at_schumstaedte.de.

Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. Mainz
Landesmuseum Mainz, Große Bleiche 49-51, 55116 Mainz
Registration: anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de.

The concert series is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland Security, as well as the Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life and the Fight Against Anti-Semitism, Dr. Felix Klein. Thanks to this generous sponsorship, participation is free of charge.

From September 7 to December 6, the ShUM-Cities Speyer, Worms, and Mainz will host the ShUM Culture Days 2025 to showcase the rich history, lively traditions, and creative expressions of Jewish life in the Upper Rhine region in a special way. The diverse program includes concerts ranging from jazz to pop, as well as readings, theater tours, inspiring lectures, discussion panels, and exhibitions. Whether you are a culture fan, history lover, or curious explorer, the ShUM Culture Days appeal to a wide audience and offer a meeting place where interreligious dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared celebration take center stage.

Speyer: September 27 to November 23
Worms: October 27 to November 16
Mainz: September 7 to December 6

For more information and program flyers, visit www.schumstaedte.de/schum/schum-kulturtage/ or follow @welterbe.schum on social media.

Kick off the ShUM-Artist in Residence 2026 programme with a series of exciting events in Speyer, Worms and Mainz over the next few weeks. Meet the international artists in person, take a behind-the-scenes look at their work, and experience where art, history and the present converge.

🟣 Wed, May 6 | 2:30 p.m. | Speyer
🗣️ Artist Talk with Roy Efrat (English)
📍 Künstlerhaus Speyer, Große Sämergasse 1A, 67346 Speyer

🟣 Wed, May 13 | 6 p.m. | Worms
🗣️ Artist Talk with Atalya Laufer
📍 SchUM-Lab, Neumarkt 10, 67547 Worms

🟣 THU May 21 | 6:00 PM | Mainz
🗣️ Artist Talk with Raphaël Fischer-Dieskau + Cello Concert
📍 Klarastraße 10, 55116 Mainz (outdoor area)

⚪ TU May 26 | 6:00 PM | Worms
🎨 Project presentation with Atalya Laufer
📍 Location to be announced

⚪ TU May 26 | 6:30 PM | Speyer
🎨 Project presentation with Roy Efrat (English)
📍 Historic Council Chamber, Maximilianstr. 12, 67346 Speyer

⚪ Wed, May 27 | 5:30 PM | Mainz
🎨 Project presentation with Raphaël Fischer-Dieskau
📍 Klarastraße 10, 55116 Mainz (outdoor area)

⚪ Fri, May 29 | starting at 7:00 PM | Speyer
🎨 Roy Efrat x Kult(o)urnacht Speyer
📍 Künstlerhaus Speyer, Große Sämergasse 1A, 67346 Speyer

From concept to finished work: The Artist Talks offer initial insights, while the closing events present the projects in their final form. Free admission and no registration required.

Nearly a century ago, in 1927, the young art historian Richard Krautheimer published the first comprehensive art-historical study of medieval synagogue architecture. His theories shaped research for decades and are still used today as a central reference for describing and characterizing the synagogue as the architectural center of Jewish community life in medieval urban spaces. However, since then, archaeological findings, comparative architectural research, and more in-depth source studies have significantly expanded our understanding of the significance of these buildings, painting a more complex picture than Krautheimer articulated.

To mark the nearly centenary anniversary of this study, PD Dr.-Ing. habil. Simon Paulus will address this topic in his hybrid lecture. The lecture is part of the "SchUM Insights" series, organized by the ShUM-Cities association. It will take place on May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Landesmuseum Mainz. The lecture will also be available online. Paulus will critically appraise and revise Krautheimer’s groundbreaking work. Starting with the synagogues of the ShUM communities, he will shed light on the historical significance of these buildings and present contemporary discourses and future perspectives in research on the architectural infrastructure and topography of Jewish residential quarters, drawing on current interdisciplinary approaches.

Please register via email by 12:00 p.m. on May 11 at anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de. Participants will receive the access link via email after the registration deadline. Participation is free of charge.

SchUMobil Meets Weinmeile: From April 23 to 26, 2026, the area between the Luther Monument and Luginsland in Worms will be transformed into a lively promenade for all ages.
Curious explorers will be happy to know that we'll also be there with the SchUMobil on the weekend!

An exciting journey of discovery through the history, traditions, and culture of the UNESCO World Heritage ShUM Sites of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz awaits you.
The focus is on the regional and global significance of the ShUM sites:

• What exactly is ShUM?
• Which World Heritage components are in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, and what makes them special worldwide?
• Which Jewish rituals and customs are part of Ashkenazi everyday culture?

Small, interactive stations—such as the engaging "Did You Know?" panels—invite visitors of all ages to discover the Jewish heritage along the Rhine in a playful way and to gain a better understanding of Jewish culture.

Forecourt of the Heylshof Museum
Saturday, April 25, 3–8 p.m.
Sunday, April 26, 12–6 p.m.

In 2024, the “SchUMobil” took its first trip to the ShUM-City of Speyer. Notable visitors included Talya Lador-Fresher, the Consul General of Israel for Southern Germany, who visited in August with Minister President Alexander Schweitzer, and Interior Minister Michael Ebling, who visited during the nationwide opening of National Heritage Day in September. The following year, the mobile visitor center debuted in Mainz appearing at events such as the opening celebration of the Rhineland-Palatinate Cultural Summer, the Museum Night, the Science Market, and the open house of the Jewish Community of Mainz-Rheinhessen. In the anniversary year of the ShUM Sites' designation as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the SchUMobil will return to Worms and be on display at various events.

The first opportunity to visit will be on April 12 during the "Worms blüht auf" event weekend. From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the SchUMobil, together with the ShUM-Cities e.V., will invite visitors to Synagogue District for a journey of discovery into the history, tradition, and culture of the UNESCO World Heritage ShUM Sites Speyer, Worms, and Mainz. Other events will take place during the "Wormser Weinmeile" on April 25 and 26 and on UNESCO World Heritage Day on June 7. The SchUMobil will also be present at the "Wormser Kulturnacht" on June 13. A special highlight will be the children's workshop "Reading and Writing with Jakub: A Journey Back in Time." In this free workshop organized by ShUM-Cities e.V., participants will hear the story of Jakub, an orphan who was trained as a sorcerer’s apprentice in Worms by the Jewish scholar MaHaRiL. Jakub had to pass an exam to prove himself. Participants will learn the Hebrew alphabet, the Alef-Bet, alongside Jakub and discover the unique Jewish heritage along the Rhine with the SchUMobil in a playful way.

About the SchUMobil
The SchUMobil is an educational program that takes place in public spaces. It offers visitors a compact and easily accessible journey through Germany’s first Jewish UNESCO World Heritage Site. It highlights the global and regional significance of ShUM. What exactly is SchUM? Which World Heritage components are in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, and what makes them special? Which Jewish rituals and customs are part of Ashkenazi everyday culture? Small, interactive stations - such as the engaging "Did You Know?" panels - invite visitors of all ages to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site in a playful way. Learning about the rich Jewish history along the Rhine and the coexistence of Christians and Jews fosters mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect that lasts.
In 2023, the city of Worms developed the SchUMobil in collaboration with the ShUM-Cities e.V. for the UNESCO World Heritage ShUM Sites Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, expanding it in 2024.

The Old Jewish Cemetery "Heiliger Sand" has existed since the 11th century. It is Europe’s oldest in situ Jewish cemetery and is located outside the medieval city limits. Its 2,500 gravestones bear witness to centuries of history, making the cemetery a unique cultural monument of international significance. Many prominent scholars and rabbis are buried here, which is why the site remains an important destination for Jewish believers from all over the world.

Since July 2021, the cemetery has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ShUM-Sites Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, alongside the synagogue district, including the synagogue, the Rashi Yeshiva, the mikveh, and the Rashi-House.

Starting March 20, a one-hour guided tour of “Heiliger Sand” will take place every Friday at 3 p.m. During the tour, guides will explain the cemetery's unique features, history, and distinctive atmosphere.

In November, the tours will begin at 2 p.m., except for Friday, May 22, and September 11 and 25.

The Tourist Information office offers the tour for individual guests and small groups of up to six people. Male visitors must wear a head covering.

Tickets cost €10.00 and are available online at www.ticket-regional.de/tiworms until the start of the tour. They are also available in advance at the Tourist Information office, the Shop am Dom, and all other Ticket Regional advance sales locations. Children 14 and under are free.

Many contemporary Jewish traditions appear to be time-honored and deeply rooted in the religion. For example, the separation of men and women in the synagogue is often regarded as a self-evident practice. However, a closer look reveals that many of these customs have a long history of development shaped by cultural and historical influences.

Dr. Friederike Schöpf, a renowned expert on ancient Judaism, medieval synagogues, and the development of women's sections in synagogues at the Institute for Jewish Studies at the University of Münster, will trace the origins of women's synagogues in her hybrid lecture. She will also open up new perspectives on religious life in the ShUM communities through these unique spaces.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Landesmuseum Mainz, Große Bleiche 49-51, 55116 Mainz

Please register by email by March 30 at 12:00 p.m. at anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de. The access link will be sent to participants by email after the registration deadline. Participation is free of charge.

The moment had finally arrived on July 27, 2021, at 3:47 p.m. After years of effort, the ShUM-Sites in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site— the first Jewish World Heritage Site in Germany and a site of global significance. To mark the first anniversary of “Jerusalem on the Rhine,” the ShUM-Cities Speyer, Worms, Mainz Association, together with ShUM-Cities 2026, is holding a year of colorful celebrations.
The Jewish communities in the three cathedral cities on the Rhine—Speyer, Worms, and Mainz—have been closely linked since the Middle Ages and have had an immense influence on the architecture, culture, liturgical poetry, and religious law of Northern, Central, and Eastern European Judaism (Ashkenaz). Since then, the ShUM communities have been regarded as the center and cradle of Ashkenazi Judaism. Exemplary synagogue buildings, impressive and pioneering ritual baths, and the oldest preserved Jewish cemeteries in Europe were established here and can still be discovered today as testimonies to the rich Jewish life of the past. These sites are exceptional reminders of the 1,000-year history of Jews along the Rhine. The term ShUM is composed of the initial letters of the Hebrew city names: Schpira – Speyer, Warmaisa – Worms, and Magenza – Mainz. The ShUM sites and their heritage connect Jewish history with European and global history. Birgit Kita, the Site-Manager of the ShUM-Sites and the executive director of ShUM-Cities e.V., emphasizes the outstanding significance of the World Heritage Site: "Five years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important milestone, yet ShUM has resonated throughout the Jewish world for nearly 1,000 years. The architecture, culture, and religious traditions that emerged here tell a unique story of the dark and bright times of Jewish life along the Rhine — a story that continues to shape identity in Germany and around the world to this day. Nowhere else are these historical traces preserved as impressively as in the 'Jerusalem on the Rhine".

Throughout the year, visitors can look forward to a diverse program ranging from exhibitions and festive events, such as the opening of the first ShUM Visitor Center in Mainz, the ceremonial presentation of copies of the World Heritage Certificate to the ShUM-Cities e. V. board members, and a festive annual celebration in Speyer, to academic lectures and workshops. "World Heritage connects us across time, religions, cultures, and borders. We look forward to celebrating the international significance of Jewish life with local residents and people from the region through the events of this anniversary year," said Birgit Kita.
Stefanie Seiler, chair of the board and mayor of the city of Speyer, adds: "The world has looked to ShUM since the Middle Ages. For five years now, our serial World Heritage Site has represented a history of international significance, as well as our shared responsibility to carry this heritage of humanity further into the world. The opening of the first World Heritage visitor center in Mainz and the presentation of copies of the World Heritage Certificate in Speyer highlight the collaborative efforts of all those involved. At the same time, this makes it clear that the significance of ShUM can only be fully experienced through collaboration among the participating cities."

What do the pyramids of Giza, Cologne Cathedral, the Old City of Jerusalem, the Wadden Sea, Hadrian's Wall, and Trier Cathedral have in common? The answer is the concept of UNESCO World Heritage, which aims to protect, preserve, communicate, and safeguard exceptional sites and landscapes for future generations.

Our new lecture series, "Heritage Talks," invites you to carry this idea forward and discover the stories behind World Heritage Sites alongside experts. In collaboration with the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage RLP, specifically the Secretariat for World Heritage in Rhineland-Palatinate, and the State Museum Mainz, we aim to foster connections among people, transcending time, cultures, and borders.

At our kickoff event on January 13, 2026, Friederike Hansell, Head of the World Heritage Coordination Office at the Federal Foreign Office, will give a keynote speech about UNESCO's criteria and its work. This will be followed by a discussion with Dr. Stefanie Hahn, Head of the "Cultural Heritage, World Cultural Heritage" Division at the Ministry of the Interior and Sport of Rhineland-Palatinate, and Prof. Brigitte Mang, a member of the Monitoring Group of the German National Committee of ICOMOS. They will discuss the World Heritage Sites in Rhineland-Palatinate, their particular challenges, and the rich cultural heritage in Germany and beyond. Birgit Kita, the managing director of ShUM-Cities e.V. and site manager of the ShUM-Sites, will moderate the evening.

We cordially invite you to attend this hybrid lecture. As space is limited for in-person attendance, please register by January 12 at 12 p.m. by email to anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de. The access link for online participation will be sent via email after the registration deadline. Participation is free of charge.

Jewish culture and music are integral to European and German culture. For this reason, internationally acclaimed concert guitarist Lucian Plessner developed an exciting musical program for the 2021 “1700 Years of Jewish Life in Germany” anniversary year, which has been touring successfully ever since. The program, Jewish Music — What Is It?" Sephardic and Ashkenazi Musical Creations from Al-Andalus to Modern Europe and America, is a musical journey from the early Middle Ages to the present day. It combines impressive compositions with reflections on Jewish artists' willingness and ability to integrate into different countries and eras. Jewish composers from the United States and Latin America have also contributed their works to this unique program.

Starting in November 2025, Plessner will present the program for the first time in Germany, in the ShUM-Cities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz.

Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. Worms
SchUM-Lab, Neumarkt 10, 67547 Worms
Register at laura.karnasch_at_schumstaedte.de.

Sunday, November 30, 2025, 5 p.m. Speyer
Beith Shalom Synagogue, Am Weidenberg 3, 67346 Speyer
Registration: laura.karnasch_at_schumstaedte.de.

Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. Mainz
Landesmuseum Mainz, Große Bleiche 49-51, 55116 Mainz
Registration: anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de.

The concert series is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland Security, as well as the Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life and the Fight Against Anti-Semitism, Dr. Felix Klein. Thanks to this generous sponsorship, participation is free of charge.

From September 7 to December 6, the ShUM-Cities Speyer, Worms, and Mainz will host the ShUM Culture Days 2025 to showcase the rich history, lively traditions, and creative expressions of Jewish life in the Upper Rhine region in a special way. The diverse program includes concerts ranging from jazz to pop, as well as readings, theater tours, inspiring lectures, discussion panels, and exhibitions. Whether you are a culture fan, history lover, or curious explorer, the ShUM Culture Days appeal to a wide audience and offer a meeting place where interreligious dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared celebration take center stage.

Speyer: September 27 to November 23
Worms: October 27 to November 16
Mainz: September 7 to December 6

For more information and program flyers, visit www.schumstaedte.de/schum/schum-kulturtage/ or follow @welterbe.schum on social media.

Kick off the ShUM-Artist in Residence 2026 programme with a series of exciting events in Speyer, Worms and Mainz over the next few weeks. Meet the international artists in person, take a behind-the-scenes look at their work, and experience where art, history and the present converge.

🟣 Wed, May 6 | 2:30 p.m. | Speyer
🗣️ Artist Talk with Roy Efrat (English)
📍 Künstlerhaus Speyer, Große Sämergasse 1A, 67346 Speyer

🟣 Wed, May 13 | 6 p.m. | Worms
🗣️ Artist Talk with Atalya Laufer
📍 SchUM-Lab, Neumarkt 10, 67547 Worms

🟣 THU May 21 | 6:00 PM | Mainz
🗣️ Artist Talk with Raphaël Fischer-Dieskau + Cello Concert
📍 Klarastraße 10, 55116 Mainz (outdoor area)

⚪ TU May 26 | 6:00 PM | Worms
🎨 Project presentation with Atalya Laufer
📍 Location to be announced

⚪ TU May 26 | 6:30 PM | Speyer
🎨 Project presentation with Roy Efrat (English)
📍 Historic Council Chamber, Maximilianstr. 12, 67346 Speyer

⚪ Wed, May 27 | 5:30 PM | Mainz
🎨 Project presentation with Raphaël Fischer-Dieskau
📍 Klarastraße 10, 55116 Mainz (outdoor area)

⚪ Fri, May 29 | starting at 7:00 PM | Speyer
🎨 Roy Efrat x Kult(o)urnacht Speyer
📍 Künstlerhaus Speyer, Große Sämergasse 1A, 67346 Speyer

From concept to finished work: The Artist Talks offer initial insights, while the closing events present the projects in their final form. Free admission and no registration required.

Nearly a century ago, in 1927, the young art historian Richard Krautheimer published the first comprehensive art-historical study of medieval synagogue architecture. His theories shaped research for decades and are still used today as a central reference for describing and characterizing the synagogue as the architectural center of Jewish community life in medieval urban spaces. However, since then, archaeological findings, comparative architectural research, and more in-depth source studies have significantly expanded our understanding of the significance of these buildings, painting a more complex picture than Krautheimer articulated.

To mark the nearly centenary anniversary of this study, PD Dr.-Ing. habil. Simon Paulus will address this topic in his hybrid lecture. The lecture is part of the "SchUM Insights" series, organized by the ShUM-Cities association. It will take place on May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Landesmuseum Mainz. The lecture will also be available online. Paulus will critically appraise and revise Krautheimer’s groundbreaking work. Starting with the synagogues of the ShUM communities, he will shed light on the historical significance of these buildings and present contemporary discourses and future perspectives in research on the architectural infrastructure and topography of Jewish residential quarters, drawing on current interdisciplinary approaches.

Please register via email by 12:00 p.m. on May 11 at anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de. Participants will receive the access link via email after the registration deadline. Participation is free of charge.

SchUMobil Meets Weinmeile: From April 23 to 26, 2026, the area between the Luther Monument and Luginsland in Worms will be transformed into a lively promenade for all ages.
Curious explorers will be happy to know that we'll also be there with the SchUMobil on the weekend!

An exciting journey of discovery through the history, traditions, and culture of the UNESCO World Heritage ShUM Sites of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz awaits you.
The focus is on the regional and global significance of the ShUM sites:

• What exactly is ShUM?
• Which World Heritage components are in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, and what makes them special worldwide?
• Which Jewish rituals and customs are part of Ashkenazi everyday culture?

Small, interactive stations—such as the engaging "Did You Know?" panels—invite visitors of all ages to discover the Jewish heritage along the Rhine in a playful way and to gain a better understanding of Jewish culture.

Forecourt of the Heylshof Museum
Saturday, April 25, 3–8 p.m.
Sunday, April 26, 12–6 p.m.

In 2024, the “SchUMobil” took its first trip to the ShUM-City of Speyer. Notable visitors included Talya Lador-Fresher, the Consul General of Israel for Southern Germany, who visited in August with Minister President Alexander Schweitzer, and Interior Minister Michael Ebling, who visited during the nationwide opening of National Heritage Day in September. The following year, the mobile visitor center debuted in Mainz appearing at events such as the opening celebration of the Rhineland-Palatinate Cultural Summer, the Museum Night, the Science Market, and the open house of the Jewish Community of Mainz-Rheinhessen. In the anniversary year of the ShUM Sites' designation as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the SchUMobil will return to Worms and be on display at various events.

The first opportunity to visit will be on April 12 during the "Worms blüht auf" event weekend. From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the SchUMobil, together with the ShUM-Cities e.V., will invite visitors to Synagogue District for a journey of discovery into the history, tradition, and culture of the UNESCO World Heritage ShUM Sites Speyer, Worms, and Mainz. Other events will take place during the "Wormser Weinmeile" on April 25 and 26 and on UNESCO World Heritage Day on June 7. The SchUMobil will also be present at the "Wormser Kulturnacht" on June 13. A special highlight will be the children's workshop "Reading and Writing with Jakub: A Journey Back in Time." In this free workshop organized by ShUM-Cities e.V., participants will hear the story of Jakub, an orphan who was trained as a sorcerer’s apprentice in Worms by the Jewish scholar MaHaRiL. Jakub had to pass an exam to prove himself. Participants will learn the Hebrew alphabet, the Alef-Bet, alongside Jakub and discover the unique Jewish heritage along the Rhine with the SchUMobil in a playful way.

About the SchUMobil
The SchUMobil is an educational program that takes place in public spaces. It offers visitors a compact and easily accessible journey through Germany’s first Jewish UNESCO World Heritage Site. It highlights the global and regional significance of ShUM. What exactly is SchUM? Which World Heritage components are in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, and what makes them special? Which Jewish rituals and customs are part of Ashkenazi everyday culture? Small, interactive stations - such as the engaging "Did You Know?" panels - invite visitors of all ages to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site in a playful way. Learning about the rich Jewish history along the Rhine and the coexistence of Christians and Jews fosters mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect that lasts.
In 2023, the city of Worms developed the SchUMobil in collaboration with the ShUM-Cities e.V. for the UNESCO World Heritage ShUM Sites Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, expanding it in 2024.

The Old Jewish Cemetery "Heiliger Sand" has existed since the 11th century. It is Europe’s oldest in situ Jewish cemetery and is located outside the medieval city limits. Its 2,500 gravestones bear witness to centuries of history, making the cemetery a unique cultural monument of international significance. Many prominent scholars and rabbis are buried here, which is why the site remains an important destination for Jewish believers from all over the world.

Since July 2021, the cemetery has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ShUM-Sites Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, alongside the synagogue district, including the synagogue, the Rashi Yeshiva, the mikveh, and the Rashi-House.

Starting March 20, a one-hour guided tour of “Heiliger Sand” will take place every Friday at 3 p.m. During the tour, guides will explain the cemetery's unique features, history, and distinctive atmosphere.

In November, the tours will begin at 2 p.m., except for Friday, May 22, and September 11 and 25.

The Tourist Information office offers the tour for individual guests and small groups of up to six people. Male visitors must wear a head covering.

Tickets cost €10.00 and are available online at www.ticket-regional.de/tiworms until the start of the tour. They are also available in advance at the Tourist Information office, the Shop am Dom, and all other Ticket Regional advance sales locations. Children 14 and under are free.

Many contemporary Jewish traditions appear to be time-honored and deeply rooted in the religion. For example, the separation of men and women in the synagogue is often regarded as a self-evident practice. However, a closer look reveals that many of these customs have a long history of development shaped by cultural and historical influences.

Dr. Friederike Schöpf, a renowned expert on ancient Judaism, medieval synagogues, and the development of women's sections in synagogues at the Institute for Jewish Studies at the University of Münster, will trace the origins of women's synagogues in her hybrid lecture. She will also open up new perspectives on religious life in the ShUM communities through these unique spaces.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Landesmuseum Mainz, Große Bleiche 49-51, 55116 Mainz

Please register by email by March 30 at 12:00 p.m. at anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de. The access link will be sent to participants by email after the registration deadline. Participation is free of charge.

The moment had finally arrived on July 27, 2021, at 3:47 p.m. After years of effort, the ShUM-Sites in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site— the first Jewish World Heritage Site in Germany and a site of global significance. To mark the first anniversary of “Jerusalem on the Rhine,” the ShUM-Cities Speyer, Worms, Mainz Association, together with ShUM-Cities 2026, is holding a year of colorful celebrations.
The Jewish communities in the three cathedral cities on the Rhine—Speyer, Worms, and Mainz—have been closely linked since the Middle Ages and have had an immense influence on the architecture, culture, liturgical poetry, and religious law of Northern, Central, and Eastern European Judaism (Ashkenaz). Since then, the ShUM communities have been regarded as the center and cradle of Ashkenazi Judaism. Exemplary synagogue buildings, impressive and pioneering ritual baths, and the oldest preserved Jewish cemeteries in Europe were established here and can still be discovered today as testimonies to the rich Jewish life of the past. These sites are exceptional reminders of the 1,000-year history of Jews along the Rhine. The term ShUM is composed of the initial letters of the Hebrew city names: Schpira – Speyer, Warmaisa – Worms, and Magenza – Mainz. The ShUM sites and their heritage connect Jewish history with European and global history. Birgit Kita, the Site-Manager of the ShUM-Sites and the executive director of ShUM-Cities e.V., emphasizes the outstanding significance of the World Heritage Site: "Five years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important milestone, yet ShUM has resonated throughout the Jewish world for nearly 1,000 years. The architecture, culture, and religious traditions that emerged here tell a unique story of the dark and bright times of Jewish life along the Rhine — a story that continues to shape identity in Germany and around the world to this day. Nowhere else are these historical traces preserved as impressively as in the 'Jerusalem on the Rhine".

Throughout the year, visitors can look forward to a diverse program ranging from exhibitions and festive events, such as the opening of the first ShUM Visitor Center in Mainz, the ceremonial presentation of copies of the World Heritage Certificate to the ShUM-Cities e. V. board members, and a festive annual celebration in Speyer, to academic lectures and workshops. "World Heritage connects us across time, religions, cultures, and borders. We look forward to celebrating the international significance of Jewish life with local residents and people from the region through the events of this anniversary year," said Birgit Kita.
Stefanie Seiler, chair of the board and mayor of the city of Speyer, adds: "The world has looked to ShUM since the Middle Ages. For five years now, our serial World Heritage Site has represented a history of international significance, as well as our shared responsibility to carry this heritage of humanity further into the world. The opening of the first World Heritage visitor center in Mainz and the presentation of copies of the World Heritage Certificate in Speyer highlight the collaborative efforts of all those involved. At the same time, this makes it clear that the significance of ShUM can only be fully experienced through collaboration among the participating cities."

What do the pyramids of Giza, Cologne Cathedral, the Old City of Jerusalem, the Wadden Sea, Hadrian's Wall, and Trier Cathedral have in common? The answer is the concept of UNESCO World Heritage, which aims to protect, preserve, communicate, and safeguard exceptional sites and landscapes for future generations.

Our new lecture series, "Heritage Talks," invites you to carry this idea forward and discover the stories behind World Heritage Sites alongside experts. In collaboration with the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage RLP, specifically the Secretariat for World Heritage in Rhineland-Palatinate, and the State Museum Mainz, we aim to foster connections among people, transcending time, cultures, and borders.

At our kickoff event on January 13, 2026, Friederike Hansell, Head of the World Heritage Coordination Office at the Federal Foreign Office, will give a keynote speech about UNESCO's criteria and its work. This will be followed by a discussion with Dr. Stefanie Hahn, Head of the "Cultural Heritage, World Cultural Heritage" Division at the Ministry of the Interior and Sport of Rhineland-Palatinate, and Prof. Brigitte Mang, a member of the Monitoring Group of the German National Committee of ICOMOS. They will discuss the World Heritage Sites in Rhineland-Palatinate, their particular challenges, and the rich cultural heritage in Germany and beyond. Birgit Kita, the managing director of ShUM-Cities e.V. and site manager of the ShUM-Sites, will moderate the evening.

We cordially invite you to attend this hybrid lecture. As space is limited for in-person attendance, please register by January 12 at 12 p.m. by email to anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de. The access link for online participation will be sent via email after the registration deadline. Participation is free of charge.

Jewish culture and music are integral to European and German culture. For this reason, internationally acclaimed concert guitarist Lucian Plessner developed an exciting musical program for the 2021 “1700 Years of Jewish Life in Germany” anniversary year, which has been touring successfully ever since. The program, Jewish Music — What Is It?" Sephardic and Ashkenazi Musical Creations from Al-Andalus to Modern Europe and America, is a musical journey from the early Middle Ages to the present day. It combines impressive compositions with reflections on Jewish artists' willingness and ability to integrate into different countries and eras. Jewish composers from the United States and Latin America have also contributed their works to this unique program.

Starting in November 2025, Plessner will present the program for the first time in Germany, in the ShUM-Cities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz.

Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. Worms
SchUM-Lab, Neumarkt 10, 67547 Worms
Register at laura.karnasch_at_schumstaedte.de.

Sunday, November 30, 2025, 5 p.m. Speyer
Beith Shalom Synagogue, Am Weidenberg 3, 67346 Speyer
Registration: laura.karnasch_at_schumstaedte.de.

Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. Mainz
Landesmuseum Mainz, Große Bleiche 49-51, 55116 Mainz
Registration: anmeldung_at_gdke.rlp.de.

The concert series is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland Security, as well as the Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life and the Fight Against Anti-Semitism, Dr. Felix Klein. Thanks to this generous sponsorship, participation is free of charge.

From September 7 to December 6, the ShUM-Cities Speyer, Worms, and Mainz will host the ShUM Culture Days 2025 to showcase the rich history, lively traditions, and creative expressions of Jewish life in the Upper Rhine region in a special way. The diverse program includes concerts ranging from jazz to pop, as well as readings, theater tours, inspiring lectures, discussion panels, and exhibitions. Whether you are a culture fan, history lover, or curious explorer, the ShUM Culture Days appeal to a wide audience and offer a meeting place where interreligious dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared celebration take center stage.

Speyer: September 27 to November 23
Worms: October 27 to November 16
Mainz: September 7 to December 6

For more information and program flyers, visit www.schumstaedte.de/schum/schum-kulturtage/ or follow @welterbe.schum on social media.