The ensembles, monuments and cemeteries of the medieval Jewish communities of Speyer, Worms and Mainz reach back to the beginnings of Jewish history in Askenaz. In Mainz, around the middle of the 10th century at the latest, a Jewish community, which is considered by the Jews of the Rhineland as their mother community. Around 1000, the Jewish Community in Worms follows; in 1084 the Speyer Jewish Community is established.

Over long periods of time, the Rhenish communities can claim an unchallenged leading role for Ashkenazi Judaism. Their buildings and community centers are exemplary for the architecture and burial culture in the high medieval diaspora.