JACOB JR, MY JEWISH WORLD. CESKY KRUMLOV/CZECH REPUBLIC

Sunday, Cheshvan 5, 5777. November 6, 2016.

Shalom! World.

This charming town experienced its greatest prosperity during the rule of Lords of Rozmberk (1302-1602), who chose Cesky Krumlov to become the seat  of their kimgdom. At this time, Krumlov lay on the crossroads between the Czech, Austrian, Bavarian and Northern Italian lands.

You can see the influence of these different cultures that have left their mark on the town and Castle with brushsttrokes of the Italian Renaissance. At the end of 17th century, during the reign of House of Eggenberg, the Castle Gardens were renovated. Under the rule of House of Schwarzenberg, Cesky Krumlov gained  its Baroque appearance. Cesky Krumlov's Old Town hasn't experienced major changes since the 19th century, other than the demolition of the town's fortification walls and guard towers, and has maitained its historic character. 

Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lively, cosmopolitan town with a unique atmosphere surrounded by unspoiled countryside. Dominated by the Castle stretching over the meandering Vltava River, Cesky Krumlov's narrow cobblestone streets wind along romantic nooks between patrician houses where you'll find attrractive exhibits of world-renown artists, music festivals and concerts, and theatre performances. The cosy inns, coffee shops, and ancient taverns entertaint a diverse international crowd.

According to the few existing sources of information concerning the settlement of Jews in Southern Bohemia, is it clear that until 1848 the towns were strongly opposed to Jewish settlements. If a Jew had business in Krumlov, then he had to stay overnight outside the town, in most cases at the inn known as "Hanelwirtshaus" (Hana's Inn) on Kalschinger Street. Also he had to announce his presence to the police, manage his business during the day, and then return to his home town.

From the Krumlov police records of 26 August 1845, we know that the familiant Abraham Hajek from Stahlec - in the Tábor region - reported that on 19 August 1845 his wife Judith, Julie nee Kaff, had given him a son, who was named Salomon at his circumcission on 26 August 1845. According to the files of 1845, this family, Hajek, Kaff is probably the oldest Jewish family in Krumlov. They lived in the suburb of Spitzzenberg, where they ossupied a prayer room. 

In Krumlov, the Jews founded a prayer association which later became the Jewish Community of Krumlov. The founder and first chairman was a manufacturer, Ignaz Spiro, who was born on 21 July 1817 in Kalenitz in Bohemia (Kalenice v cechach). He undertook Talmudic studies at the Yeshiva in Kalladay (Kolodeje nad Luznici) and wanted to become a rabbi. Despite his profound piety, he  felt that he was not born to such a high vocation and started to manufacture paper instead.

Shalom! Aleichem.

Suporte cultural:  Jacob Jr. B.A.C.E., avec L'Integration d'Association avec Israel et dans le Monde/Cz.