Photo: Andreas Hafenscher

Schewa Kehilot

Eisenstadt, Burgenland

ausstellungmuseumstour

The first Jewish settlers in the area of today's Burgenland appeared sporadically as early as the 14th and 15th centuries, but Jewish life here only flourished after the Esterházy family established themselves as rulers from the 17th century onwards. Paul I, Prince Esterházy, who, probably under the influence of Emperor Leopold I's expulsion of Jews from Vienna and Lower Austria in 1670/71, had also expelled his Jews from the communities of Eisenstadt, Mattersdorf, and Lackenbach in 1671, resettled Jews in his dominions from 1676 after resuming a pro-Jewish policy. From 1739 until the end of the Esterházy patronage in 1848, the princely Jewish communities, widely known since then as the "Seven Communities," existed. Subsequently, a vibrant economic and intellectual-cultural life developed in these communities. For the first time, an exhibition in the Moreausaal of Eisenstadt Castle is now dedicated to Jewish life under the Esterházy princely family as patrons. It thus explores previously little-known and under-researched aspects of Jewish history in the former Esterházy dominions in what was then western Hungarian territory. Mostly unknown historical documents and publications, plans, maps, and objects are shown, offering multifaceted insights into the living conditions and circumstances of the protected Jews in their communities.