Sally Bodenheimer Collection

The Sally Bodenheimer collection has a direct bearing on Jewish history in Germany and Austria throughout the 16th to 19th centuries and well into the middle of the 20th century. It encompasses manuscripts, rare printed documents, autograph letters, stamps, artwork (engravings), posters, broadsides, photographs, ex-libris, and various memorabilia.

205 handwritten or signed print-documents by then Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, Electors of Germany, and officials in charge of internal affairs, regulating the life of Jews concerning their movements, expulsions, appointments, laws on Kashrus, etc. The oldest document is the oath to keep the peace of Isaac son of Gomprecht of Wonneck, 1494; eight documents are from the 17th century; 94 from the 18th century; 80 from the 19th century; and 22 documents are undated but within the period of the others; 13 documents are in Arabic.

200 pieces of pictorial Judaica illustrate the customs and manners of the Jews in early engravings, both in color and in black and white, original drawings, woodcuts, lithographs from the 17th to the 20th century, including ceremonial customs, dress, portraits, views of synagogue interiors etc.

209 autographed letters until 1958 represent exchanges between the gifted Jewish intellectuals, such as authors, artists, religious leaders, philosophers and scientists. Also included are 56 entries in the friendship book (Stammbuch) of Rebekka Bielefeld.

Posters and leaflets reflect the cultural activities as well as the inflammatory anti-Semitic material issued by various organizations over the years.

Memorabilia contain identification and registration cards, documents from mutual aid and self-help societies, expressions of personal esteem between individuals (Rosh Hashana card) and other facets of Jewish life. Also included are 19 visiting cards, one memorial tablet, and 73 ex-libris plaques.

Philatelic pieces include 132 un-canceled stamps commemorating Jewish events and prominent figures, as well as 11 canceled stamps with anti-Semitic slogans.