Storytelling items behind 1,700 years of German-Jewish history

One of the oldest items of the exhibition "Shared History" is this oil lamp from the 4th century decorated with a depiction of a menorah A menorah is a lampstand for seven lamps and one of the most important symbols of Judaism. This oil lamp was found in the western German city of Trier, but the motive suggests it was produced elsewhere, probably in Carthage, an ancient city in Northern Africa.

In the Middle Ages, the Rhineland was famous all over Europe for its goldsmiths. Historical testimonies and archaeological finds show that Jews and Christians alike were masters of the art. This earring was found in 2011 during an excavation in Cologne.The aim of the excavation was to secure and document the material remains of Jewish life in the city.

This pair of spectacles belonged to Jewish philosopher Moses Mendelssohn. In the 18th century, he paved the way for Jewish Enlightenment and made a case for a dialogue between Christianity and Judaism. His friend Gotthold Ephraim Lessing paid a masterly tribute to Mendelssohn's views in his drama "Nathan the Wise."

The famous poet and writer was born into a Jewish family. After his law studies however, he converted to Christianity to improve his chances of finding a job. Later, he would regret his decision: "I am hated alike by Jew and Christian," he wrote. "I regret very deeply that I had myself baptized." Even today, Heine is a controversial figure in Israel because of his decision.

This miracle cure for syphilis, called Salvarsan, was a milestone in medical research and one of the achievements of the Jewish chemist Paul Ehrlich. He was one of the first to use modern equipment like test tubes. Despite facing resentment and discrimination for being a Jew, he became a successful scientist and was honored with the Nobel Prize in 1908.

Around 100,000 German Jews fought in World War I, including sailor Max Haller, who voluntarily joined the submarine fleet in 1915. He was awarded the Iron Cross for his service. Later, he started a business. On April 1, 1933, when Nazis boycotted Jewish institutions, he put up his medals for display on his shop window — and his shop was largely left untouched.

In former East Germany, the so-called "Simson-Schwalbe" or the Simson Swallow was legendary and sold over a million models. But the story behind the moped is less known: Simson was the name of the Jewish brothers who founded the company in 1856. Later, the firm was confiscated by the Nazis, and they had to flee. The company was never returned to the Simsons' heirs, who got compensation instead.

Altogether, 58 such objects are displayed on the "Shared History Project" website. The project was created by the Leo Black Institute in New York and Berlin. Starting February 28, a new object will be selected every week and explained to the public in the virtual gallery. Exhibits include archaeological finds, paintings and also projects like the Stumbling Blocks, commemorating Holocaust victims.