Caption title: Haben wir nicht Alle einen Vater? Hat uns nicht Alle ein Gott geschaffen?
Physical Description
Wall hanging : Ink on cotton ; 27" x 26", 68.6 cm x 66 cm
Date
1870
Notes
One of four identical wall hangings. The others are cataloged as 2006.161, 2006.162, and 2018.23.
Summary
Red and black on cloth. Commemorates the Yom Kippur service of Jewish soldiers in the German Army during the siege of the Fortress of Metz, 1870. The image depicted shows a vast field and hills with thousands of soldiers surrounding a makeshift arc with a torah, and a rabbi conducting. A note enclosed with the hangings: "The German Jewish newspaper Algemeine Zeitung Des Judenthums in its issue of November 1, 1870 carries the report of the Rabbi who conducted the Yom Kippur service near Metz. The service was conducted in two adjoining rooms of a country hostelry for a relatively small group of soldiers. The large open air service was a figment of the artist's imagination."-----The Siege of Metz lasting from September 3, – October 23, 1870 was a crushing defeat for the French army during the Franco-Prussian War (1870/71). After being defeated at the Battle of Gravelotte, Marshal Bazaine retreated into the defenses of Metz. There he was besieged by the Prussian Second Army lead by Prince Friedrich Karl on September 3. The French attempted to break the siege first at Noiseville and again at Bellevue but were repulsed each time. Although no call for help was made, the French Army of Châlons under the commanded of Marshal Mac-Mahon was nevertheless ordered to reinforce Bazaine. Marching to Metz, the Army of Châlons was trapped and destroyed at the Battle of Sedan. Bazaine was forced to surrender his entire army on October 23, 1870. Prince Friedrich Karl and the Prussian Second Army were now free to move against the French force in the Loire River area.
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Citation
Unknown Artist: Wall hanging commemorating Yom Kippur service, Metz, 1870, Leo Baeck Institute, 2006.12.