Historic First: The Sound of the Shofar Heard in the Historic Amber Castle
“Amber” is a gemstone formed from the fossilization of resin from certain trees. It is considered one of the most unique and rare gemstones, with most of the world’s amber sources located in the Baltic Sea region. The historical center of the amber industry developed in the city of Königsberg, which was at the time under German rule.
Among the key figures in this history was a Jew named Moritz Becker, a wealthy and respected businessman in the local Jewish community at the time. Becker developed the amber industry and spread it worldwide. In documents from that period, one can see his prominent status in the main synagogue of Königsberg, where he was counted among the city’s notables, as well as his significant assistance to his fellow Jews by providing them with jobs.
A later period in the Amber industry is associated with another Jew, Ernst Liss, who managed the largest amber factory during the Soviet era in the city of Yantarny (in German: Palmnicken) on the Baltic Sea coast in the Kaliningrad region, which replaced the name Königsberg. During his tenure, the factory became a central hub in Russia and even gained international recognition through exhibitions and prestigious awards. The amber products made there became a symbol of quality and an integral part of Russian culture.
The Amber Museum in Kaliningrad, which houses the world’s largest state exhibition on amber, is located in the Dohna Castle, built about 175 years ago as part of Königsberg’s fortification system. The castle, named after the Prussian Field Marshal Friedrich Karl Dohna, became a memorial site and cultural center dedicated to amber after the war. Its displays feature a stunning collection of stones in various weights, colors, and transparencies, with the centerpiece being the “Sun Stone” – the largest amber piece in Russia, weighing 4 kg and 280 grams. It’s no wonder the place attracts throngs of tourists and visitors.
This week, the sound of the shofar was heard for the first time within the castle’s walls. A new exhibition opened, featuring rare photographs and documents from archives, museums, and family collections, alongside unique ancient amber products. The opening event was attended by various government and foundation representatives, as well as descendants of Ernst Liss, the legendary Jewish factory manager in Yantarny, the head of the Kaliningrad Jewish community, Mr. Eliezer Yirmiyahu Fleitman, and the director of the Jewish Museum in Kaliningrad, Mrs. Sarah Miriam Oysbuyt. Thanks to her collaboration, this event was held with respect for the Jewish people and their heritage.
Special attention was given to the emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Kaliningrad, Rabbi Avraham Baruch Deitsch, who was invited to bless the audience. In his remarks, he explained the significance of the approaching Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgment when “all the inhabitants of the world pass before Him like sheep,” and continued by quoting from a blessing letter sent by Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Berel Lazar.
At the conclusion of his words Rabbi Deitsch blew the shofar. The event attendees expressed great appreciation for the work of the Jewish community in the city on behalf of all its residents and the many visitors who come to Kaliningrad throughout the year.
Photo: Amber Museum Press Office
