Synagogue Inscription from the City of Worms

This inscription is the oldest artifact we have from a synagogue in Europe. It says that Jacob ben David and his wife, Rahel, used their fortune to construct and furnish the synagogue, which was completed in 1034. They express the belief that this act of piety is as pleasing to God as having children. (Jüdisches Museum im Raschihaus, Worms, Germany.)