Worms kicked things off back in 2005 with its “Culture Days,” and Mainz followed suit in 2018 with its “Jewish Culture Days.” Since 2020, the city of Speyer has also been participating with its own program. All three cities showcase vibrant Jewish culture through their respective “SchUM Culture Days” programs.

As early as the 10th century, the Jewish communities based in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz began to flourish (then named “SchUM” communities after their Hebrew initial letters), which had a decisive influence on the architecture of synagogues and ritual baths, as well as on burial customs, for all of Central European—that is, Ashkenazi—Judaism. Furthermore, through their scholars, they established liturgical chants and prayers that remain relevant to Jews worldwide to this day.