The book "Leuchte des Exils, Zeugnisse jüdischen Lebens in Mainz und Bingen" (Light of Exile, Testimonies of Jewish Life in Mainz and Bingen) was presented at the New Synagogue in Mainz on November 22, 2016.

The association of Jewish communities in the three Middle Rhine SchUM cities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz in the Middle Ages had a lasting impact on the culture, religion, and jurisprudence of the Jewish diaspora in Central and Eastern Europe. The joint application by the three cities for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List was a reason to compile annotated documentation of Jewish sources and materials from the SchUM cities – beginning with Mainz.

The material ranges from the first mention of Jewish settlement in the 9th century to the treatment of Jewish history in the postwar period. The sources report on the cultural flourishing of Judaism, successful integration and acculturation, as well as experiences of suffering, persecution, and extermination.

"Light of Exile. Evidence of Jewish life in Mainz and Bingen." Hans Berkessel, Hedwig Brüchert, Wolfgang Dobras, Ralph Erbar, Frank Teske (eds.). 184 pages, 50 illustrations, 21 x 26 cm, hardcover, EUR 17.90. ISBN: 978-3-945751-69-5