4 insights into the latest research

Danish Jewish Museum's lecture series at the Folkeuniversitetet in the fall of 2025

In this series of lectures, we delve into the nooks and crannies of the latest research at the Danish Jewish Museum. We will illuminate aspects of the lives of Danish Jews from the 1600th to the 1900th century, from fashion and cultural life to the persecution of Jews.

1. Between tolerance and anti-Semitism. The view of Jews in 1500th and 1600th century Denmark-Norway by Janus Møller Jensen

In 1622, King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway invited Jews to reside in his realms. At the same time, the Lutheran-Evangelical Church expressed that Jews should in no way be tolerated in a Christian society. The lecture discusses the view of Jews in the 4th and 1500th centuries and provides completely new perspectives on the establishment of Jewish life in Denmark.

2. From chess player to court tailor by Thomas Egebæk

Great tailoring traditions and clothing design are not the first things that come to mind when the topic of Danish Jewish history comes up. However, Danish history is full of Jews who have influenced our clothing: From 1700th and 1800th century second-hand clothing traders to the largest clothing chains in Denmark to a court tailor for Queen Margrethe II.

3. Jewish Patrons 1850-1920 by Sara Fredfeldt Stadager

From the mid-1800th century there was a boom in Jewish patronage. The Jewish bourgeoisie had amassed fortunes over several decades and during this period they seriously gave back to Danish society. But how do you pay back to society? Especially when you are not necessarily a welcome part of society. 

4. Holiday pictures from the escape – photo albums from Danish Jews' refugee stay in Sweden 1943-1945 by Signe Bergman Larsen

In October 1943, the vast majority of Danish Jews managed to escape from Nazi persecution to Sweden. Here, they faced a year and a half of life as refugees. Some very special photo albums provide a unique insight into and images of the time in exile. They help us understand how the stay was remembered in the families.