This postcard, designed by Hermann Junker, illustrates the search for chametz on the eve of Pesach in a Jewish household in Germany. A lit candlestick can be seen on the table, and the family is also using a candle to search for chametz. On the right of the illustration is a caption in German which reads: “The Easter Festival, search for chametz, (getting rid of chametz).”
It seems that the word Osterfest (Easter festival) was used interchangeably in German culture for both Easter and Passover.
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Bedikat Chametz - Bedikat Chametz is the tradition of searching the house for chametz (leaven) that may have be forgotten and removing it before the start of the festival. The ceremonial search is performed by candlelight on the night before the Seder. Any chametz found is burnt the following day, traditionally in a bonfire, and any chametz not found is considered as "the dust of the earth."
Jewish Community of Frankfurt - Jews have been living in Frankfurt since the middle of the twelfth century, longer than any other German city. Frankfurt became a centre for European Jews. It was a very wealthy community, hosting a number of important yeshivas and producing many leading figures.
