Lepers and Leprosy in Jerusalem in the 19th & 20th Centuries: The Establishment of the German Leper Homes 1867-1918
Avraham Morgenshtern
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Lepers and Leprosy in Jerusalem in the 19th & 20th Centuries: The Establishment of the German Leper Homes 1867-1918 by Avraham Morgenshtern is a comprehensive historical study documenting the German-Protestant leper hospitals in Jerusalem during this period. The book examines social attitudes toward leprosy, the religious and medical approaches to the disease, and the role of these institutions in Ottoman Jerusalem.
This new, revised, and updated edition includes 35 rare restored photographs, offering unparalleled visual documentation that enhances the historical account.
Text in Hebrew with English title page and summary, Softcover, 140 pages, 35 images, 14.8X21 cm, 5.8X8.2 in, 0.26 kg, 0.6 lbs, Second, Revised and Updated, 2018, ISBN/Code 978-965-7459-43-0
An important and compelling historical work that captures a period of profound upheaval in the history of the Land of Israel, providing readers with a unique view of medical practices and attitudes toward disease in the era before the advent of antibiotics.
— Lee-On Gilad, Harefuah, Book Review, March 2021
About the Book
The book traces the origins and development of leper hospitals in Jerusalem, beginning with the 1865 visit of German baroness Augusta Kappenbrink-Aschraden von Nehringen. Moved by the sight of lepers at the city gates, she initiated efforts to establish a hospital with the backing of Bishop Samuel Gobat and the Moravian Church.
The study explores the Moravian Church’s distinctive mission, centered on providing care for chronically ill and marginalized communities rather than seeking conversion. It documents the social exclusion of lepers, their harsh living conditions, and the lack of governmental support.
The narrative follows the establishment of the first leper hospital outside the city walls near Mamilla Pool and its later relocation to a purpose-built complex in Talbiya. Combining archival research, travel accounts, urban history, and restored visual materials, the book is a definitive study of Jerusalem’s medical, social, and urban history.
About the Author
Avraham Morgenshtern is a historian specializing in the history of Jerusalem and the Jewish community in the Land of Israel from the 19th century through the early 20th century. His research focuses on the intersection of society, religion, medicine, and urban life, based on extensive archival research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the book about?
The history of people affected by leprosy and the leper hospitals in Jerusalem.
What makes this book unique?
In-depth historical research featuring 35 rare restored photographs.
Which period does it cover?
From the mid-19th century to the end of World War I (1865–1918).
Who is this book for?
Scholars and general readers interested in Jerusalem, medical history, and social history.
Why is it important?
It documents a neglected population and a remarkable medical and social institution in Jerusalem..
Key Topics
The history of leprosy in Jerusalem
Medical, social, and public health history
Protestant and Moravian missionary work
Life and society in Ottoman Jerusalem
Care for marginalized communities
Leper hospitals and organized institutional care
Urban growth and development beyond the city walls
Restored historical photographs and archival documentation
