Jost Liebmann

Jost Liebmann was a Court Jew in Berlin. He and his wife, Esther, worked together and were among the wealthiest Jews in Berlin. They also used their wealth to sponsor Berlin’s sole synagogue, which functioned in their home.

In 1676, Jost Liebmann married Esther Aaron who was first married to Israel Aaron (d. 1673), Brandenburg court supplier and founder of the Berlin Jewish community. She secured permission for Liebmann to work and settle in Berlin.

The Liebmanns worked together and were among the wealthiest Jews in Berlin, were the main court jewelers, assisting Frederick I of Prussia to acquire a sizable collection of precious stones and objects. The couple was influential in the Jewish community and had secured positions for their sons and other family members as rabbis in various communities in Prussia. In 1684, Jost and Esther received permission to sponsor Berlin’s sole synagogue, which functioned in their home.

After Jost’s death in 1701, Esther Liebmann successfully carried on their business until her death in 1714.