Vincent’s Purim: The Forgotten Miracle of Frankfurt

When news of the destruction of the Frankfurt Jewish community reached Emperor Matthias of Germany, he was enraged. The Jews were considered his private property, “servants of the emperor” and any attack on them meant an assault on the state treasury. He saw it as a rebellion.

In 1661, Prince Matthias ascended to the throne of Germany. The city of Frankfurt was chosen for a grand coronation ceremony. The mayor of Frankfurt called a council meeting to announce the decision, explaining that the event would bring significant income to the city. Suddenly, a harsh voice interrupted: “We won’t profit from this. As always, the Jews, who exploit us, will.”

This was Vincent Fettmilch, head of the Bakers’ Guild. A strong and aggressive man, he declared that unless his demand to expel half of the city’s Jews and impose fines and restrictions on the rest was met, the bakers would boycott the coronation.

The mayor saw trouble ahead. Vincent had strong political influence and could not be persuaded. Soon, he gained a majority in the city council and led the filing of an official complaint to the emperor. They accused the Jews of harming Christians and demanded a reduction in rights and the expulsion of many Jews. The emperor rejected their demands.

Enraged, Vincent and his followers attacked the ghetto. The Jews fought bravely, day and night, but by morning, they surrendered. Many were killed. The survivors were gathered in the cemetery, where they were ordered to leave immediately and taking nothing with them.

Homeless and helpless, they scattered to nearby cities and wandered across Germany. The suffering was terrible, and no one knew how or when it would end.

Then came the miracle.

When Emperor Matthias heard what happened, he was furious. The Jews were under his protection, and this attack was an insult to the crown. He sent a special envoy to Frankfurt with clear orders: arrest and try Vincent Fettmilch, return the Jews to the city, rebuild their homes, and pay them compensation.

Vincent refused to surrender and continued his rebellion. But he was captured, tried as a traitor, and sentenced to death. His execution was set for the 20th of Adar.

On the 19th of Adar, the Jews returned to Frankfurt in a joyous procession. They entered the city through the same gate where Vincent and his rebels had been taken to the gallows. Some passed through it to dishonor, and others, now, to honor.

Soldiers carrying flags and drummers led the way. At the front were two community leaders. One held a drum and beat a joyful rhythm. The other carried the emperor’s emblem, a proud eagle. From that day forward, they were given the surnames “Trommler” (Drummer) and “Adler” (Eagle), ancestors of the famous Adler family, from whom the great Rabbi Nathan Adler descended.

The streets of the ghetto had been piled with garbage, placed there in hatred. Soldiers ordered it cleared, and the Jews entered with dignity. They removed Vincent Fettmilch’s head from the gallows and hung it on the city wall. His home was destroyed by imperial command and replaced with a “Pillar of Disgrace.” The inscription, in German and Latin, told the story: Vincent lost two fingers, then his head. His body was quartered and hung at the city’s gates. His wife and son were banished, and the house leveled. The pillar stood as a warning: “I, the pillar, stand here as a faithful warning.”

From that year on, the 19th of Adar became a fast day, and the 20th a day of celebration, “Vincent’s Purim.” In eternal memory, the “Megillah of Vincent” was written and read every year on this day.