Lippold ben Chluchim

Lippold ben Chluchim was a prominent German-Jewish financier and mint-master who played a significant role in the court of Joachim II Hector, Elector of Brandenburg. Born in 1530, he served as a court Jew to the Elector, providing financial support for various endeavors, including Joachim's alchemy experiments. Lippold's position and influence in the court were notable, reflecting his expertise and capabilities in the field of finance.

Lippold's life took a tragic turn after Joachim's death in 1571, as he was falsely accused of poisoning the Elector. This baseless accusation sparked an anti-Jewish mob, leading to the plundering of homes, desecration of the synagogue, and the expulsion of all Jews from Brandenburg. Lippold himself was imprisoned and ultimately killed in 1573, suffering a brutal death by being burned and quartered in the town square. Centuries later, his legacy was misused in an antisemitic textbook by Ernst Dobers, who criticized Lippold for his alleged excessive interest rates, further perpetuating a negative and inaccurate image of this historical figure.