Amber is a gemstone formed from the fossilization of certain tree resins in the Earth’s crust. Considered one of the most unique and rare gemstones, most of the world’s amber sources are in the Baltic Sea region. The historical center of the amber industry developed in the city of Königsberg, under German rule.

Among the key figures in this history, Moritz Baker stands out — a wealthy and respected businessman in the local Jewish community. Baker helped develop the amber industry and spread it throughout the world. Records from that time reveal his central role in the Königsberg synagogue, where he served as one of the prominent lay leaders. He also supported the Jewish community by providing favorable employment opportunities to his brethren.

Later, during the Soviet era, another Jew, Ernst Liss, became known as the manager of the large amber factory in Yantarny (formerly Palmenniken) on the Baltic coast of the Kaliningrad region, which replaced the name Königsberg. Under his leadership, the factory became central in Russia and earned international recognition through exhibitions and awards. Its amber products became a symbol of quality and an integral part of Russian culture.

The Amber Museum in Kaliningrad, which houses the world’s largest state exhibition on amber, is located in the “Dohna” fortress, built about 175 years ago as part of the Königsberg fortification system. Named after Prussian Field Marshal Friedrich Karl Dohna, the fortress became a cultural center and memorial site after the war. Today, it features a spectacular collection of stones of various weights, colors, and translucencies, centered around the “Sunstone” — the largest block of amber in Russia, weighing over 4 kilograms. The site attracts countless tourists from around the world.

This week, the sound of the shofar was heard for the first time within the fortress walls. The occasion marked the opening of a new exhibition featuring rare photographs, archival documents, and antique amber products. The event was attended by government representatives, descendants of Ernst Liss, Kaliningrad Jewish community head Mr. Eliezer Yermiyahu Flitman, and Jewish Museum director Mrs. Sarah Miriam Oisvoit, whose cooperation helped bring the project to life as a tribute to Jewish heritage.

Of special note was the participation of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s emissary in Kaliningrad, Rabbi Avraham Baruch Deutsch, who was invited to deliver greetings and blessings. He spoke about the approaching holiday of Rosh Hashana and the meaning of the shofar, quoting from a letter by Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar about the blessings it draws into the world.

At the conclusion of his words, Rabbi Deutsch blew the shofar. The audience stood in awe, expressing deep appreciation for the work of the city’s Jewish community on behalf of residents and visitors to Kaliningrad throughout the year.

Photo: Amber Museum spokeswoman