AMNON OF MAINZ

(fl. 10th cent)

   German martyr. After attempts by the Bishop of Mainz to convert him, he asked for three days to consider the matter. When he failed to appear he was brought by force; his arms and legs were amputated and salt was poured on his wounds. On Rosh ha-Shanah he was carried to the synagogue where he recited the hymn 'U-Netannah Tokeph' ('Let us declare the mighty importance') and died. He later appeared to Kalonymus ben Meshullam in a dream and taught him the entire prayer. It is recited in synagogues on Rosh ha-Shanah.