The word “Mahzor,” means “cycle" and is familiar to most Jews as the term used for the prayer book for the High Holidays and festivals. However, in medieval times, the term Mahzor was used to refer to prayerbooks that contained the complete cycle of prayers for the entire year.

The Bamberg Mahzor, completed in Bamberg, Germany, in 1279, includes prayers for the entire year according to Ashkenazi custom. It is distinguished by its Ashkenazi script and the style of its decoration. 

The large arch or gate on this page surrounds a liturgical poem for Rosh Hashana, which begins with the “Melekh” (“King”), appropriately enlarge to emphasize God’s kingship on this day of judgment.