Arnstein (County of Main-Spessart, Lower Franconia)
Former Synagouge Arnstein inside, © Volker Müllerklein
Former Synagogue
Jews were living in Arnstein as early as the Middle Ages. In addition to a school and mikveh (ritual bath) the Jewish community built a synagogue in 1819; renovations were undertaken in 1869, 1905 and 1934. The increasingly anti-Jewish atmosphere in the 1930s prompted many local Jews to emigrate. The synagogue was no longer used for religious services. After the pogrom of November 1938, the community’s last two Jewish residents fled. The synagogue itself remained standing; all its contents were burned in the pogrom. A neighbor bought the building and used it as a workshop and apartment.
After the post-war restitution process, the building remained in private hands until 1979. In the 1990s, the city acquired the building and had it modernized. From 2009 to 2012, a renovation was carried out. An exhibition was erected on the two women’s galleries. The prayer hall, with its preserved art nouveau wall murals, serves as an event space.
In 2012, a permanent exhibition was launched about the rich history of the Jewish community of Arnstein – a place of culture and learning. An exciting multi-media presentation transmits this history to all kinds of visitors. Audio stations allow them to dive right in to a Jewish world.
Former Synagogue
Goldgasse 28
D-97450 Arnstein
synagoge@arnstein.bayern.de
www.alte-synagoge-arnstein.de
Opening hours:
Easter to November 1:
Sun 2pm – 5pm
and by arrangement
Tour booking:
Promotion circle
Old Synagogue Arnstein e.V.
Tel. +49 (0)9363 1743
synagoge@arnstein.bayern.de