Ermreuth (Neunkirchen am Brand, County of Forchheim, Upper Franconia)
Jüdischer Friedhof in Ermreuth, © Alexander Nadler
Synagogue and Jewish Museum
The synagogue of Ermreuth, still standing today, was dedicated in 1822. It replaced the first house of worship – which dated back to 1738 – and was one of the largest synagogues in Upper Franconia. With two floors, Torah Ark, bimah with reading desk, pews for 94 men as well as a women’s gallery on three sides, the building was unusually stately for such a small village community. The building was severely damaged in the pogrom of November 1938 and furnishings and ritual articles were destroyed and stolen. The synagogue’s location in the thickly settled town center was the factor that saved it from being torn down. Local Jewish residents were forced to move to Nuremberg. From there, they were deported and murdered.
During World War II, the building stood empty. In the post-war period it was used as storage hall and damaged during a building conversion. In 1974, the market of Neunkirchen am Brand bought the building and saved it from falling further into dereliction.
In 1994, the restored and rededicated house of worship was once again open to the public. A permanent exhibition informs visitors about Jewish rural life and serves as a reminder of the town’s former Jewish community. Today, the synagogue of Ermreuth is also used as a museum, cultural center and meeting place.
Synagogue and Jewish Museum
Wagnergasse 8
D-91077 Neunkirchen am Brand,
Ortsteil Ermreuth
Tel. +49 (0)9134 70541
Fax +49 (0)9134 70580
rajaa.nadler@neunkirchen-am-brand.de
www.neunkirchen-am-brand.de
www.synagoge-museum-ermreuth.de
Opening hours:
Anytime upon prior notice.
April – October every third Sunday
a month 2pm – 5pm
Public tours every first Sunday
a month at 3pm
Tour booking:
Dr. Rajaa Nadler
Tel. +49 (0)9134 70541
Group tours through the synagogue
and the Jewish cemetery by arrangement.