Georgensgmünd (County of Roth, Middle Franconia)
Synagoge in Georgensgmünd, © Gemeinde Georgensgmünd
Former Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery
As early as the 16th century, Georgensgmünd had a Jewish community. A synagogue was built in 1734. In the 19th century, the Jewish population gradually shrank due to emigration; by 1933, there were only 35 Jews in the village and in 1938, the authorities forced the town’s last Jewish inhabitants to sell their possession and leave. The synagogue was sold in September 1938 to the baker next door; it was thus protected from destruction.
In 1988, after decades of use by third parties, the building was purchased by the municipality of Georgensgmünd, which initiated restoration. During the process, workers discovered a geniza (repository for old liturgical writings) along with numerous ritual articles. In addition, they uncovered wall murals, some believe to be painted by the Polish artist Elieser Sussmann.
Since 1997, the building has been accessible to visitors. A few steps to the northwest lies the Jewish cemetery, whose approximately 1,800 gravestones ranks it among the largest in Middle Franconia. Established in the second half of the 16th century, the cemetery is noted for its artfully carved tombstones with rich symbolism. It is possible to take a tour of the former synagogue, together with two ritual baths as well as the Jewish cemetery and its Taharahaus (for the ritual washing of a corpse before burial).
Former Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery
Am Anger 9
(cemetery: in the Judenbastei)
D-91166 Georgensgmünd
Tel. +49 (0)9172 703-0
Fax +49 (0)9172 703-50
info@georgensgmuend.de
www.georgensgmuend.de
Opening hours:
by arrangement;
the Jewish Cemetery can be
visited every day, except Saturday (Shabbat).
Tour booking:
Commune Georgensgmünd
Culture, Tourism and Public Relations
Tel. +49 (0)9172 703-73
info@georgensgmuend.de