Rossdorf

Summary: The Jews of Rossdorf, most of whom were small-time businessmen, cattle dealers or butchers, maintained a Jewish school, a mikveh and a synagogue, the last of which was built in 1874 and renovated in 1920. Rossdorf was subordinate to the Orthodox rabbinate of Darmstadt. As community membership began to diminish, synagogue services were discontinued. By the 1930s, in fact, the congregation was no longer able to gather enough men for a minyan, as a result of which the community was dissolved. The synagogue was sold in 1937, after its ritual articles had been transferred elsewhere. Although local Nazis wanted to burn down the synagogue on Pogrom Night, they had to content themselves with smashing the windows and damaging its roof. The building was later renovated and converted into a residence. By 1939, most Jews had left Rossdorf. Those who could not emigrate were deported in 1942. At least 24 Rossdorf Jews perished in the Shoah. As of this writing, no commemorative monument has been erected in Rossdorf.

Author / Sources: Fred Gottlieb
Sources: AJ, LJG