Untergrombach

Summary: In 1815, the Jews of Untergrombach replaced their prayer hall with a synagogue. The community maintained a school until 1876, when all confessional schools in Baden were closed, after which a teacher who also served as a shochet and chazzan instructed local Jewish schoolchildren in religion. Burials were conducted at the Obergrombach cemetery, which had been consecrated in 1637. In 1933, a chevra kadisha and a women’s association were active in Untergrombach. The members of the Meerapfel family, owners of one of Germany’s largest tobacco wholesale companies, were natives of Untergrombach. On Pogrom Night, an Untergrombach resident whose barn was located next to the synagogue prevented the SA from setting fire to the house of worship. Instead, the SA men demolished the synagogue’s interior, burned its furniture and ritual objects, and stole the Torah scrolls. Nineteen local Jews emigrated, six relocated within Germany, one died in the town and five were deported to Gurs on October 22, 1940. A Jew married to a Christian survived the war in Untergrombach. At least 26 Untergrombach Jews died in the Shoah. The synagogue was later demolished, but the enclosing walls were incorporated into the building that was then constructed in its place. In 1990, or thereabouts, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in the center of town.

Author / Sources: Heike Zaun Goshen
Sources: AJ, EJL, PK BW
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