Dransfeld
General information: First Jewish presence: 14th century; peak Jewish population: 111 in 1863; Jewish population in 1933: 40
Summary: The modern Jewish community of Dransfeld, which emerged
in the 18th century, was made up largely of cattle and horse
traders, grain and textile merchants, used-goods dealers,
shopkeepers and farm hands.
In 1826, the Jews of Dransfeld moved their prayer room
on Lange Strasse (it had been used since 1700) to a new
building at 87 Gerlandstrasse; that same year, an official Jewish community was registered in Dransfeld. Later, in
1836, the community inaugurated a new synagogue on
102 Gerlandstrasse.
Dransfeld’s Jewish school, established in a rented house
in or around 1800, was eventually moved to a new building
opposite the synagogue; the new building—it was owned
by the community—also accommodated a mikveh. We also
know that the Jewish cemetery on Am hohen Hagen became
community property in 1853.
Beginning in the mid-19th century, local Jews were active
in the town council. According to records, the community
maintained a charitable organization.
The Jewish school was closed in 1933. By the beginning of
1938, only 17 Jews remained in town. In use until 1937, the
synagogue was vandalized on Pogrom Night, its interior set
on fire. Dransfeld’s remaining Jews were deported between
1941 and 1944. At least ten Jews from Dransfeld perished
in the Shoah.
Today, the former synagogue is registered as a historical
monument but is used as a carpenter’s shop. A memorial
plaque was erected there in 1983.
Author / Sources: Heike Zaun Goshen
Sources: AH, HU, JGNB1, SIA
Sources: AH, HU, JGNB1, SIA
Located in: lower-saxony