Lorsch

Summary: Although records suggest that Jews may have lived in Lorsch during the 13th century, their documented history begins in 1660 or in 1668. Local Jews conducted services in a prayer room, established in the 18th century, until 1885, when a synagogue was inaugurated at 10 Bahnhofstrasse (with 82 seats for men, 36 for women). Beginning in the early 19th century, the community employed a teacher of religion who also functioned as chazzan and shochet; after World War I, however, religious instruction was provided by a teacher from Bensheim. The Jews of Lorsch were able to maintain a mikveh, but used the cemetery in Alsbach. Two charity associations were active in the community in 1933. On Pogrom Night, the synagogue’s interior was destroyed, after which the building was burned down. Jewish-owned businesses were ransacked, and the home of the last Jewish family was also burned. Thirty-three Jews emigrated (22 went to the United States) and 16 relocated within Germany. In 1941, the remaining Jews were moved into a so-called “Jews’ house” at 1 Karlstrasse, from which they were deported to concentration camps in August 1942. At least 39 Lorsch Jews perished in the Shoah. A combined commercial and residential building was built on the synagogue site after the war. A memorial stone was unveiled at the site in 1982, and a plaque was later affixed to the building.

Author / Sources: Esther Sarah Evans
Sources: AJ, EJL, PK-HNF
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