Schweinsberg

Summary: The Jewish community of Schweinsberg (present-day Stadtallendorf ) developed in the 17th century. The community established all the essential institutions: a synagogue, a mikveh, a school for religious studies and a cemetery. In Schweinsberg, the Jewish schoolteacher often performed the duties of chazzan and shochet. Local Jews conducted services in prayer rooms—one was established in the home of Nehm Schmuhl and, apparently, another in the home of a man named Moses—until 1820, when a synagogue was inaugurated not far from Moses’ home. The synagogue served the community until it burned down in the fire of October 1872; its five Torah scrolls were saved, however, and used in the new synagogue on Biegenstrasse, which was built in 1873/74. Burials were conducted in Rauischholzhausen until the mid-18th century, when a cemetery was consecrated in Schweinsberg. Only 21 Jews lived in Schweinsberg in 1938, but the synagogue was nevertheless burned to the ground on Pogrom Night, after which cattle stables were erected there. In late July 1942, Schweinsberg’s last six Jews were sent to Rauischholzhausen, from where they were deported to Theresienstadt on September 6, 1942. At least 35 local Jews perished in the Shoah. The Jewish Restitution Successor Organization sold the synagogue to a private individual in 1950. A memorial plaque has been unveiled at the Jewish cemetery.

Author / Sources: Esther Sarah Evans
Sources: AJ, LJG