Sterbfritz

Summary: The Jewish community of Sterbfritz, founded in the 17th century and affiliated with the district rabbinate in Hanau, maintained an elementary school, a mikveh and a synagogue (located at 9 Mittelgasse), the last of which was probably inaugurated in the early 19th century. Burials were conducted in Altengronau. In 1933, 92 Jews lived in Sterbfritz. A teacher instructed Jewish children in religion, and three Jewish associations conducted welfare work: a chevra kadisha, a Gemilluth Chassodim and a women’s organization. The Jewish elementary school was closed down in January 1934. Many Jews left Sterbfritz before November 1938: 29 Jews immigrated to the United States, South America, Italy and Switzerland; several moved to other German cities. During the years 1933 to 1942, six Jews died in Sterbfritz. SA men destroyed the synagogue’s interior on Pogrom Night, soon after which the synagogue building was converted into a storage room. In 1939, 21 Jews lived in Sterbfritz. In May and August of 1942, the remaining 12 Jews were deported; of these, one family was deported, via Kassel, to Majdanek and Sobibor (May 1942). Elderly Jews were relocated to Schluechtern that year, and we know for certain that at least one of them waslaterdeported,viaTheresienstadt,toTreblinka.Atleast 56 local Jews perished in the Shoah. The former synagogue building was torn down at some point after 1961. Today, a residence has been built on its site.

Author / Sources: Heidemarie Wawrzyn Sources: AJ, DJGH, EJL, SIH, UH www.chronik-crainfeld.de/juedgem1.htm