Wuestensachsen

Summary: The Jewish community of Wuestensachsen, with which the Jews of nearby Melperts were affiliated, was the largest community in the Gersfeld area. Religious services were initially conducted in a dilapidated building (first documented in 1865); later, apparently during the 1870s, a new synagogue was built on Hauptstrasse (presentday Rhoenstrasse). Wuestensachsen’s Jewish elementary school, established in 1894 and for which a new building was built during the years 1899 to 1903, was presided over by a teacher who also performed the duties of chazzan and shochet. Local Jews were able to maintain their own mikveh, but conducted burials in Weyhers. A chevra kadisha, a charity, a women’s association and youth groups were still active in the community in 1933. The school closed down in 1938, after which its four remaining students studied in Fulda. On Pogrom Night, SA troops burned down the synagogue after ransacking the building. At least 22 Jews emigrated (17 to the United States), 32 resettled elsewhere in Germany, 22 left for unknown destinations and one passed away in Wuestensachsen. We also know that the remaining Jews left the town in January 1939. At least 48 Wuestensachsen Jews perished in the Shoah. The schoolhouse, which accommodated a public library and the mayor’s office after 1941, was converted into a residence in 1985. A memorial plaque was unveiled at the local council building.

Author / Sources: Esther Sarah Evans
Sources: AJ, EJL, PK-HNF
www.ehrenberg-rhoen.de
www.gedenkbuch.halle.de