Grebenau

Summary: The Jewish community of Grebenau was founded in 1806. Although we do not know exactly how many Jews lived in Grebenau in 1880, records do tell us that 25.5% of the village’s total population was Jewish that year (25% in 1800). Other available Jewish population figures are 127 in 1905 and 32 in 1939. Grebenau’s Jewish cemetery, consecrated in the late 18th century, was located on the outskirts of the village. We also know that a new synagogue was inaugurated in 1864 (with 148 seats), and that the village’s Jewish elementary school (1844-1929) was attended by Christian pupils also. Local Jews, many of whom were livestock traders, shop owners and craftsmen, were on excellent terms with the Christian community. Many Jews left Grebenau beginning in 1933. One week after Pogrom Night, the synagogue on Jahnstrasse was set on fire, after which most of the remaining Jews left. Those who had not left by the end of 1938 were deported. The Jewish cemetery houses a memorial to the victims of the Shoah.

Author / Sources: Swetlana Frank
Sources: AJ, DJGH, EJL, FJG, LJG, SIA, SIH