Bernkastel-Kues

Summary: Jewish life in Bernkastel began as violently as it ended, with a blood libel pogrom in 1289. Later, during the Black Death pogroms of 1349/49, the Jewish community was annihilated. Successive communities were driven out, and it was not until the 17th century that a lasting Jewish presence was established in the village. A 14th-century synagogue was confiscated after the Black Death pogroms. Beginning in the 17th century, the community used prayer rooms in private residences. Finally, in 1852, a synagogue with a mikveh was dedicated at 77 Burgstrasse; the synagogue was destroyed by fire in 1880, after which, in 1882, it was rebuilt and rededicated. The community established two cemeteries: one in 1650, the other in 1866. Bernkastel was home to a Jewish elementary school— it was presided over by a teacher who also functioned as chazzan and shochet—between 1850 and 1866. After 1885, the teacher was responsible for providing religious instruction. In 1933, two children studied religion in Bernkastel. A Jewish women’s association, a men’s chevra kadisha, a youth association and a branch of the Central Association of German Citizens of Jewish Faith were active in the community. On Pogrom Night, SA men and local residents plundered the synagogue and destroyed its interior. The synagogue was sold to a German couple in April 1939. Thirty-two Jews from Bernkastel-Kues escaped the country and 15 fled to other parts of Germany. The last four were deported to Lodz, via Trier, in October 1940. At least 21 Jews from Bernkastel-Kues perished in the Shoah. The former synagogue was renovated into a cultural center in the 1980s. A commemorative plaque was unveiled there in November 1988.

Author / Sources: Bronagh Bowerman; Sources: AJ, EJL, FJG, SG-RPS