Gruenstadt
General information: First Jewish population: 16th century; peak Jewish population: 473 in 1848; Jewish population in 1933: 123
Summary: The modern-day Jewish community of Gruenstadt traced its
history back to 1700. Community membership increased
steadily during the next 150 years, so that, by 1825, 421 Jews
lived in Gruenstadt (10% of the total population); and in
1850, the town was home to just under 500 Jews.
The synagogue, a Baroque-style building with a women’s
gallery, was established at some point between 1780 and
1790. Although records suggest that the community was quite
prosperous by the late 19th century, it was unable to raise funds
for the construction of a new synagogue, choosing instead to
renovate the existing structure. Local Jews also maintained a
cemetery (consecrated in the early 18th century) and a school,
the latter of which was attended by 64 children in 1834. The Jewish population declined markedly after the
Nazis’ election victories. The boycott of Jewish businesses
was enacted early on, windows in Jewish-owned stores
were smashed and several businesses were “aryanized.” In
Gruenstadt, signs with “Jews Not Wanted Here” sprang up
everywhere.
On Pogrom Night, by which point the majority of Jews
had left town, the synagogue’s interior was destroyed; it was
not torched, however, for the building was located next to
several other structures. Records indicate that the building
later housed a business firm.
In 1940, only two Jews lived in Gruenstadt. Approximately
29 local Jews were deported to the East.
On November 9, 1988, exactly 50 years after Pogrom
Night, a memorial plaque was unveiled at the former
synagogue site.
Author / Sources: Fred Gottlieb
Sources: EJL, LJG, SG-RPS
Sources: EJL, LJG, SG-RPS
Located in: rhineland-palatinate