Bodersweier

Summary: Local Jews were permitted to open their own shops in 1717, a decision that triggered protests from Christian merchants. The records also tell us that, in 1756, the Jews of Bodersweier requested, and apparently received, permission to establish a prayer room in a private residence. In 1813, a new synagogue was built at 25 Querbacher (renovated in 1833 and 1858). The 34 Jews who lived in Bodersweier in 1933 maintained a synagogue and a community house, the latter of which housed a mikveh (renovated in 1860) and a schoolroom. A teacher from Kehl instructed children in religion, and we also know that burials were conducted in Freistett. The interior of the synagogue and the ritual objects were destroyed during the Pogrom Night of 1938. Eight Jews were arrested that night, taken to Kehl, where they were tortured, and sent to Dachau. Eight local Jews emigrated, eight relocated within Germany, three died in Bodersweier and one committed suicide. In October 1940, 15 Bodersweier Jews were deported to Gurs concentration camp in France; in total, 22 were deported to concentration camps. At least 26 Bodersweier Jews perished during the Shoah. The community house was demolished in 1940/41, and the synagogue was torn down in 1951. In 1984, a monument was unveiled at the local cemetery.

Author / Sources: Maren Cohen
Sources: AJ, EJL, PK-BW