Gernsbach

Summary: In 1928, the Jewish community of Hoerden merged with that of Gernsbach. A synagogue, built in 1860 at Faerbertorstrasse, replaced the town’s prayer halls and, in 1929, a new, larger synagogue, also used by the Jews of Hoerden, was inaugurated at present-day 3 Austrasse. The community employed a teacher of religion who also served as a chazzan and shochet. Burials were conducted at the Kuppenheim cemetery. In 1933, 54 Jews lived in Gernsbach and 14 in Hoerden. A teacher from Rastatt instructed seven schoolchildren in religion. Later, on Pogrom Night (November 1938), the synagogue was burned to the ground; Jewish homes and businesses were wrecked, and 20 Jewish men were sent to Dachau. Twenty-nine Gernsbach and eight Hoerden Jews emigrated, 12 relocated within Germany, four died in Gernsbach and 13 (nine from Gernsbach and four from Hoerden) were deported to Gurs on October 22, 1940. At least 17 Gernsbach Jews, seven Hoerden Jews and two from Gaggenau perished in the Shoah. The residence built on the synagogue ruins was destroyed during a 1944 bombing raid. Another residence was later built there, and a memorial plaque was unveiled at the site in 1985. The older synagogue was demolished in 1960, but the Hoerden synagogue—it, too, is now a residential building—still exists.

Author / Sources: Nurit Borut
Sources: AJ, PK-BW