Steinach an der Saale

Summary: The modern Jewish community of Steinach an der Saale developed in the second half of the 17th century, around which time a synagogue was built in the town (around the year 1676). The community established a new synagogue (on Fuerstengasse) in the mid-19th century and a cemetery in 1874. The Jewish elementary school, opened on an unspecified date, was closed down in 1924, after which the community employed a teacher of religion who functioned as chazzan and shochet. Local Jews also maintained a mikveh. In 1933, six Jewish children studied religion with a teacher from Neustadt an der Saale. The Jewish cemetery was desecrated in 1935. On November 11, 1938 (two days after Pogrom Night) rioters destroyed the synagogue’s interior and ritual objects. Jewish homes and business were attacked and ransacked that day. Twenty-three Steinach Jews emigrated, eight relocated within Germany and five died in Steinach. Two Jews were sent to Wuerzburg in March 1942, and deported from there to Theresienstadt in September of that year. Steinach’s remaining four Jews were deported to Izbica (also via Wuerzburg) in April 1942. At least 34 Steinach Jews perished in the Shoah. The former synagogue was demolished after the war; in 1971, a school was built on its site. A plaque (unveiled in 1988) and a memorial stone commemorate Steinach’s former Jewish community.

Author / Sources: Nurit Borut
Sources: AJ, EJL, PK-BAV