Schwetzingen

General information: First Jewish presence: 1698; peak Jewish population: 119 in 1980; Jewish population in 1933: 79
Summary: This community conducted services in prayer rooms until 1864, when a synagogue was built in Schwetzingen. In 1898, in response to growing population numbers, the community moved its prayer facilities to the local castle at Zeyherstrasse. The castle was used as a field hospital during World War I; therefore, from 1914 to 1917, prayers were conducted at a restaurant and in a factory. The community employed teachers of religion who also served as cantors and ritual slaughterers. We also know that, in 1893, a Jewish cemetery was opened in Schwetzingen. Fourteen Jewish children studied religion in Schwetzingen in 1933. Several Jewish associations and branches of nationwide organizations were active in the town. The prayer hall was seized by the Nazis in March 1933, after which prayers were conducted in private residences. Later, on Pogrom Night, November 1938, the prayer room was demolished, homes were attacked, the teacher was beaten and men were sent to Dachau. Thirty-four local Jews emigrated, 53 relocated within Germany, four died in Schwetzingen and five were deported to Gurs on October 22, 1940. At least 23 Schwetzingen Jews perished in the Shoah. In 1978, a memorial stone was placed opposite the castle; a plaque was also affixed to the last prayer room used by the community (at Heidelberger Strasse).
Author / Sources: Heike Zaun Goshen
Sources: AH, AJ, EJL, HU, PK BW
Located in: baden-wuerttemberg