Grosseicholzheim

Summary: The Grosseicholzheim synagogue was built in the late 1800s (possibly early 1900s) at 14 Wettgasse. In 1876, the Jewish community decided to rebuild the synagogue, but the plans fell through. By 1884, however, the synagogue had reached such a dilapidated state that it was demolished, after which local Jews conducted services in one of the town hall’s rooms. This arrangement lasted until 1887, when a new synagogue was finally inaugurated. We also know that the community maintained a mikveh at Traenkgasse, that it employed a teacher who served as shochet and chazzan, and that burials were conducted in Boedigheim. In 1933, three schoolchildren received religious instruction; a chevra kadisha and a women’s association were still active in the town that year. On Pogrom Night (November 1938), the synagogue was broken into twice: the interior and ritual objects were destroyed, and the windows were smashed. The Lamm Jewish hotel, a Jewish shoe business and Jewish homes were attacked. Several Jews were assaulted that night. Twenty-six Jews emigrated, four relocated within Germany, seven died in Grosseicholzheim and 16 were deported to Gurs on October 22, 1940. One Jew, apparently mentally ill, was killed in 1941 in the Nazis’ “euthanasia” project. At least 30 Grosseicholzheim Jews died in the Shoah. The synagogue was converted into an apartment complex after 1945. A plaque was affixed to the building in 1994.

Author / Sources: Daniel Weiss
Sources: AJ, PK-BW, SIA