Lauenburg

Summary: The history of Jewish Lauenburg (present-day Lobork, Poland) began relatively late: in the mid-18th century, the few Jewish families who lived there were scattered throughout the town and its surrounding areas. It was during the 19th century that the growing community established its institutions: two cemeteries, the first of which was probably founded before 1800; a sisterhood; a chevra kadisha; and, in 1830 or 1845, a synagogue on Stockturmstrasse. Between 1871 and 1911, the community employed a series of rabbis, each of whom served for a short period. After 1911, cantors and other officials guided the spiritual life of the community, of which Jewish merchants from nearby villages, including Isidor Stein of Chottshow, were members. In 1881, anti-Jewish riots, which had started in Neustettin, erupted in Lauenburg too. Nevertheless, the size of this particular community did not decrease as did that of most others. The Nazi boycott crippled Jewish-owned businesses in Lauenburg. On November 10, 1938, the synagogue and morgue (the one located in the second cemetery) were burned down. At least 180 Lauenburg Jews were eventually murdered in concentration camps.

Author / Sources: Ruth Martina Trucks
Sources: EJL, LJG, FJG, YV