Neidenstein

Summary: Community records from 1796 mention a synagogue. In 1831, a new synagogue, one of the largest in rural Baden, was dedicated at Kirchgraben; it was renovated thoroughly in 1930 in preparation for its centennial anniversary. Neidenstein’s Jewish school (1828-1876) was presided over by a teacher who also served as chazzan and shochet. Although the community was able to maintain its own mikveh, it used the cemetery in Waibstadt. In 1933, a teacher from Hoffenheim instructed three schoolchildren in religion. A chevra kadisha, a Jewish women’s organization and the Lob-Kunkel charity fund were active in Neidenstein. On Pogrom Night, the synagogue’s interior was demolished, as was its roof; ritual objects, 14 Torah scrolls, books and numerous pieces of furniture were stolen. Five Jewish men were sent to Dachau. Thirty-three Jews emigrated, four relocated within Germany, six died in the town and 19 were sent to Gurs on October 22, 1940. At least 37 Neidenstein Jews perished in the Shoah. In 1939, the damaged synagogue was sold to a local farmer who demolished it and used the ruins to build a stable. No memorial commemorates the destroyed community, but several ritual objects are on display at the local museum.

Author / Sources: Heike Zaun Goshen
Sources: AH, AJ, EJL, PK BW
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