Heinebach

Summary: Established in the 18th century (possibly 17th century), the Heinebach Jewish community consisted of three families by the mid-1700s. In 1853, 61 Jews lived in Heinebach. Members of the early community established a prayer hall and, later, a synagogue on Borngasse. Records also tell us that Heinebach was home to a mikveh and a cemetery, the latter of which was located in Binsfoerth. In 1842/43, the Jews of Heinebach converted a farmhouse on Eisfeldstrasse into a synagogue; the building accommodated 51 seats for men, 41 for women, a school—it served as an elementary school between 1865 and 1912—and lodgings for a teacher. The synagogue was renovated in 1929. In 1933, the Chewras Noschim welfare organization (established in 1850) was active in the community. Records from 1931/32 tell us that a teacher from Baumbach instructed 13 pupils, some of whom were from Beisefoerth and Binsfoerth, that year. In 1935, windows in Jewish homes and the synagogue were smashed; Jewish cattle traders were assaulted. Later, on Pogrom Night (November 1938), Nazis (including members of the SA) destroyed the synagogue’s interior and school. Jewish homes were vandalized, and an ill Jewish woman was assaulted. Many Jewish men were sent, via Breitenau and Kassel, to Buchenwald. Fifteen Jews lived in Heinebach in 1939. By 1940, many Jews had moved to other German cities; 21 had immigrated to the United States and to Palestine. The remaining Jews were deported in 1941/42. At least 37 Heinebach Jews perished in the Shoah. The municipality purchased the synagogue in 1940, after which French POWs were temporarily accommodated there. Converted into apartments in 1942, the building, now a designated historical monument, has been renovated on several occasions.

Author / Sources: Heidemarie Wawrzyn
Sources: AJ, DJGH, EJL, SGJGH, SIA
www.heinebach.de/geschichte/Juden.htm