This is a book about Jewish synagogues in Germany before the November Pogrom of 1938. What is different about this book is that the synagogues are all across Germany, not one locale. It is only a sampling because there were about 2800 synagogues in Germany and Austria (combined) just before the Pogrom of 1938. Why these are such treasured photos is that most of the synagogues were destroyed by the Nazis.
In the 1800s, Jews in Germany were only allowed to construct one congregation in any given locale. That meant that traditional and reformed Jews had to cohabit the same building. The research in each of the highlighted synagogues is extensive and provides a powerful insight into these synagogues.
There are 24 synagogues described in this book. Following a postcard or print picture, the author describes the edifice, describing the style of building, how long it took to build, and the opening date and ceremony. It usually includes the total cost and a description of the organ. It also explains when it was damaged or destroyed and what happened to the site after its destruction.
Usually, there is a plaque placed on the site, explaining its history. The author makes a lament that, typically, the memorialization "knows only of the things that happened to the Jews, not of things that were done to Jews." (Last page of the Bruchsal story.)
In the 1800s, Jews in Germany were only allowed to construct one congregation in any given locale. That meant that traditional and reformed Jews had to cohabit the same building. The research in each of the highlighted synagogues is extensive and provides a powerful insight into these synagogues.
There are 24 synagogues described in this book. Following a postcard or print picture, the author describes the edifice, describing the style of building, how long it took to build, and the opening date and ceremony. It usually includes the total cost and a description of the organ. It also explains when it was damaged or destroyed and what happened to the site after its destruction.
Usually, there is a plaque placed on the site, explaining its history. The author makes a lament that, typically, the memorialization "knows only of the things that happened to the Jews, not of things that were done to Jews." (Last page of the Bruchsal story.)
