Alsbach Hähnlein Vol. 14

The Jewish Cemetery in Alsbach-Hähnlein is a place of peace and remembrance. It is an important part of Jewish history and culture in the region and is a protected cultural monument.

The cemetery is located in the town of Alsbach-Hähnlein, in the state of Hesse, Germany. It is surrounded by a high wall and has an area of 22,600 square meters.

The cemetery was established in the 17th century and was in use until 1948. There are over 2,000 gravestones preserved on the cemetery, which are spread over an area of 22,600 square meters. The gravestones are in different styles and materials, including sandstone, granite, and marble.

The oldest gravestone dates back to 1615. It is a simple stone with a Hebrew inscription that reads “Here lies Rabbi Jacob ben Samuel, who died in the year 5375.”

In the 18th century, the gravestones became increasingly elaborate. There are gravestones with inscriptions, symbols, and reliefs.

Some of the gravestones are for spa guests from Russia and England who died while on their spa vacation in Alsbach-Hähnlein.

The cemetery is an important place for the Jewish community in Alsbach-Hähnlein. It is a place of remembrance for the deceased and a symbol of Jewish history and culture in the region.

Detailed description of the gravestones

The gravestones on the Jewish Cemetery in Alsbach-Hähnlein are in different styles and materials. The oldest gravestone dates back to 1615 and is a simple stone with a Hebrew inscription. In the 18th century, the gravestones became increasingly elaborate. There are gravestones with inscriptions, symbols, and reliefs.

Simple gravestones

The oldest gravestones on the cemetery are simple and without decoration. They are typically made of sandstone or granite and have a rectangular or square shape. The inscriptions on these gravestones are written in Hebrew and contain the name of the deceased, the date of death, and sometimes a verse from the Bible.

Elaborate gravestones

In the 18th century, the gravestones became increasingly elaborate. There are gravestones with inscriptions, symbols, and reliefs.

• Inscriptions: The inscriptions on the gravestones are written in Hebrew and contain the name of the deceased, the date of death, and sometimes a verse from the Bible.
• Symbols: Various symbols can be found on the gravestones, including Stars of David, menorahs, and Torah scrolls. These symbols have religious significance and are expressions of the Jewish faith.
• Reliefs: Some gravestones have reliefs depicting the deceased or religious motifs.

Gravestones for spa guests

Some of the gravestones on the cemetery are for spa guests from Russia and England who died while on their spa vacation in Alsbach-Hähnlein. These gravestones are typically written in German and contain the name of the deceased, the date of death, and the origin.

Overall impression

The Jewish Cemetery Alsbach Hähnlein is a place of peace and remembrance. It is an important part of Jewish history and culture in the region and is a protected cultural monument. The Jewish Cemetery Alsbach Hähnlein

Jewish Life in Alsbach-Hähnlein before World War II

Before the 19th century

The first documentary evidence of Jews in Alsbach-Hähnlein dates from the 14th century. Over the next few centuries, the Jewish community grew steadily and reached its peak in the 18th century with about 200 members.

19th century

The 19th century saw a period of emancipation and integration for the Jewish community in Alsbach-Hähnlein. In 1828, the synagogue was inaugurated on what is now Darmstädter Strasse.

20th century and the Nazi period

The Nazi period was a time of persecution and terror for the Jewish community in Alsbach-Hähnlein.

Today

Today, there is no longer a Jewish community in Alsbach-Hähnlein. The synagogue, the Jewish cemetery, and the Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) are all that remain of the former community.

Synagogue

The synagogue in Alsbach-Hähnlein was built in 1828 in the neoclassical style. It is a two-story building with a gable roof and a Torah ark on the eastern wall. The synagogue was desecrated and damaged during the Kristallnacht pogrom in 1938. After the war, it was restored and used as a Jewish community center until the 1980s. Today, the synagogue is owned by the municipality of Alsbach-Hähnlein and is used for cultural events.

Jewish Cemetery

The Jewish cemetery in Alsbach-Hähnlein was established in 1672. It is located on a hilltop outside of town and contains about 2,000 gravestones. The cemetery was desecrated during the Nazi period, but it was restored after the war. Today, the cemetery is owned by the Jewish community of Darmstadt and is still in use.

Stolpersteine

There are 14 Stolpersteine in Alsbach-Hähnlein. They were installed in 2008 to commemorate the Jewish residents of Alsbach-Hähnlein who were murdered during the Holocaust. The Stolpersteine are located in front of the houses where the victims lived.