Frankfurt Stadtteile Vol. 12

Jewish cemeteries in Frankfurt am Main

Frankfurt am Main has a long and rich Jewish history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The city is home to a number of Jewish cemeteries, each with its own unique history and significance.

Old Jewish Cemetery (Alte Judenfriedhof)

The Old Jewish Cemetery is the oldest and largest Jewish cemetery in Frankfurt. It is located in the Battonnstraße district and covers an area of about 7.5 hectares. The cemetery was established in 1272 and is home to over 12,000 gravestones, dating from the 13th to the early 20th centuries.

The gravestones are in a variety of styles and materials, with many featuring intricate carvings and Hebrew inscriptions. The cemetery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist destination.

New Jewish Cemetery (Neuer Judenfriedhof)

The New Jewish Cemetery is located in the Westend district and covers an area of about 20 hectares. The cemetery was established in 1828 and is home to over 20,000 gravestones, dating from the 19th to the 20th centuries.

The cemetery is a burial place for many of Frankfurt’s most prominent Jewish citizens, including Rabbi Meir ben Baruch Halevi, the founder of the Frankfurt Talmud School, and Mayer Rothschild, a wealthy banker and philanthropist.

Other Jewish cemeteries in Frankfurt

In addition to the Old and New Jewish Cemeteries, Frankfurt is home to a number of smaller Jewish cemeteries, including:

• Bockenheim Jewish Cemetery
• Bornheim Jewish Cemetery
• Heddernheim Jewish Cemetery
• Niederursel Jewish Cemetery

These cemeteries are all located in different parts of the city and offer a glimpse into the history and culture of Frankfurt’s Jewish community.

History of Jewish cemeteries in Frankfurt

The first Jewish cemetery in Frankfurt was established in the 12th century. The cemetery was located in the Judengasse, the city’s Jewish quarter. In the 14th century, the Jews were expelled from Frankfurt and the cemetery was abandoned.

The Jews returned to Frankfurt in the 18th century and established a new cemetery in the Battonnstraße district. The cemetery was expanded in the 19th century and is now the largest Jewish cemetery in Frankfurt.

The Nazis destroyed many Jewish cemeteries in Germany during the Holocaust. The Old Jewish Cemetery in Frankfurt was spared, but the New Jewish Cemetery was vandalized and many of the gravestones were destroyed.

After the war, the Jewish community in Frankfurt began to rebuild the New Jewish Cemetery. The cemetery was restored and is now a place of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust.

Conclusion

The Jewish cemeteries in Frankfurt are a testament to the city’s rich Jewish history and culture. The cemeteries are a place of remembrance and reflection, and they offer a glimpse into the lives of the Jews who have lived in Frankfurt for centuries.