Synagogue Nordstraße (Hanau)

The first synagogue: Already in the 14th century Jews in Hanau were in possession of a synagogue. This was ultimately wiped out by the persecution of Jews during the plague period in the middle of the century together with the Jewish community. The building that remained was then lent as a castle fiefdom. About the exact location is still nothing known.

The second synagogue: After Jews were again allowed to settle in Hanau later at the beginning of the 17th century, the new Jewish community built a synagogue in 1608. This center of the Jewish community in Hanau was built in the Judengasse (today Nordstraße), where the community settled. 

The first building here consisted of two parts, the three-story men's synagogue and the two-story women's synagogue. Outside, Hebrew inscriptions were placed on the wall, which were carved in red sandstone to commemorate the construction of the synagogue. These writings were further added to the memory over time. 

In 1845, there was a renovation and reconstruction of the building. Thus, presumably at this time, the two separate parts of the synagogue were joined together, so that the women's synagogue was included in the main room. At the end of the 19th century, as a result of urbanization, marked by industrialization, the community expanded, so plans were drawn up for a new synagogue building. Although these plans were not realized due to the First World War, an extension to the west of the synagogue was built in 1922. The expansion of the premises opened up numerous new prayer spaces, including 160 women's and 190 men's seats. With the completion of the conversion, a memorial plaque was also erected at the same time to commemorate the Jewish victims of the Hanau community through World War I.       

In 1964, a memorial was erected across the street from the former synagogue site, which was redeveloped after 1945.