Kuntzengasse 9
76761 Rülzheim
Germany
The synagogue in Rülzheim was built in 1832/33 by the well-known synagogue architect August von Voit (Bavarian court architect). He also designed the plans of the synagogues in Herxheim, Ingenheim, Kallstadt, Kirchheimbolanden and Speyer. In Rülzheim, it is a late classicist, flat-roofed, two-story hall building with a flat gable roof. At the entrance there is a beautifully designed architrave with the Hebrew portal inscription from Isaiah 26:2 ("Open the gates, that a righteous people may enter who will keep faithfulness"). In 1867 the synagogue roof was renewed. Towards the end of the 19th century the building was enlarged and refurnished. However, parts of the interior designed by Voit were removed or changed.
Until the events of the November pogrom in 1938, the synagogue in Rülzheim was the center of Jewish religious life in the town.
In connection with the events of the pogrom night in November 1938, the synagogue was desecrated and destroyed inside. In the process, windows and interior furnishings were destroyed, the roof set on fire, carpets, Torah scrolls, Torah curtains, prayer books, four seven-branched candelabras, chandeliers and other items were stolen or burned in the courtyard.
After 1945, the building served as a warehouse and shed until 1953, when it was acquired by the Catholic Parish of Rülzheim (by purchase from the Jewish Religious Community of Rheinplatz), which used it as a youth center until the 1970s. In 1986, the former synagogue was listed as a historical monument and was acquired by the local congregation in 1988. In 1990/91 the building was renovated and on June 13, 1991 it was redesigned as a "history and meeting place". Since then, events, concerts, exhibitions, etc. have been held here.
