Main synagogue F2, 13 (Mannheim)

In the first half of the 19th century, the synagogue had become too small for the steadily growing congregation, despite the extensions made. So in the 1840s it was decided to build a new building in place of the previous synagogue in F 2,13. In 1851 the old synagogue was demolished. In July 1851, work began on the new building. Numerous Mannheim and foreign companies were busy with the work, especially the artistic design.

Even in the months before its completion, the synagogue was described as "one of the most beautiful probably in Germany." "In it, a numerous choir of singers and an organ will glorify the service," the "Allgemeine Zeitung des Judentums" (General Newspaper of Judaism) reported on May 25, 1855, and added with regard to the Mannheim congregation: "It is pleasing to note that the contemporary transformation of the same (sc. of the service) does not disturb the harmony in the congregation. Where there is a truly religious sense, religion does not become a bone of contention. The newly appointed rabbi, Mr. Präger, knows how to take into account all parties as far as possible and is proceeding prudently with his reforms in agreement with the synagogue council. On June 29, 1855, this now fourth synagogue could be solemnly consecrated.

In 1933, the year the National Socialists seized power, SA men attacked the main synagogue for the first time and caused damage. On Pogrom Night on November 10, 1938, SA men stormed the main synagogue in the morning, smashing the furnishings, setting fires and detonating explosives. The police refused to come to the rescue, and the fire department confined itself to protecting the neighboring buildings. Subsequently, there was looting by the population. The Jewish community now held its services in the less damaged Klaussynagoge and in the late summer of 1939 was forced to "sell" the ruins of the main synagogue, including the land, to the city administration for 34,000 Reichsmark.

During World War II, the ruin suffered further destruction before being transferred to the Jewish Restitution Successor Organization (JRSO) after the war in 1945. The small Jewish community set up a makeshift synagogue in the former Jewish orphanage at R7, 24. In 1952, on the initiative of Mayor Hermann Heimerich, the Hochbauamt prepared plans to demolish the interior of the main synagogue and install a one-story prayer hall. Since the state of Baden-Württemberg refused to make a financial contribution, the project was not realized and the intended municipal subsidy was used for the reconstruction of the consecration hall at the Jewish cemetery. The plan to preserve the ruin as a memorial was also not realized for reasons of cost. In 1955/56, the ruin was demolished. The JRSO sold the property, which was first used by a car dealer and in 1962/63 was developed with a residential and commercial building. In 1964, a memorial plaque was installed to commemorate the main synagogue.