The so-called Klaussynagoge was founded around 1700 [in older accounts usually the year 1703 is mentioned] by the Halberstadt court factor Berend Lehmann (1681-1730) as a Jewish study and teaching house. The prospective teachers and rabbis were to be released from community service in order to be able to devote themselves entirely to Torah and Talmud study "in seclusion". Previously, Berend Lehmann had already financed the first printing of the Babylonian Talmud in Germany (Frankfurt/Oder) in 1696-99.

The first synagogue in Bernburg was built in 1740, after the prayer room in Breite Straiten;e 27 was no longer available due to sale. As the congregation grew steadily, a new synagogue was inaugurated in 1835 on the site between Buschweg and Breiter Straße 14, one year after the foundation stone was laid.