In Rülzheim existed until 1940 one of the largest Jewish communities in the southern Palatinate. 1667 Jews are first mentioned in the place. Around 1700 there are several families. 1750 eight families were counted, 1808 already 179 Jewish community members (10.2% of the total population).

The families lived largely from trade, including household goods, soap, agricultural products. Jewish tradesmen played a special role in the local tobacco industry: three cigar factories in the village belonged to Jewish entrepreneurs.