Bruchsal is a town in Baden, Germany. Jews are first mentioned in the town in 1288. In 1885, the Jewish population was about 750 (6% of the total population). Jews played an important role in the local economy, but by 1933, the community had declined to about 500. By 1939, the community had declined to 166. The last remaining Jews were deported to the Gurs concentration camp in France in October, 1940. The postcard below (postmarked in 1900) depicts the synagogue in Bruchsal which was built in 1881 and restored in 1923. It was destroyed during Kristallnacht.
Encyclopedia Judaica, CD Rom Edition, Keter Publishing
Spector, The Encyclopedia of Jewish Life Before and During the Holocaust, P. 203
Copyright © 1998-2002 Edward Victor