The Jewish community in Dresden dates from the early 14th century. At its peak in 1926, the Jewish population was about 6,000. By 1934, the population had dropped to about 4,400. As a result of emigration, by May, 1939, there were only about 1,600 Jews remained. Most of these remaining Jews were deported to camps in the east. A Jewish community of about 175 persons was established after the War. By 1987, this community had been reduced to about 50 persons. In the 1990s, the community increased as a result of immigration from the former USSR.
In 1837, the Jewish community was given permission to build a synagogue. The community hired the Protestant architect, Gottfried Semper, one of the most important German architects of the 19th century. Construction began in 1838, and the synagogue was dedicated in 1840, with 1,000 persons attending. The design of the synagogue created interest in the Romanesque exterior style and the Islamic motif for the interior. This architectural treasure was destroyed during Kristallnacht. The postcard below depicts the Dresden sysnagogue.
Spector, The Encyclopedia of Jewish Life Before and During the Holocaust, P. 329-331
Encyclopedia Judaica, CD-Rom Edition, Keter Publishing
Carole Herselle Krinsky, Synagogues of Europe, P. 276-79
http://www.friendsofdresden.org/SYN-hist.htm
Copyright ©2003 Edward Victor