Jews were first documented in Worms at the end of the 10th century, and the first synagogue was completed in 1034. At the time the Nazis came to power in 1933, there were about 1,000 Jews in the city. By 1939, about 300 Jews remained. By 1942, the last of the Jews were deported to concentration camps.
The synagogue of 1034 was completely rebuilt in 1174-75. Over the years, the building was was remodeled and nearly demolished several times, although the basic plan was maintained. The synagogue was burned during Kristallnacht. After the war, the synagogue was faithfully rebuilt using as many fragments from the original as possible. The postcard below depicts the interior of the synagogue.
Encyclopedia Judaica, CD Rom Edition, Keter Publishing
Carole Herselle Krinsky, Synagogues of Europe, P.319-24
Copyright © 1998-99 Edward Victor