After initially renting a „prayer hall“, the young Jewish community of Kastellaun purchased a property in 1892, intending to convert the existing farm buildings into a synagogue. „Statues for the Synagogue Community of Castellaun“ were published in 1899.

A new, hand-written Torah scroll was introduced on the 15th of August 1931. The last teacher, Arie Gabel, cited the following in a worship service: „And now, write down the words of this song!“ He wished that the congregation would immerse itself in the study of the Torah in order to strengthen the community.

Local and non-local residents desecrated the synagogue and „tore it down with fire hooks“ on the 10th of November 1938. The ruins were demolished a short time later with the remains being taken to the rubbish heap. The town purchased the property in 1942; offsetting the purchase price with the demolition costs.

Following an initiative by a local school group, a memorial has been standing on the site since 1996 to commemorate the destroyed synagogue and the 25 resident Jews who were ultimately murdered.

Photo documentation: Kastellaun city picture archives