A synagogue was located in Bernkastel as far back as in the Middle Ages and numerous prayer rooms have been listed there since the 17th Century.

The Jewish community built a new synagogue in 1851/52, with the dedication ceremony enjoying a great degree of public attention.

It was almost completely destroyed in July 1880 when a fire set in a neighbouring barn spread to the synagogue. Fortunately, several important artefacts were rescued, including the Torah shrine and Torah scrolls. Efforts towards reconstruction began immediately afterwards, so that the synagogue could be dedicated again during the Passover festival in 1882.

SA storm troopers forced their way into the synagogue on the morning of the 10th of November 1938, devastating and plundering this place of worship. It wasn’t set on fire, however, because of its location in the tightly packed town centre. The building was sold in April 1939 and underwent several changes of ownership until it fell into disrepair in the 1960s.

Ultimately, the former synagogue was repaired and restored in 1975, so that, today, it can be used for cultural events and is available for overnight accommodation.

Photo documentation: “Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Rheinland-Pfalz” (Rhineland-Palatinate state office for the preservation of historic landmarks), Synagogues Rhineland-Palatinate - Saarland (Mainz 2005) Pg. 103.