Ironically, the story of Chemnitz’s synagogues is one of destruction and renewal. The original Synagoge on Stephansplatz, a Romanesque-style building with a cupola that could seat 700, was consecrated in 1899 by Rabbi Dr Mühlfelder. But its life was tragically cut short.
In 1938 during the Pogrom Night, a mob fueled by hate set fire to the Synagoge. Jewish-owned stores were looted and over 170 local Jews were arrested. The Synagoge was sold in 1939. This act of barbarism erased a vibrant center of Jewish life in Chemnitz.
After the Holocaust and the difficult years that followed, a new Jewish community emerged. A commemorative stele was unveiled at Stephansplatz in 1988. It served as a stark reminder of the Synagoge that once stood there.
Today, we stand before a testament to resilience. The New Synagoge on Stollberger Strasse was inaugurated in May 2002. This modern Synagoge replaced the grand structure destroyed on Kristallnacht.
Designed by Frankfurt architect Alfred Jacoby, the Synagoge resembles a round column. It’s wider at the top than at the bottom. The Synagoge anchors a Jewish community complex that includes a library. Jacoby has designed at least eight new synagogues in Germany since 1988.
However, even this new beginning hasn’t been without its challenges. Soon after opening, structural defects led to leakage and moisture damage. The city of Chemnitz has provided grants for extensive repair work. These repairs include the renovation of the mikveh, drainage improvements, and roof repairs.
Despite these setbacks, the New Synagoge stands as a symbol of hope. It represents the enduring spirit of the Jewish community in Chemnitz. It is a place of worship, a community center, and a reminder of the past. The Synagoge ensures that the memory of the old Synagoge and its destruction will never be forgotten. It also ensures the Jewish life continues to flourish in Chemnitz.