“Fragments of memory” someone murmurs. The Säulenreste der alten Hauptsynagoge Sculpture stands before you. It serves as a poignant reminder of a vibrant past and a tragic loss. This isn’t just stone. It is a testament to Mainz’s rich Jewish history.
Mainz, once known as Magenza, held a place of prominence in Jewish life in Europe. For centuries, it was a center of Jewish learning and culture. Impressive synagogues stood as symbols of this thriving community. The central synagogue, built in 1912, became a focal point of Jewish life here.
However, the Kristallnacht of November 1938 marked a turning point. The synagogue was looted and set ablaze during this horrific pogrom. A few days later, the building was completely destroyed. This event marked a devastating blow to the Jewish community in Mainz.
What you see here are fragments from the portico of that synagogue. These remnants were discovered in 1988 and erected as a memorial. They stand as a reminder of what was lost.
The original synagogue was designed by Stuttgart architect Willy Graf. It featured a domed round building that could accommodate around 1,000 worshipers. Two-story wings extended along the streets, housing a community center, a museum of Jewish antiquities, a library, and a Jewish district school.
After the war, the Jewish community in Mainz dwindled. But in the 1990s, an influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe revitalized it. The community grew, and the need for a new space became apparent.
In 2010, a new synagogue was inaugurated on this site. Designed by Cologne architect Manuel Herz, the New Synagogue reflects the Hebrew word “Kedushah,” meaning sanctification. The building’s architecture makes a conscious effort to bridge the gap between the Middle Ages and the present day. It avoids direct references to persecution.
The Säulenreste der alten Hauptsynagoge Sculpture serves as a link between the destroyed synagogue and the new one. It stands as a symbol of remembrance and renewal. It reminds us of the past. It also points toward a future of hope and continued growth for the Jewish community in Mainz. The square, once known as Hindenburgstrasse, was renamed Synagogenplatz. This renaming is a tribute to the site’s historical significance.