Imagine Jewish culture flourishing here before the war. The Steeler Synagoge Plaque commemorates a place of great importance. It marks where the Neue Synagoge stood. This was Essen’s New Synagogue. Later it was known as the Old Synagogue.
In the early 20th century, Essen’s Jewish community grew. Their synagogue on Gerswidastraße became too small. Rabbi Salomon Samuel led the community. He decided to build a grand new synagogue. It would represent the importance of Judaism. The synagogue was built in the city center. This symbolized the arrival of Judaism in German society.
Edmund Körner was the chosen architect. He designed a large Byzantine-style building. It was topped with a copper dome. Körner consulted Rabbi Samuel about the interior. He sought guidance on Jewish traditions. This included symbols for mosaics and stained glass.
The New Synagogue opened on September 25 1913. For 25 years, it was a cultural hub. In 1933, the community had about 4500 members. The main hall held over 1500 people. It hosted concerts and services. The building also included classrooms. There was a community hall, a library and offices. A Rabbinerhaus was attached. It housed apartments for the rabbi and cantor.
The Nazi era began in 1933. Anti-Jewish policies grew more severe. Kristallnacht occurred on November 9-10 1938. Jewish businesses and synagogues were attacked. Many were burned. The Steeler Synagoge was set on fire. Its interior was destroyed. Fortunately, the exterior remained nearly intact. Essen was heavily bombed during World War II. However, the synagogue survived without further damage.
From 1945 to 1959, the synagogue stood unused. It was a ruin at the edge of Essen’s center. In 1959, the Jewish community built a smaller synagogue. In the same year, Essen acquired the former synagogue. It was renovated into a museum for industrial design. It was called “Haus Industrieform.” The interior was redesigned. Remnants of the synagogue were removed. Mosaics were covered. The main prayer hall was divided. A new floor was installed.
A fire damaged the design exhibition in 1979. This event changed attitudes. The city council founded the Alte Synagoge institution in 1980. It became a place of remembrance. It also was a center for historical documentation. From 1986 to 1988, the building was reconstructed. The dome was restored. The balcony was reinstated. The marble ark for the Torah was rebuilt.
In 1988, the City Council decided to create a house of Jewish culture. New exhibition areas were created. Steeler Strasse was redirected. A plaza was named after the architect, Edmund Körner. The official reopening occurred on July 13 2010. Today, the Alte Synagoge hosts exhibitions and events. These focus on Jewish culture and religion. There are also concerts and plays.
Since 1988, the Salomon Ludwig Steinheim Institute researches Jewish history. In 2011, it moved into the Rabbinerhaus. It cooperates with the University of Düsseldorf.
The Steeler Synagoge Plaque serves as a reminder. It commemorates a vibrant past. It honors Jewish culture in Essen.