Selm-Bork Synagogue

The Selm-Bork Synagogue is one of two remaining rural synagogues in Westphalia, and a witness of pre-holocaust Jewish life in Westphalia. The exact year of construction is unknown, the first written reference was found in a directory of houses, written in 1818.[1]

Until Kristallnacht of 1938, the synagogue was used for prayer. During the pogrom the building was looted and partially destroyed. The Jewish community was forced to sell the building. A coal dealer acquired the building and used it as a barn.

In 1991 the synagogue was restored and opened for the public in 1994, the government declared the synagogue a historic monument.[2]

Today it is used by Etz Ami, a liberal Jewish community.

References

  1. ↑ Elfi Pracht-Jörns: Jüdisches Kulturerbe in Nordrhein-Westfalen. Band V: Regierungsbezirk Arnsberg. J.P.Bachem Verlag. Cologne 2002
  2. ↑ "LWL · Jüdisches Leben in Europa jenseits der Metropolen · die Landsynagoge in Selm-Bork: Jüdische Geschichte im Spiegel einer Synagoge". Archived from the original on 2011-07-20. Retrieved 2009-07-03.

51°39′55″N 7°28′02″E / 51.6653°N 7.4672°E / 51.6653; 7.4672


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