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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Synagogue of Pont-à-Mousson, located at 44 Charles-Lepois Street (formerly Rue des Boulevards), is a Jewish religious building built in 1830 in coated bellows, and subsequently rebuilt between 1892 and 1894 by municipal architect Callay. It is distinguished by its rectangular plan, its slate roof, and an entrance surmounted by a triangular pediment bearing a Hebrew inscription. Inside, the vestibule houses a stone ritual fountain decorated with shell motifs, while the prayer room, covered with a plaster ceiling, houses a holy arch in painted wood, placed against the eastern wall. Its interest lies in its typological rarity and the preservation of its original provisions despite the changes.

The Jewish community settled in Pont-à-Mousson in 1791, after the Emancipation of the Jews in France, opening a first place of worship in 1795 rue de la Visitation, sold in 1831. The current synagogue, hidden behind the old rabbi's house, has been classified as a historic monument since 2014, including the holy arch, fountains, court floor, and stairs leading to the women's rostrum and ancient ritual baths. After serving as a hangar in the 1980s, it is now partially preserved, although threatened by the gradual abandonment since the 2000s.

The building illustrates the history of the Jews in Lorraine, with about twenty families present from the 18th century. Its sober architecture, marked by plant motifs and colourful glass windows, reflects both local constraints and religious traditions. The synagogue thus embodies a cultural, historical and architectural heritage, witness to Jewish community life in this industrial region of the Great East.

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