Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The synagogue of Hochfelden, located 10-12 place of General Koenig, was built in the 2nd quarter of the 19th century (1841) to replace an older sanctuary attested since the 18th century, itself heir to a local Jewish presence dating back to the 15th century. The building, in masonry with harped corner chains and rumped roof, is distinguished by its north door adorned with a Hebrew inscription (today wooded) and its preserved interior: stand of suspended women, aron accessible by a degree of stone, and central bima in turned wood. A terracotta floor dated 1936 bears witness to subsequent renovations.

In the vicinity, two complementary buildings were erected: a Jewish school with miqvé (a well-fed ritual bath) and accommodation for the teacher (1855, plans of architect Louis Furst), as well as a rabbi's house (2nd half of the 19th century). These sets, in masonry and wood, also had Hebrew inscriptions, now erased. A hearse was once housed in an adjacent edicle, destroyed in 1999. The synagogue, disused in 1994, was listed as a Historic Monument in 1996 and has since been restored by the Arche association to establish a country museum.

The Jewish community of Hochfelden, with 219 members in 1841, played a central role in local life. The archives retained unrealized projects for the aron (1841) and liturgical furniture, as well as historical studies highlighting its ancient anchor: a first synagogue was mentioned as early as 1738, and ceremonies such as the inauguration of a Sefer Torah took place under the Thermidorian Convention (1794-1795). The site thus illustrates the evolution of the Alsatian Jewish heritage, marked by cycles of destruction and reconstruction.

The architecture reflects Ashkenazi traditions: east-west orientation, gender separation (high female court), and discreet symbols (opened guard-body of the aron). Local materials (stones, bricks) are integrated into the urban fabric, while the wrought iron fence with T.J.A. initials (probably Jewish Temple of Alsace) recalls its community use. The miqvé, accessible by a restored staircase, and the well attest to ritual practices related to purity.

Today, the site combines religious memory and regional heritage. The decommissioning in 1994 marked the end of its cultural use, but its protection in 1996 preserved a rare testimony of the 19th century Alsatian rural synagogues. The current museum project aims to enhance this place as a symbol of cultural coexistence in Alsace, between Jewish heritage and local history.

External links