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Origin and history

The synagogue of Libourne, located 33 rue Lamothe in the department of Gironde, is a religious building built in the mid-19th century. Its neo-classical architecture, designed by architect Gautier, reflects the aesthetic cannons of the time. It was inaugurated on September 3, 1847, at the feast of Roch Hashana, in the presence of David Marx, the great rabbi of Bordeaux, thus marking the conclusion of a project authorized by royal ordinance in 1846.

The Jewish community of Libourne, although modest (77 members in 1846 for a total population of 9,714), already had a prayer hall in the eighteenth century, attesting to an ancient Jewish presence. The synagogue closed in 1912 because of the lack of the minian (a ratio of ten men required for prayer), then remained inactive during the Second World War. The Torah rolls were preserved in Bordeaux before being returned in 1950.

The rebirth of the synagogue took place in the 1960s, thanks to the arrival of the Jews from North Africa. Redeveloped and reopened in 1962, she returned to her cult function. Since 1995, its facades, roofs, inner courtyard and covered passage have been protected under the Historic Monuments, highlighting its heritage importance.

The history of this place illustrates the demographic and cultural dynamics of the Jewish community in France, between local decline, memorial preservation and renewal carried by postcolonial migration. Its architecture and its history make it a rare testimony to the regional Jewish heritage.

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