Fürth, Bavaria, Germany — Central Europe
Ehemaliger Eingang zum israelitischen Schulhof
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Former Entrance to the Jewish Community Center
| — | Die Fürther Jubiläumsmeile | — |
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 5, 2026
1. Former Entrance to the Jewish Community Center Marker
Here was one of the entrances to the "Schulhof," the spiritual center of the Jewish community, which included four synagogues. The Jewish population in Fürth enjoyed special rights that existed nowhere else in Germany. The tolerance and harmonious coexistence of Jews and Christians in Fürth also came to a bitter end under the Third Reich. During Kristallnacht on November 9/10, 1938, the Schulhof was completely destroyed.
Erected by Geschichtsverein Fürth e. V. (Marker Number 7.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the The Holocaust series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 9, 1938.
Location. 49° 28.741′ N,
this page online
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ehemalige Gabrielschul / Former Gabriel Schul (within shouting distance of this marker); Israelitischer Schulhof / The Jewish “Schulhof” (within shouting distance of this marker); Synagogendenkmal / Memorial for the Synagogues (within shouting distance of this marker); Ehemaliges Wirtshaus zum Roten Roß / The Former Red Horse Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); Marktplatz / Market Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Malka and Marcus Mandel (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Ehemaliges Amtshaus / Former Administrative Building (about 90 meters
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 5, 2026
2. Former Entrance to the Jewish Community Center Marker - wide view
Also see . . . Schulhof (FürthWiki, in German). Excerpt:
It was called Schulhof (“School Courtyard”) because the Yiddish word for synagogue is "Schul," and in Hebrew, "Beth ha Knesset" (בית הכנסת) means "House of Assembly." The "Schul" is a house of prayer and worship, a house of learning and assembly.(Submitted on March 21, 2026.)
The Schulhof originated in 1617 with the construction of the first synagogue, later known as the Altschul (“Old School”), the main synagogue and the training center of the Chief Rabbi. Over time, it developed into the Jewish community center, encompassing everything that is part of Jewish life.
The Schulhof was established in 1617 with the construction of the first synagogue, later called the Altschul, the main synagogue and training center of the Chief Rabbi. In the schoolyard, in addition to the "Old Synagogue" of 1617, the "New Synagogue" or "Kaals Synagogue" of 1697 was built as the community grew rapidly, along with the private foundations "Klaus Synagogue" of 1708 and the "Mannheim Synagogue" of 1896.
Besides the synagogues with their Talmudic schools, the schoolyard also housed the community office with a library, the rabbi's residence, the caretaker's residence, a slaughterhouse, and a mikveh (ritual bath). There was also a kosher butcher.
The National Socialists destroyed the buildings during and shortly after the November Pogrom of 1938, setting them on fire on the night of November 10. After the rubble was cleared, only a large open space remained in the area of the Schulhof, as the "schoolyard" had been ransacked and demolished.
All the Jewish community of Fürth's real estate was effectively expropriated on November 10, 1938 (purchase price for both cemeteries and all buildings: 100 RM). The community had to bear the transfer costs of 236.50 RM, and the properties reverted to the city of Fürth. During the war, an air-raid shelter was built on the open space. After the war, the community was "compensated."
Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 21, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
