The Synagogue
Built between 1839 and 1842 on the site of a former farm, the Colmar synagogue is the seat of the Jewish Consistory and the Chief Rabbinate of the Haut-Rhin.
The presence of a Jewish community in the city has been documented since the 13th century. Expelled in the 16th century, the Jewish community returned to Colmar during the French Revolution, when it used a prayer room set up in the former farmers’ stove to practice its faith. It submitted a building permit application as early as 1814, while the rabbinate was transferred from Wintzenheim to Colmar in 1823. Construction of the building then began in 1839, in the neoclassical style of the first half of the 19th century. The Colmar synagogue underwent renovation in 1885, and an annex was added in 1936. Converted into an auction hall and then into an armory during the German occupation, it was restored again after the war. It is the only synagogue in the region to have a bell tower. Tours are available by appointment: by phone at 03 89 41 38 29 by email: visit@cicolmar.com via the website: http://www.cicolmar.comVisitors can explore a collection of Jewish art from Alsace, in addition to the place of worship.
The Colmar Jewish Community offers “glatt kosher” meal trays, as well as hotel delivery. Contact: Simha SAMAMA at +33 6 17 93 38 83.
