Old Synagogue of Odratzheim

Odratzheim is one of the Alsatian villages where Jews settled as early as the 16th century, in small numbers as in most localities in the region. A larger community existed in Dangolsheim, but its members, expelled from their village, found refuge in Odratzheim. Integration into French territory in the 18th century allowed this community to flourish and grow, reaching about fifty families at that time. However, from 1850 onwards, their number gradually declined, now counting at most about ten people.

The synagogue of Odratzheim, built in 1730, bears witness to this Jewish presence. In 1801, when the community was at its peak, it was deemed too small and was enlarged in 1819. Despite these changes, the synagogue lost its religious function in 1968 when it was sold to a private individual. It now serves as a storage shed.

Relations between members of the Jewish community and the local population have always been marked by great harmony, without notable conflict.