Traenheim Synagogue-Attic

Between 1722 and 1723, a synagogue was set up in the attic of a house built in 1582 in Traenheim, Alsace. The partially preserved worship space included an oratory and a gallery reserved for women. The internal partitions were decorated with paintings depicting religious texts and objects, as well as plant motifs, in shades of blue and black. Traenheim had a Jewish presence since the 16th century, though the exact number is unknown. The first Jewish house in the village dates back to 1554. Under the County of Hanau-Lichtenberg, Jews enjoyed relative freedom and were not confined to a specific district. In 1784, there were 25 Jewish inhabitants in Traenheim, rising to 68 in 1851. Before 1723, worshippers traveled to Westhoffen. A blind man obtained permission to set up a room in his home for about twenty people, plus a space for women. However, at its inauguration, non-resident Jews attended, angering the pastor. Long forgotten, the synagogue was rediscovered in 1990-1991 during attic renovations. Beneath a layer of plaster, Hebrew inscriptions and symbolic decorative motifs appeared. The space, measuring 5.50 by 4.50 meters, was located under a roof frame and featured floral decoration between the timber framing. This attic, listed as a historic monument for the rarity of its decorations in the region, is not open to visitors.