Forbach (Dep. Moselle / Lorraine) 

Forbach  Moselle dist. The Jewish community was founded in the 18th century by Jews from surrounding villages. In 1778, there were eight Jewish families in Forbach. The synagogue, inaugurated in 1836, was renovated in 1867 and 1929th In 1885, the community consisted of 813 members, dwindling to 591 in 1926 to the remaining about the Samue in 1931. In Colonization II, the Germans expelled all the Jews of Forbach, together with the rest of Alsace-Lorraine Jews, to the south of France. Artillery fire badly damaged the synagogue, it was restored in 1950. In 1965, Jews there were 300 in Forbach.      

As it stands today, the synagogue of Forbach is one of the oldest monuments of the city. Built around 1835, it was inaugurated in 1836. The synagouge underwent major adjustments in 1862-1863 and again in 1929 with the installation include central heating.

The synagogue miraculously survived the last war it was used as a warehouse in Germany. It has retained its original facade with the inscription "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" and the Tablets of the Law. Inside, only the large Holy Ark, decorated in the style of the ancient synagogue in Strasbourg remained intact.

The first traces the history of the Lordship of Forbach report of two Jewish taxpayers in 1687. In 1723, four Jewish families are "tolerated" in the lordship.

According to records, it appears that around 1730, the community, added 12 heads of families gathered in the old Jewish quarter of Forbach, built a small synagogue where divine service was celebrated until about 1836.

The present building replaces the old, who could no longer accommodate a growing community.

On the eve of the Revolution, it is reported a "Jewish ghetto" where there are 21 households, or one hundred people.

After 1792, the Jewish population growth is important and forbachoise, March 6, 1834, there were 314 Jews from a total of 2,958 inhabitants, slightly over 10% of the population. Forbach was then the second largest Jewish community after the Moselle Metz, with about 60 families.

During the period 1939-1945, the community of Forbach paid a heavy price since 114 people were victims of Nazism. Their names are engraved on the memorial plaque in the lobby of the synagogue.

To date, 40 families still reside in Forbach.

Sources derived from "Homecoming" file compiled by Mr. Raymond Engelbreit, college professor Robert Schuman Behren

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JEWISH AND KOSHER FRANCE:

1. CHABAD CENTERS

2. GENERAL INFO

3. JEWISH CEMETERIES 

4. JEWISH LINKS

5. KASHRUT AUTHORITIES

6. KOSHER ESTABLISHMENTS

7. KOSHER HOTELS

8. MIKVAOT

9. SYNAGOGUES 

10. CORSICA