France / Alsace

Ensisheim

Palais de la Régence of Ensisheim. Photo by Wikipedia

Ensisheim is famous for its impressive Regency Museum. It lies to the south of Colmar.

The Jewish presence here dates back at least to the 13th century, as evidenced by documents recounting the persecutions of that period. These persecutions continued in the 14th century, particularly following false accusations linked to the ravages of the Plague of 1348.

Despite this, the Jews resettled in Ensisheim from the end of the 14th century. The community expanded at the beginning of the 16th century, taking in Jews expelled from Mulhouse and Kaysersberg. However, new drastic restrictions were imposed on their presence in 1547 and the synagogue was closed. Some timid returns were made, but their presence did not last until the 19th century, albeit rather timidly in numerical terms.

Sources : Encyclopaedia Judaica