Jewish Life in Stuttgart
The history of Stuttgart’s Jews goes back a long way. The Jewish community emerged in the 14th century and grew steadily over time. As early as 1348, there was a Jewish alley and a Jewish school in Brennergasse as well as a mikveh (Jewish bath).
In the Middle Ages, however, Jews were repeatedly victims of pogroms and exclusion, especially during plague epidemics. With the founding of the University of Tübingen in 1477 by Eberhard the Bearded, all Jews were expelled from Württemberg.
In the 19th century, the Jewish community in Stuttgart experienced a period of flourishing: in 1808, a Jewish community was founded, and in 1828, freedom of religion was granted. Many Jews were active in trade and crafts and contributed significantly to the city’s economic growth.
During this time, the synagogue on Hospitalstraße (1861) and new community centers were established. In 1864, the law granting civil equality to Jews residing in Württemberg followed.
During the National Socialist era, Stuttgart’s Jews were systematically persecuted and disenfranchised. Many were deported and murdered. The synagogue in Stuttgart was destroyed on November 9, 1938, during the Reich Pogrom Night.
After World War II, the rebuilding of the Jewish community in Stuttgart began. Survivors, returnees, displaced persons (DPs), and new immigrants from other countries formed a new community.
Today, there is once again a vibrant Jewish community with a synagogue, community centers, and cultural institutions.
Economic and Social Significance
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Jewish entrepreneurs and merchants played a major role in Stuttgart’s economic development – in the textile and clothing industry, banking (Kaulla family), construction (Eduard von Pfeiffer), and industry (Wolf & Sons).
Many supported social projects, educational institutions, and cultural activities.
Tour Stops
On our tour, we visit among others:
• The synagogue on Hospitalstraße
• Memorial site at Nordbahnhof (North Station)
• Jewish cemetery within Hoppenlaufriedhof
• “Kolonie Ostheim” by Eduard von Pfeiffer
• Former residences of Jewish citizens, e.g. Villa of Max Levi, Villa Wolf, villas of the Roser family
Your wishes take priority!
You decide which places we visit together. After the initial contact, we will discuss the exact schedule individually.