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Ancient Synagogue Discovered in Germany; Was Concealed 440 Years

October 16, 1959
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An early Sixteenth Century synagogue, concealed in an ordinary house apparently from fear of persecution, has been discovered in this medieval city, it was reported here today.

Dr. Anton Ress, a member of the Historical Conservation Society, found the portal of a prayer room in an old house in the former “Judengasse” (Street of the Jews), bearing Hebrew and Latin inscriptions and the date 1517.

The Jews were persecuted and expelled from Rothenburg in the Thirteenth Century and again in 1520. Local historians believe Jews had built the secret place of worship, anticipating renewed persecutions and possible destruction of synagogues.

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