Synagogue

The synagogue of Westhoffen dates from the 19th century, and is built in a neo-orientalist style in order to distinguish between Jewish and Christian buildings. The bays and the entrance portal are surmounted by horseshoe arches evoking Middle Eastern architecture. Westhoffen has an important Jewish heritage. The village had one of the most important communities in the region, nearly 300 people in the 18th century, as well as personalities such as Karl Marx, Léon Blum and Michel Debré. The first synagogue in the village dates back to 1626, and since then two other buildings have followed on the same site in 1760 and 1865. The whole building gives an impression of richness and grandeur in its execution, characteristic of the village's constructions in the 19th century. The synagogue and its interior are listed in the supplementary inventory of historical monuments since 1990. The Jewish population moved to other towns and the building became disused. It was bought back and restored in part by the commune.