Celle Synagogue
Celle, DE
The synagogue in Celle, built around 1740, is the oldest preserved half-timbered synagogue in Lower Saxony. During the pogroms of November 1938, the interior was destroyed and the religious objects were thrown into the street and burned. However, the synagogue was not burnt down because it was feared that the flames would spread to the neighbouring houses and the nearby old town with its closely spaced half-timbered houses. The synagogue was later used as a warehouse. The town of Celle acquired the buildings in November 1969 from the National Association of Jewish Communities in Lower Saxony and undertook extensive repair and restoration work. Since 1997 the synagogue has been used by the re-established Jewish community of Celle for services and meetings.
