Inauguration of the synagogue
"To the glory of God, to the edification and joy of our community and to the adornment of our city." With these words, the head of the Jewish community, Dr. Max Goldschmidt, began his speech at the dedication of the new synagogue on April 16, 1916.
This very special moment for the Jewish community of Offenbach was the subject of an exhibition in the city archives in the Haus der Stadtgeschichte, Herrnstraße 61, which was on display last year. In 1916, the previous synagogue in Große Marktstraße had become too small for the growing community in Offenbach.
The striking building on Goethestrasse with its large dome was not only the new place of worship for the faithful, but also a visible expression of their new self-confidence. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Jews living in Offenbach were largely integrated into the city's society. The synagogue on Goethestrasse bears witness to this. Architects Fritz Schwarz and Karl Wagner won the architectural competition and the new synagogue was built according to their plans.
