After the Sale
There was no Jewish congregation in Steinsfurt after the war. So restitution was not an option.
Endangering and Decay
Endangering and Decay of the Synagogue
From 1939 onwards the new owner who dealt with agricultural products and appliances used the synagogue as a store room. Some of Steinfurt's inhabitants still remember the building from that time when you would get animal food, fertilizers and other agricultural products from there. Especially the traces of those fertilizers are still nowadays a danger for the building and its fabric.
When in the 1980ies the road from Steinsfurt to Adersbach was reconstructed there were plans to „remove” the synagogue.
The building decayed more and more during that time.
Cultural Monument
1992: the Förderverein Alte Synagoge Steinsfurt e.V. was founded. One of its main tasks is to preserve the synagogue and find a suitable use for it.
2003: the Synagogue got the status as a listed building and was declared to be a Cultural Monument.
2005: the town Sinsheim acquired the Synagogue in leasehold. It was passed on to the Förderverein in 2007.
Restauration 2008 - 2009
First Steps to Restoring the Synagogue, 2008/2009 (- 2012)
During this first phase of the restauration the synagogue had to be secured from outside effects.
The huge cracks in the outer wall were closed. By close inspections it was found out that the building had shown no movement since a securing wall had been built against the Goldbach. So the cracks were simply bricked up. The situation is still monitored.
Then the woodwork of the roof were repaired and the building was reroofed. The original intention had been to use as many of the original tiles as possible. But they were in such a bad state and the reproducing of that type proved to be too expensive. So new tiles in very much in the old style.
The next step was to restore or repair the windows. After this, the synagogue was secure against storms and rain.
Finally the original door was restored and put back into its place.
A last step was to secure the mural paintings in the synagogue. This is a work stiill in progress.
Restauration 2014ff
Restauration 2014f
A fresh start for the restauration of the synagogue was made.
Connections
We have achieved the connection to the drainage system: rain water doesn't any longer threaten the foundations of the building.
The connection to electric mains and water was prepared.
Floor
The old floor has been removed. A new concrete floor which at the same time is protecting the static of the building has been built.
The electrectic installation is integrated into the construction. So we need not touch the wall plastering with its panting.
Pictures
Pictures showing the ongoing restauration of the synagogue.