The Neue Dammtor-Synagoge (New Dammtor Synagogue Association) was one of the three Jewish
religious associations that comprised the Jewish Community in Hamburg. The association
was founded in 1892/94 and, in relation to the orthodox German-Israelite Synagogue
Association, embodied a moderate religious conservatism.
In 1895 the association founded a synagogue in the oriental style in the former
Beneckestraße within the new residential area of Grindel with its large Jewish population.
In 1912 the New Dammtor Synagogue Association attained legal status through registration
in the official register of societies and associations. However, it was not until 1924,
when it had circa 430 active members, that it gained formal recognition as a religious
association by the Jewish Community.
During the years 1917-23, in which the association did not have its own rabbi, the rabbi
of the liberal Temple Association was incumbent. During this time some members possessed
dual membership of the New Dammtor Synagogue Association and the Temple Association.
However, the New Dammtor Synagogue Association was able to preserve its religious
independence.
Neue Dammtor-Synagoge, Beneckestraße 4. Inside view.
In 1939 the disbandment of all three religious associations took place. Also in 1939 the
synagogue of the New Dammtor Synagogue Association was the only synagogue in Hamburg
whose attendance was tolerated by the National Socialist regime, so that it became the
synagogue for all three religious denominations.
The building was destroyed during the air-raids in July 1943.
The period of office of the three rabbis:
M. Grunwald (1895-1903)
A. Löwenthal (1903-1917)
P. Holzer (1923-1938)
A commemorative plaque has been erected on the site of the former synagogue.
