Rabbinatsmuseum Braunsbach

About the museum

The Rabbinatsmuseum is housed in the former official residence of the Braunsbach district rabbi. The building was erected in the mid-18th century by Chaim Hänle, court purveyor (Hoffaktor) to the Prince of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst. In 1834 his widow sold the house to the Jewish community, which gave it to the rabbi as his residence and office; the Israelite denominational school was housed in the basement. Braunsbach had been the seat of the district rabbinate since 1832, until it was moved to Schwäbisch Hall in 1913. The school closed in 1923 and reopened in 1936 as a district school for Jewish children.

After the deportation of Braunsbach's Jews, the house changed hands several times; in 1999 the listed building passed to the municipality. The museum opened in the basement on April 13, 2008, designed by Elisabeth M. Quirbach together with the Förderverein (friends' association).

The exhibition tells, in an interactive way, of around 350 years of coexistence, togetherness and antagonism between Jews and Christians from about 1600 to 1942, and presents the basics of the Jewish religion. Eyewitnesses speak through modern media, and the rapprochement between the people of Braunsbach and the descendants of their former Jewish fellow citizens after 1945 is also presented.

Highlights

• Interactive permanent exhibition on the history of rural Jews in Hohenlohe
• Former rabbinate seat with the earlier denominational school
• Jewish Culture Trail and Jewish cemetery (guided tours)
• Eyewitness accounts at media stations

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung zur Geschichte der Juden in Braunsbach – Interactive exhibition on the coexistence of Jews and Christians in Braunsbach and the rabbinate district, on Jewish religion and on eyewitness accounts.

Founded

2008

Operated by

KiRa – Kultur im Rabbinat / Förderverein des Rabbinatsmuseums e. V.

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the museum, it is accessible without barriers.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

For children there is a playful program (“Mischak tov – gutes Spiel”) through which they get to know Judaism.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A6 to exit 42 Kupferzell, then on the B19 to Untermünkheim, and turn toward Braunsbach in the town center.

Amenities & dining

Places to eat can be reached on foot in the village.

Events & venue rental

Various events take place throughout the year; the dates are listed on the museum's website under “Aktuelles” (news).

Plan your visit