Jewish life

The oldest records of Jewish residents in Mitwitz can be found in documents from the year 1578. However, it is likely that Jews lived in Mitwitz earlier as so-called “protected Jews.” These individuals had to pay fees to the local rulers, in return for which they were granted safety and protection.

Until the early 18th century, there were only about four families. This changed in the following decades. In 1789, a new synagogue was built. The Jewish population grew to 119 by 1840, which meant that approximately 20% of the population were Jewish.

They were primarily merchants, and their presence brought a certain degree of prosperity to Mitwitz. For a long time, Jews were only allowed to engage in trade and money lending as profitable professions.

In the 19th century, Jews finally gained the right to settle freely and choose their place of residence. The final legal equality was established by the Imperial Law of 1871. As part of the general rural exodus caused by industrialization, more and more Jews left Mitwitz to settle in larger cities like Coburg.

The last Jewish resident was David Bamberger, a basketware manufacturer. He lived at today's Kronacher Straße 10. After relocating production with his sons to Lichtenfels, he sold his original business and the vacant synagogue in 1887 and eventually left Mitwitz completely.

Jewish residents have left a lasting mark on the village image of Mitwitz. Many houses around the church were so-called “Jewish houses,” which can still be recognized by their door frames in some cases.

The picture shows the present-day inn "Zum Steinernen Löwen." The house was built in 1818 by Salomon Wertheimer for his son Isaak. In front of the house used to stand the former village well, which was also called the "Itzig Brunnen" (Itzig Fountain). "Itzig" stands for Isaak. He later bequeathed the house to his brothers, who in turn emigrated to America in the 19th century.