Jewish Community Regensburg | Synagogue & Events

The Jewish Community Regensburg at Am Brixener Hof 2 is a place where history, present, and lived community life come together directly. Those who enter the address in the old town do not simply stand before a building, but before an ensemble that makes Jewish identity in Regensburg visible and is also open to culture, education, and encounters. The community refers to an extraordinarily long tradition that dates back to the early Middle Ages, and at the same time to a modern center that was only opened in 2019. It is exactly this tension that makes the location so special: Here, medieval significance, the destructions of the 20th century, and the conscious new beginning of a growing community meet. For visitors, this is not only a sacred place but also a cultural anchor point in the UNESCO World Heritage old town. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/zentrum-juedischer-gelehrsamkeit/))

The official community describes itself as one of only 13 Jewish communities in Bavaria and as a corporation under public law. It is affiliated with the State Association of Israelite Communities in Bavaria and conducts regular services, religious education, German and Hebrew courses, as well as the old cemetery on Schillerstraße and two newer cemeteries. This mix of religious everyday life, education, and historical responsibility shapes the location more than any mere architectural concept. Therefore, those searching for Jewish community Regensburg, synagogue Regensburg, or community center Regensburg will find here not just a building, but a vibrant center with a clear social function. The recent development of the community is also relevant: Due to immigration from the former CIS states, the community has grown again in recent decades and is currently described as having more than 1000 members. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/ueber-uns/))

History of the Jewish Community Regensburg and its Special Position

The history of the Jewish community in Regensburg is among the oldest in Bavaria and is also one of the earliest documented Jewish communities in the German-speaking world. A secure record of a Jewish population in Regensburg dates back to 981. In the 11th century, there was already a closed Jewish quarter with a synagogue, cemetery, and rabbinical court. The community was a center of Jewish scholarship in the early and high Middle Ages and became well known far beyond the city throughout Europe. This historical background is central for SEO-relevant terms like history Jewish community Regensburg or Jewish Regensburg because it explains why the place has not only recently gained significance but has been religiously and culturally influential for centuries. The tradition of Jewish scholarship was closely linked to trade, exchange, and intellectual networking. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/zentrum-juedischer-gelehrsamkeit/))

This early flourishing was, however, brutally interrupted. In 1519, the expulsion of Jews from Regensburg occurred; their synagogue was destroyed, and the Jewish quarter was largely erased. On the site of the former quarter, a pilgrimage church was later built, while a ground relief at Neupfarrplatz today commemorates the old synagogue. After the expulsion, Jewish life returned in the 18th century, but the development remained marked by breaks and restrictions for a long time. The community did grow again in the 19th century and received a Jewish primary school and a synagogue in 1832, but the renewed destruction of the house of worship during the Reich Pogrom Night in 1938 led to another deep cut. For a modern urban and cultural history, this is highly relevant: The current location at Brixener Hof stands not only for the present but for the conscious reclamation of a historically burdened space. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/zentrum-juedischer-gelehrsamkeit/))

After the destruction of the synagogue in 1938, the community lacked its own house of worship for many decades. Initially, in 1968/69, a multipurpose hall was built on the site of the destroyed large synagogue, which still serves for prayer today. Only in February 2019 could the new synagogue, along with the redesigned community center, finally be opened. The community itself emphasizes that the new building should connect to the original state and integrate the building into the old town. Exactly therein lies the symbolic power of the place: From the gap left by violence and expulsion, a visible, self-confident, and open place of Jewish life has emerged again. Therefore, those searching for synagogue Regensburg or community center Regensburg today find themselves in a place where history does not stagnate in a museum-like manner but continues to live on in contemporary form. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/ueber-uns/))

The New Synagogue and Community Center at Brixener Hof

Architecturally, the Jewish Community Center with Synagogue Regensburg is a deliberately set sign. The new building was created after a competition won by the office Staab Architekten from Berlin in 2015. The design connects the synagogue with the existing community house, thus creating a clear address in the urban space. The architects describe the ensemble as a restoration of the historical sacred triangle of cathedral, Neupfarrkirche, and synagogue. At the same time, the building integrates with its bright brick and tile surfaces into the old town without sacrificing a contemporary architectural language. For search-intensive terms like community center Regensburg, old town Regensburg, or Jewish community Regensburg, this dual identity is important: The place is historically anchored and simultaneously usable in a modern way. ([staab-architekten.com](https://www.staab-architekten.com/en/projects/46-judisches-gemeindezentrum-mit-synagoge-regensburg))

The access to the building leads through the main entrance at Am Brixener Hof into a small courtyard. From there, one reaches the public library and the foyer, which connects to the community hall. The building complex was designed to serve not only sacred functions but also to form an open house for education and culture. The community features a community hall for up to 200 visitors, a meeting room for celebrations, readings, concerts, and lectures, as well as additional rooms for meetings, studies, children, and youth. There are also classrooms for Hebrew courses and Torah study, as well as kitchens for the strictly kosher preparation of food. This diversity explains why the location is in high demand not only as a synagogue but also as an event venue and community center. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/neue-synagoge-regensburg/))

Particularly impressive is the actual synagogue space on the first floor. It is designed as a light-filled, cube-shaped hall, clad in light wood and topped with a wooden dome. The narrow wooden slats and the metal mesh on the glazed dome allow light to fall into the room from multiple directions, creating a calm, meditative atmosphere with very good acoustics. The benches and the bimah are oriented towards the east, and there is also a women's gallery and a separate prayer area for men. These details show that liturgical function and architectural precision closely interact here. From the user's perspective, this is an important added value because the space is not only aesthetically pleasing but also specifically designed for worship, prayer, and shared experiences. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/neue-synagoge-regensburg/))

The external design details also contribute to the special effect. Above the courtyard hovers a gold-colored band with lines from a poem by Rose Ausländer, poetically connecting the memory and the new beginning of the community. The main entrance through the courtyard, the integration of the public library, and the visual relationships between the old and new buildings make the place experienceable as a cultural and meeting space. For people looking for a lively yet dignified Jewish address in Regensburg, this is more than a formal architectural decision. It is a conscious statement: Openness to the outside, security inside, and a clear anchoring in the historical cityscape. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/neue-synagoge-regensburg/))

Library, Services, and Community Life

A key attraction of the Jewish Community Regensburg is the public library. It currently comprises nearly 10,000 books and other media and was established thanks to many sponsors. The range of topics includes Jewish religion, customs and traditions, history of Judaism, language and land of Israel, children's books, non-fiction, languages, and literature, as well as art and Bavarica. Additionally, there are newspapers, magazines, CDs, and DVDs. Particularly noteworthy is that the library is organized as a free-access library, is open to all citizens, and can be borrowed free of charge. The opening hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 11:00 to 14:00 and Fridays from 11:00 to 13:00. This is practical for visitors who want to plan their stay in the old town and is also a sign of accessibility. Therefore, those who want to see not only the synagogue but also delve deeper into Jewish literature and tradition will find here a structured and reliable access. In combination with regular services and educational offerings, a place emerges where knowledge, religion, and everyday life intertwine. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/bibliothek/))

The community life itself is significantly more diverse than the name might suggest at first glance. The community regularly organizes services, religious education for children and youth, as well as German and Hebrew courses for newcomers. Additionally, there are cultural events such as exhibitions, readings, book presentations, theater performances, and concerts. The homepage of the community also mentions recurring formats such as the Otto Schwerdt Chess Tournament, Klezmer concerts, Shabbat meetings, and encounter events. The topics and contribution lists show that the community does not limit itself to the liturgical core but maintains an active center for Jewish education, culture, and community. For the keywords events Regensburg, readings Regensburg, or Klezmer Regensburg, this is an important indication: Here, not only religious services take place, but also a noticeably broad program. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/ueber-uns/))

The Friends of the Jewish Community Regensburg and the Shalom project in Regensburg are also part of this extended environment. The community refers to two city tours through the old town that present the oldest Jewish community in Southern Germany. The arc spans from the Middle Ages, when Regensburg was a center of Jewish scholarship, through persecution and expulsion to the beginnings of the new community around 60 years ago. For visitors, this means: The place is not only a destination but also a starting point for city exploration and historical contextualization. Therefore, those interested in Jewish history in Regensburg will find here not only a building visit but a whole network of context, mediation, and encounters. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/bibliothek/))

Events, Tours, and Cultural Offerings

The Jewish Community Regensburg is also interesting as an event venue because the building complex was specifically designed for readings, concerts, lectures, and celebrations. The meeting room can be opened to the courtyard in summer with large sliding elements, allowing for a flexible transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This is not only architecturally appealing but also practical for different formats. On the community website, events such as film and discussion, lectures on Jewish poetry, chess tournaments, Shabbat and holiday offerings, and cultural evenings can be found. This range makes the place attractive for visitors looking for a lively program and not just a static visit. For SEO terms like events Regensburg, program Regensburg, or cultural events Regensburg, this is a central advantage. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/neue-synagoge-regensburg/))

It is particularly interesting that the cultural use has developed from the building itself. The rooms for meetings, reading and study work, children, youth, and Hebrew courses show that multiple target groups are addressed simultaneously. This also explains why the community speaks of a place that finds great resonance in the city. A Jewish community in Regensburg is thus not only religiously relevant but also part of an urban cultural ecosystem. Those interested in a guided tour can book two city tours through the old town via Shalom in Regensburg. These tours connect the place with the history of the Judengasse, the medieval Jewish quarter, and the visible traces of Jewish culture in the urban space. This makes the location particularly attractive for tourists, school groups, and culture-historically interested guests. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/ueber-uns/))

The community simultaneously shows that tradition and current relevance belong together. Contributions about Chanukkah, Passover, Purim, Bat Mitzvah, or memorial events make it clear that the Jewish year with its holidays and forms of remembrance shapes the rhythm of community life. This is complemented by events such as the Otto Schwerdt Chess Tournament or music evenings that can attract a broader audience. Those searching for Jewish community Regensburg, services Regensburg, or events Regensburg will likely appreciate this versatility. The place is thus neither purely sacred nor purely museum-like but an active meeting point with public impact. This mix is particularly valuable for a modern location strategy because it creates both emotional attachment and practical reasons for visits. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/))

Access, Parking, and Current Traffic Situation at Brixener Hof

The practical accessibility is a central issue for many visitors, especially in the Regensburg old town. The Jewish Community Regensburg is located in the historical center at Am Brixener Hof 2, 93047 Regensburg. For arrival and orientation, it is important to know that the city of Regensburg is currently considering extensive renovations in the area of Am Brixener Hof. According to an official announcement, the street has been completely closed to motor traffic since March 2, 2026; the measures are expected to last until the end of 2026. For visitors, this means that access by car should be carefully planned at the moment, and the traffic situation may continue to change in the coming months. This note is crucial for the search term parking Regensburg. ([regensburg.de](https://www.regensburg.de/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/159998/608563/umfassende-sanierung-in-der-drei-kronen-gasse-und-am-brixener-hof.html))

The city of Regensburg also names the old town parking garages Petersweg, Arnulfsplatz, Dachauplatz, and Bismarckplatz as still accessible. The Petersweg parking garage is open 24 hours, is located in the city's environmental zone, and offers a clear parking structure for visitors to the old town. Furthermore, the city emphasizes that all parking garages remain accessible at all times during the traffic calming measures. For the area around Brixener Hof, it is also relevant that the city does not plan to provide short-term parking in the public street space as part of the redesign but will focus on pedestrian paths, bicycle parking spaces, and delivery zones. Therefore, those wishing to visit the Jewish Community Regensburg should plan more for old town parking garages and a short walk rather than direct access right to the door. ([regensburg.de](https://www.regensburg.de/leben/verkehr-u-mobilitaet/verkehrsberuhigung-altstadt))

The current situation around the old town also makes it clear that the location is part of a larger urban redesign. The city is pursuing a gradual traffic calming, improved quality of stay, less through traffic, and more space for pedestrians and cyclists. In the specific section between Maximilianstraße and Obermünsterviertel, utilities are being renewed, and the public space will be redesigned afterward. For the Jewish Community Regensburg, this may mean short-term inconveniences but also a long-term enhancement of the environment. Visitors should therefore check before an appointment how to best reach the location currently and plan a bit more time. Especially for services, tours, events, or a library visit, it is advisable not to organize the arrival at the last minute. ([regensburg.de](https://www.regensburg.de/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/159998/608563/umfassende-sanierung-in-der-drei-kronen-gasse-und-am-brixener-hof.html))

Cemeteries, Mikveh, Orthodox Influence, and Other Facilities

The Jewish Community Regensburg includes not only the synagogue, community center, and library but also other facilities that functionally secure community life. The Central Council of Jews mentions a mikveh, two cemeteries, and several social and organizational offerings such as a youth center, senior meeting point, job exchange, and a religious school. Additionally, a kosher kitchen is operated in the community hall. The community is described as Orthodox, and Josef Chaim Bloch is named as the rabbi. This information is relevant because it shows that the location offers not only symbolic but also practical fully equipped religious infrastructure. For search queries like Orthodox community or cemetery Schillerstraße, this is as important as for the general assessment of the place. ([zentralratderjuden.de](https://www.zentralratderjuden.de/gemeinden/juedische-gemeinde-regensburg-k-d-oe-r/))

Particularly historically significant is the old cemetery on Schillerstraße, which has existed since 1822. The community mentions it along with two newer cemeteries and maintains the facilities to this day. This shows how strongly the location is integrated into long-term memory culture. Cemeteries, library, services, and cultural work together form the foundation of a community that not only tells its history but spatially and organizationally continues it. The newer community center also gains depth from this: It does not stand isolated but is connected with established places of Jewish life in Regensburg. Visitors seeking more than a quick impression will thus receive a complete view of religious practice, cultural heritage, and social continuity. ([zentralratderjuden.de](https://www.zentralratderjuden.de/gemeinden/juedische-gemeinde-regensburg-k-d-oe-r/))

The community has been growing again for years and is described in various official representations as having over 1000 members; the Central Council cites the number 984 for 2021. This combination of growth and clear structure is important for the perception of the location. It explains why the community today has spaces that are sufficient for education, community work, and public events. It also explains why the new synagogue with community center was not created as a mere prestige object but as a response to a real need. Therefore, those searching for Jewish community Regensburg or synagogue Regensburg will find here a grown institution with historical depth, current radiance, and clear service offerings for members and guests. ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/neue-synagoge-regensburg/))

Sources:

• Jewish Community Regensburg – Homepage and Community Life ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/))
• Jewish Community Regensburg – About Us ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/ueber-uns/))
• Jewish Community Regensburg – The New Synagogue ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/neue-synagoge-regensburg/))
• Jewish Community Regensburg – Library ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/bibliothek/))
• Jewish Community Regensburg – Early Middle Ages and Jewish Scholarship ([jg-regensburg.de](https://jg-regensburg.de/zentrum-juedischer-gelehrsamkeit/))
• Central Council of Jews in Germany – Jewish Community Regensburg K.d.ö.R. ([zentralratderjuden.de](https://www.zentralratderjuden.de/gemeinden/juedische-gemeinde-regensburg-k-d-oe-r/))
• Staab Architects – Jewish Community Centre and Synagogue, Regensburg ([staab-architekten.com](https://www.staab-architekten.com/en/projects/46-judisches-gemeindezentrum-mit-synagoge-regensburg))
• Regensburg Tourism – New Synagogue ([tourismus.regensburg.de](https://tourismus.regensburg.de/erleben-entdecken/kunst-kultur/historisches-museum))
• City of Regensburg – Traffic Calming Old Town and Renovation at Brixener Hof ([regensburg.de](https://www.regensburg.de/leben/verkehr-u-mobilitaet/verkehrsberuhigung-altstadt))
• City of Regensburg – Parking Garage Petersweg and Parking in Regensburg ([regensburg.de](https://www.regensburg.de/leben/verkehr-u-mobilitaet/parken/parkhaus-petersweg?utm_source=openai))