The Essen synagogue was the cultural and social center of the Jewish community . In 1933 it claimed approximately 5,000 members . It served this function until the so-called " Reichspogromnacht " ( also known as '' Kristallnacht '' ) of 9 &ndash; 10 November 1938 , when it was severely damaged on the inside by plundering , though the exterior remained nearly intact . Although Essen itself was very heavily bombed ( see Bombing of Essen in World War II ) , the building itself managed to survive the Second World War without further damage
Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht
Old Synagogue (Essen)