Jewish life in Maastricht

It is difficult to imagine that before 1940 there was a Jewish community in many cities and villages in the Netherlands; there were at least 150 Jewish communities. But, for a few exceptions, each community had a synagogue, Chazzan, Shochet (ritual slaughterer), Mikvah (ritual bath) and everything a Kehilla (Jewish community) might need.
Most Jewish families had been living there for centuries and were totally integrated; especially in the province of Limburg, in the South east of Holland. Maastricht, capital of Limburg, with its imposing synagogue and largest Jewish community was the center of Jewish life in Limburg.
Life for the Jews in Limburg was not better or worse than in other communities in Holland. Under pressure from the local Catholic population, the Jews had to adjust and gave up their "Yiddish" language, but always kept a strong Jewish identity. The Netherlands was always known as a "tolerant" country and the Jews did not suffer from anti semitic discrimination, except for scattered incidents. The Jews were well integrated, but always kept a "low profile" especially before and after World War II, as they were looked upon by some, "negatively" and identified as Jews.

A recorded Jewish presence in Holland dates back to the Middle Ages from 1250, where an established Jewish community existed. In 1350, the tranquil life as the Jews knew it, ended, due to the pogroms.
In 1648, after the 80 years war, only a small group of Jews returned to Limburg. Catholic Maastricht kept its doors closed to the Jews for at least 2 more centuries. Sporadically, certain Jews obtained permission to settle in Maastricht.
In 1794, Jews were given full permission to reestablish a Jewish community in Maastricht. This continued until the Nazi occupation in 1940.

The few survivors who returned to their homes in Maastricht after World War II found little sympathy from their non-Jewish neighbors.
Only in the 50's, 60's did the people slowly accustomed to the reopening of the organized Jewish community. Since a majority did not return after the war, it was a great challenge to rebuild the Jewish community in Maastricht.

Synagogue Maastricht
The synagogue of Maastricht, located Capucijnengang 2, was inaugurated in the year 1840, and was used for services and activities until 1940. After it was liberated by the Americans in 1944, the Jewish American servicemen cleaned up the sanctuary and conducted the first services on Yom Kippur of October 1944.

NIHS Limburg
Until the mid 80's, the province of Limburg had more than 10 independent communities some of the larger ones include, Maastricht, Roermond, Heerlen, Venlo, Sittard, Eijsden and Meersen. The communities then came to an agreement in which they all decided to join and create one provincial community under the name NIHS Limburg. From then on there was significant growth in Limburg, with an increase in activities for adults and children and in membership.
Today, in 2006, there are weekly Shabbos services and meals, daily Torah groups for adults, weekly activities and learning for children. All Holidays are celebrated successfully and Kosher food is available in Maastricht. Among a wide range of cultural and social activities is a summer camp for children, women's monthly gatherings and programs for the elderly and the sick.

The leadership of the NIHS Limburg is happy with its progress but not satisfied. Their realistic ambitions include plans to reestablish the Mikvah, open a library and historical museum and much more.