Alternate names: Lipsk [Yiddish]

Jewish settlement in Leipzig began in the first half of 17th century. In 1643, King Ladislaus IV gave Leipzig Jews privileges on 15 March 1679 that Jan III Sobieski confirmed guaranteeing the right of the Jews to build a synagogue, own property, and manufacture and sell alcoholic beverages. In 1680, ten Jews lived in the village. The history of Jews in Leipzig has been volatile. Jews mever were the majority of the population. Jewish population: 1799 - 171 (19.5%); 1820 - 264; 1860 - 464 (26.8%); 1900 - 510 (32.6%). WWI and the subsequent economic crisis encouraged immigration, reducing their number in Leipzig. By 1921, only 87 Jews remained. In 1941 the Nazis deported all Jews to the ghetto in Grodno and later to death camps. Today, one tangible sign of the presence of Jews in Leipzig is a small cemetery located on the back road northeast of the town, visible from afar as a clump of trees. The 0.5 hectare cemetery probably dates was the 18th century. The few remaining gravestones are mostly rough granite. On the edge of the cemetery is a monument inscribed: Leipzig Jews - Residents. Photos [May 2009]