The earliest documentary evidence of the existence of Jews in Halberstadt is a writ of protection issued by Bishop Volrad von Kranichfeld together with the city council in 1261. A part from that there is not much known from that early period. There is significantly more information from after the Thirty Years’ War when Halberstadt became a part of Brandenburg-Prussia. In 1650, the Great Elector Frederick William issued a decree for the Jews in Halberstadt allowing them to engage in trade, to butcher “according to their custom” and maintain a Synagogue.It is not exactly clear since when there has been a synagogue in Halberstadt, the first one known was destroyed in 1620. In 1652, the community completed the construction of its successor. The exact location of this building remains disputed, however it is very likely this synagogue was situated in this area of the town. A reference to this synagogue is found on an object that has survived up to today, a hammer with the inscription:“Den 18. Martz ist der Juden Tempel zerstört zwischen 11 und ein Uhr”(On March 18th the Jewish Temple was destroyed between 11 and 1 o’clock)This is a reference to the destruction of a synagogue of the Jewish community in Halberstadt by citizens of the city in 1669. The community members then turned to the Great Elector Frederick William, who, after lengthy negotiations, demanded that the Halberstadt city government and local officials pay restitution.