The synagogue was completed in 1857, fell into disuse after World War II, was subsequently restored and reconsecrated in 1986.

[citation needed] The first mention of Jewish inhabitants in Aalten dates to the late seventeenth century.

Just over half the Jews of Aalten survived World War II by going into hiding; the remainder were deported to extermination camps and murdered there.

The interior of the synagogue was destroyed but the Thorah scrolls and ritual objects were hidden in time to be preserved.

In 2000, during the 150th anniversary of the synagogue's construction, a plaque was unveiled bearing the names of all the Jews of Aalten who died during the war.