Wooden Synagogues of Eastern Europe
When our ancestors were forced to leave their homes in the shtetls in Eastern Europe, they were also forced to leave behind their beloved synagogues. At one time there were easily hundreds of these (typically all-wood) synagogues. Most have since been destroyed and the few that remain have been neglected and abandoned.
Fortunately there are some organized efforts to create a record of the history and beauty of these wooden synagogues. Please look at these resources:
- The Lost Wooden Synagogues of Eastern Europe — a wonderful film on the subject, narrated by Theodore Bikel. Preview the film at VideoDetective.com
- Moshe Verbin — Mr. Verbin has painstakingly created models of dozens of synagogues. These works of art and heart are now on a permanent display at “ORT” College in Givat Ram Jerusalem
- Handshouse Studio — An exhibition about 17th and 18th century wooden synagogues
- Boris Feldblyum Collection — A photographic collection, including many images of Eastern European synagogues. Start Here
- Avotaynu — a publisher dedicated to Jewish genealogy and heritage
These images were found at Avotaynu, but no longer seem to be available at that website:
Synagogues in Belarus
A few synagogues in Lithuania
A few synagogues in Poland
A few synagogues in Ukraine
Under The Dining Room Table 