Berdychiv, Ukraine, about 90 miles from Kyiv, historically known as the "Jerusalem of Volhynia," was a premier center of Jewish life, culture, and Hasidim by the mid-18th century. It was home to the late Rabbi Yitshak Levi of Berdichev, a leading Hasidic master, a primary disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch, and a passionate defender of the Jewish people. By the turn of the 19th century, 80% of the city was Jewish, and residents included famous author Sholem Aleichem (1859-1916). Berdychiv was an archetype for the "Jewish town" in literature, with more than 80 synagogues, Jewish schools, and thriving Jewish-owned businesses.
Like most cities in Ukraine, Berdychiv was occupied by the Nazis in 1941, and within a few months, more than 38,000 Jews from the local area were murdered. The atrocities were documented in “The Black Book,” written by Vasily Grossman, a native of Berdychiv.
After World War II, a few Jews returned and gradually the community was partially restored, but for the duration of communist rule, the practice of religion was prohibited. Today, the Berdychiv Jewish community remains relatively small, and many of the several hundred Jewish residents are elderly. Nevertheless, Jewish institutions play a vital role in the city. Over the past few years, the synagogue has served as a shelter for fleeing families, including several who fled Kharkiv and Kyiv, as well as a distribution site for food, clothing and other essential items. Our hot meal program is a lifeline for many of the residents who are unable to cook for themselves.
A community Seder was held during the recent Passover holiday, and events take place regularly for the Jewish youth including visits to local elderly residents who rarely venture outside out of fear of the ongoing crisis.
We continue to support the Jews of Berdychiv and the surrounding areas as well as Jewish communities throughout the country. Together we save lives and restore hope.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Gabbai26, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
