Photograph: Wooden synagogue

European Jews

Southwestern Krai, Kiev Guberniya, Kanevsky Uyezd, Shtetl of Kozin

1912-1914s

Gelatin silver printing with chemical development (DOP)

11,9 x 17,2

РЭМ 4997-1

Jewish ethnographic expedition of S. A. An-sky. Wooden synagogues were large-size cribwork buildings with tall gambrel roofs. A typical feature of wooden synagogues was an undecorated façade and abundance of decoration inside. Apart from the central prayer hall, the synagogues had additional spaces: a space for women (in the second storey or in an extension) with a separate entrance, for a “cheder” (elementary school), religious court of law, community council meetings etc.