Photograph: Wooden synagogue

European Jews

Southwestern Krai, Podolia Guberniya, Ushitsky Uyezd, Shtetl of Zamehov

1912-1914s

Gelatin silver printing with chemical development (DOP)

11,6 x 16,9

РЭМ 4997-11

Jewish ethnographic expedition of S. A. An-sky. Synagogue: Jewish house of prayer, spiritual and administrative center of a Jewish community. The synagogue combined ritual, managerial, and educational functions; it hosted public prayers and study of sacred texts, religious rites, and meetings of the community's administration and courts; often, spaces for ritual immersion (mikvah) and schools for children (cheders and Talmud Torahs were also provided in synagogues. Some synagogues had special spaces for visitors.