Discover 8 Ukrainian cities preserving vibrant Jewish heritage

Brody (Lviv region)

A city that was once one of the main centers of Jewish culture in Eastern Galicia. Yosef Rosen (Rogatchover Gaon), one of the most respected rabbis of the 19th century, was born and educated here.

The ruins of the Great Synagogue, built in 1742, have been preserved. Its monumental structure still holds its shape despite decades of decline. At the Jewish cemetery, you can see unique matzevot with baroque ornaments.

Brody Great Synagogue (photo: Wikipedia)

Berdychiv (Zhytomyr region)

It was called the "Jewish capital of Ukraine" in the 19th century. Tens of thousands of Jews lived here, with schools, synagogues, and printing houses operating. Berdychiv was an important center of Hasidism.

The city has a preserved Jewish cemetery where Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdychiv is buried. By the way, Berdychiv was mentioned by Honoré de Balzac in his letters before his wedding to Eveline Hańska.

Jewish cemetery, Berdychiv (photo: Wikipedia)

Chortkiv (Ternopil region)

Before World War II, Jews made up more than half of the population. The city still features Jewish architecture with cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and traditional shutters.

The old Great Synagogue is of particular value. It is a unique monument with towers resembling castle architecture. In Chortkiv, a volunteer project aims at restoring Jewish heritage.

Old Great Synagogue (photo: GuideInUkraine)

Zhovkva (Lviv region)

A unique Renaissance city where Ukrainians, Poles, Jews, and Armenians once lived side by side. The Jewish community left behind one of the largest defensive synagogues in Eastern Europe.

Zhovkva Synagogue (1698) impresses with its architecture and scale. It is being restored and has already become a symbol of tolerant Zhovkva. A walk through the city allows you to see what real multicultural Europe once looked like.

Zhovkva defensive synagogue is known worldwide (photo: Wikipedia)

Uman (Cherkasy region)

Today, Uman is a pilgrimage center for Hasidim from around the world. Here lies Tzadik Nachman of Breslov, the founder of Breslov Hasidism, who requested to be buried here.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims gather here for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. But even off-season, there is much to see: the Jewish quarter, synagogue, memorial places, and the unique atmosphere of a peaceful town.

Uman synagogue (photo: Wikipedia)

Sataniv (Khmelnytskyi region)

A small Podilian village that hides one of the oldest synagogues in Ukraine (16th century). Its defensive architecture has no analogues: thick walls, narrow loophole windows, and at the same time, refined decorative elements.

Here you can truly see what a provincial Jewish community looked like in the Middle Ages. The atmosphere in Sataniv is quiet, authentic, and without tourist attractions.

Synagogue (photo: Wikipedia)

Ostroh (Rivne region)

A center of Jewish printing in Ukraine. In the 16th century, the first complete Jewish Bible (Tanakh) was printed here. This is a city of real books: Ukrainian, Jewish, and Polish.

Ostroh has its synagogue, partially restored, and a Museum of Jewish History. Visiting the city is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the intellectual environment of the time when Ukraine was a cultural bridge between East and West.

Synagogue (restoration) (photo: Wikipedia)

Lviv

Once, the city had separate Ashkenazi and Sephardic quarters. Jewish life thrived here for centuries until the catastrophe of the 20th century.

Today, you can walk along Staroyevreyska Street, see the remains of the synagogues "Golden Rose" and "Tempel," the Jewish cemetery, and houses that still bear the symbols and inscriptions of the past. Lviv is a city where you can feel the flair of antiquity.

General view of the synagogue (photo: Wikipedia)

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Sources: Wikipedia, Jewish Heritage Europe, Visit Ukraine, GuideInUkraine