Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.7.2, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Jewish Heritage Research Group in Belarus JHRG specializes in travel and tourism that are tailor-made to help you learn more about your Jewish ancestors, research your genealogy, and also preserve Jewish heritage in Belarus ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://jhrgbelarus.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Our Blog](https://jhrgbelarus.org/our-blog/) - [1940 List of spiritual leaders of Jewish communities of Western Belarus](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1940-list-of-spiritual-leaders-of-jewish-communities-of-western-belarus/) - On September 17, 1939 the territory of Western Belarus became part of the Soviet Union, what was the beginning of repressions against the spiritual leaders of all faiths including Jews. By February 1, 1940 there were 387 operating synagogues in Western Belarus. It was around the time when authorities began not only shutting down synagogues - [1913 List of Jews who owned hotels and furnished rooms for rent, Mogilev guberniya](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1913-list-of-jews-who-owned-hotels-and-furnished-rooms-for-rent-mogilev-guberniya/) - At the beginning of 20th century, the hotel business became of one of the fastest growing businesses. It was due to the fact that in large cities and towns population was rapidly growing. In order to run the hotel business, business owners had to purchase a special license. Jews understood the demand and they started - [100 Jewish Doctors of Western Belarus from 1938](https://jhrgbelarus.org/100-jewish-doctors-of-western-belarus-from-1938/) - Regardless of how difficult the time were Jewish parents always understood the importance of education and they tried to make sure that their children get the best education possible. In the former USSR in 1929, every third doctor was Jewish. In modern times, about 25% of Nobel Prize in medicine winners are Jews. Below is - [1946 List of Polish-born Jews, who returned to Poland from town Lida of Belarus (Part 2)](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1946-list-of-polish-born-jews-who-returned-to-poland-from-town-lida-of-belarus-part-2/) - Lida, Suvalkovskaya Street early 20th century. This is part 2 of the list of Polish-born Jews, which returned to Poland from town Lida. It lists 25 families, which travelled between February 2 and November 30, 1946 - [Jewish Photographers in Belarus, late-19th to early-20th centuries](https://jhrgbelarus.org/jewish-photographers-in-belarus-late-19th-to-early-20th-centuries/) - During the second half of the 19th-century, photography became very popular in the Russian Empire. New photography studios were opening in the large cities. As in other businesses, Jews became active in this new field. Sculpture of early 20th century photographer installed in Minsk About half of all photo studios in the Pale of Settlement, - [19th-beginning of 20th century: List of Jewish Political Prisoners from Belarus sent to Siberia .](https://jhrgbelarus.org/list-of-jewish-political-prisoners-which-were-sent-to-siberia-19-beginning-of-20-century/) - During the 18th-19th centuries in the Russian Empire, one of the harshest punishments was the transport of criminals to hard-labor camps in eastern Siberia. The climate there was terrible: In the winter, it was freezing; and in the summer it was very hot and humid. Swarms of mosquitoes and many wild animals made living conditions - [1945-1946 List of Polish-born Jews, who returned to Poland from town Lida of Belarus](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1945-1946-list-of-polish-born-jews-who-returned-to-poland-from-town-lida-of-belarus/) - In September 1939, as a result of the agreement between Germany and USSR, part of the eastern region of Poland was added to Belarus. More than 350,000 Polish Jews became citizens of the USSR. Vilenskaya Street (currently Sovetskaya Street ) in town Lida - Beginning 20th century In 1940, an additional 66.000 Polish Jews asked - [A Grodno Treasure](https://jhrgbelarus.org/a-grodno-treasure/) - Earlier this month, during demolition of an old house in Grodno, contractors found a container hidden in a basement wall. It contained 11 gold coins dating back to 1897-98, and a gold wedding ring inscribed in Hebrew: “Rebecca, beginning of Iyar.” The estimated value of the find is $3,000. The house is on today’s Antonova - [1929: Jewish families from Belarus move to Birobidjan](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1929-jewish-families-from-belarus-move-to-birobidjan/) - On March 28, 1928, the Communists decided to create a Jewish autonomous region in Siberia, near the Chinese border. The regional capital was to be at the site of a small railroad station, then called Tikhonkaya; later changed to Birobidjan. In early May 1928, the first Jewish migrants arrived by train. Among them were Jews - [1887 - Jewish owners of linen-processing factories in Belarus](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1887-jewish-owners-of-linen-processing-factories-in-belarus/) - By the mid-19th century, Russia had become the largest country exporting linen to Europe. It was used for in the production of fabric, oil, cords and cables. It became one of the fastest-growing industries in Russia. Process of creating linen threads in the early 20th century Some wealthy Jews were investing in linen processing factories, most of which - [1915: List of Jewish army deserters from Slonim uezd](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1915-list-of-jewish-army-deserters-from-slonim-uezd/) - In 1914, at the beginning of World War I, there were some 400,000 Jewish soldiers and officers in the Russian Empire’s army. By 1916, their numbers had increased to 500,000, about 9% of all the soldiers in the army. During WW1, nearly 100,000 Jewish soldiers were killed, and some 2,500 soldiers received the highest honor, - [1902 Largest Jewish businesses in shtetl Shklov](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1902-largest-jewish-businesses-in-shtetl-shklov/) - We are continuing series of posts about Shklov Jewish community 19th-beginning of 20th century. At that time, Shklov Jewish community was the most established out of all Jewish communities of Mogilev guberniya. Shopping center in Shklov beginning of 20th century, which has been recently rebuilt. Below is the list of largest Jewish businesses in shtetl - [Shklov: Facts about Jewish religious life in Shklov from the late 1890s-early 1900s](https://jhrgbelarus.org/shklov-facts-about-jewish-religious-life-from-the-late-1890s-early-1900s/) - By 1897, the Jewish population of Shklov was 5,122, or 78% of its total population. There were 11 registered synagogues and a yeshiva, a branch of the famous yeshiva in Slobodka. Former main synagogue of shtetl Shklov Before 1906, Shklov’s chief Rabbi was Meir Shwartz, a member of the Orthodox Misnagdim movement. Following Rabbi Shwartz was - [1946 JDC List of Jewish Residents of Belarus Who Survived WWII](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1946-jdc-list-of-jewish-residents-of-belarus-who-survived-wwii/) - In early 1946, after the end of WWII, the International Red Cross Committee was sent to the Soviet Union to estimate the magnitude of destruction and how to help survivors. While touring many places around the Soviet Union, the committee stopped in a few towns and shtetls in Belarus. Among the committee members was the - [The Mezhirech agricultural colony, founded in 1846 by Jews from Mogilev guberniya](https://jhrgbelarus.org/the-mezhirech-agricultural-colony-founded-in-1846-by-jews-from-mogilev-guberniya/) - In the mid-19th-century, one goal of the Russian government was to encourage Jews to work the land. The government provided land in six guberniyas (provinces) of the Russian Empire for this purpose, including Yekaterinoslavskaya guberniya (today Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozh’ye region in Ukraine). One of these was the agricultural colony of Mezhirech. The Tzar provided many - [1901 List of major donors for Jewish cemetery in Minsk](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1901-list-of-major-donors-for-jewish-cemetery-in-minsk/) - In the first half of the 19th century, Minsk had two Jewish cemeteries. One was closed to burials in 1851. In the 1920s, it was destroyed by the Communists and the campus of the Belorussian State University was built on its grounds. The other Jewish cemetery was closed to burials in 1898. In 1934, this - [1853 Synagogues of Minsk uezd / Samokhvalovichi, Ostroshitsky Gorodok , Rakov, Ivenets, Kamen, Stolbtsy, Sverzhen, Koydanovo, Rubezhevichi](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1853-synagogues-of-minsk-uezd-samokhvalovichi-ostroshitsky-gorodok-rakov-ivenets-kamen-stolbtsy-sverzhen-koydanovo-rubezhevichi/) - Earlier in May 2014 we already published a list of synagogues of Mozyr uezd with names of town, rabbi and staff. Today we are posting a similar list of synagogue of Minsk uezd. Former building of the synagogue in shtetl Ivenetz. The building was returned to the jewish community of Belarus and currently remains vacant. - [Jewish booksellers in Grodno and Vilno guberniyas](https://jhrgbelarus.org/jewish-booksellers-in-grodno-and-vilno-guberniyas/) - In the mid-19th century, “door-to-door” sales became very popular in the Russian Empire. This type of business required only the payment of a small tax, and there were no overhead expenses (no rent for a store, for example). Booksellers were also successfully selling their books by this method. However, they were required to comply with - [1922: List of young Jewish communist propagandists](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1922-list-of-young-jewish-communist-propagandists/) - Following the 1917 Revolution, the Communists needed Jewish propagandists for their philosophy who would travel to shtetls (Jewish villages and hamlets) and explain the events of the Revolution and what it meant for the country. They had to explain this to the residents, many of whom were illiterate and couldn’t even speak Russian. Jews in - [Belorussian synagogues under communist regime](https://jhrgbelarus.org/belorussian-synagogues-under-communist-regime/) - In 1917, when the Communists in the former Russian Empire took power, traditional Jewish life was forced to go underground. The main wave of synagogue closings took place from 1922-23. By 1926, in Belarus, only 37 synagogues were open. By 1939, there were only 4. As a result, in almost every town underground cheders were - [Mass Holocaust Burial Site Discovered in Volozhyn](https://jhrgbelarus.org/mass-holocaust-burial-site-discovered-in-volozhyn/) - During ground-breaking for construction of a new apartment building in Volozhyn, a mass burial site was discovered for Jews killed during the Holocaust. About a year ago, the Volozhyn town administration granted a construction permit for construction of the new building on the site of an abandoned stadium in the town center. It is a - [1826-1832: Jewish pilgrims to Palestine from Mogilev guberniya.](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1826-1832-jewish-pilgrims-to-palestine-from-mogilev-guberniya/) - We found an interesting file with copies of identification documents of Jews from Mogilev guberniya traveling to Palestine as pilgrims, 1826-1832. These documents provide the name of the traveler and family members, as well as physical descriptions. Poor people couldn’t afford this type of travel. We can only imagine how difficult their journey was without - [Shana Tova!](https://jhrgbelarus.org/shana-tova/) - We wish you and your families health, peace and prosperity in the coming years. - Staff of JHRG Belarus - [1876 List of melameds of Mstislavl Uezd](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1876-list-of-melameds-of-mstislavl-uezd/) - In the Russian Empire of the 19th century, day schools (called cheder) were very common for Jewish boys. Students were divided into three age groups. From ages 3-5, the youngest boys learned the Hebrew alphabet and reading skills. From ages 5-8, they were already learning Torah with Rashi commentary and beginning to learn Talmud. Those - [Ancestral Trip Testimonial](https://jhrgbelarus.org/ancestral-trip-testimonial/) - For those of you who are thinking about taking an ancestral trip to Belarus, we would like to share a recent testimonial from one of our clients who just returned from their trip.Hi Yuri,We are finally back from our Poland-Belarus trip and would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for a - [1921 – List of Jews from Belarus looking for relatives in America (Part 2)](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1921-list-of-jews-from-belarus-looking-for-relatives-in-america-part-2/) - Our post from June 30th about Belorussian Jews which were looking for their relatives in US in 1921 got a lot of attention, and we’ve received a lot of inquiries from our readers. We’ve decided to continue publishing this list, and below is another 18 entries of people who were looking for their relatives in - [1921 - List of Jews from Belarus looking for relatives in America.](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1921-list-of-jews-looking-for-relatives-in-america/) - In October 1921, a JOINT representative from United States came to Belarus with an inspection of Jewish life, because it was a very difficult time when Jewish institutions tried to survive. When he was meeting and talking to people in various towns and shtetls of Belarus, some of them requested to find their relative in - [Malyi Trostenets (Belarus) - 4th largest extermination camp in Europe during WWII](https://jhrgbelarus.org/malyi-trostenets-belarus-4th-largest-extermination-camp-in-europe-during-wwii/) - On June 8, 2014, a ceremony was held on the site of the Maly Trostenets death camp, located in a Minsk, Belarus suburb, marking the commencement of construction of a memorial dedicated to the camp’s casualties. It was the fourth largest World War II death camp in Europe. According to official statistics 206, 500 civilians - [Tombstones discovery (Brest-Litovsk Jewish cemetery)](https://jhrgbelarus.org/tombstones-discovery-brest-litovsk-jewish-cemetery/) - A Few weeks ago during construction work in Brest (Brest-Litovsk) on Minskiy Lane almost 150 whole tombstones and pieces of tombstone from pre-war Jewish cemetery were discovered. Minsky Lane is located not far from the territory of former Jewish cemetery, which in 1970s was replaced by a stadium. Tombstones were collected by representatives of local - [1853 Synagogues of Mozyr uyezd / Skrygalov, Kopatkevichy, Petrikov, Lenin, Lakhva, David-Horodok, Turov, Karolin](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1853-synagogues-of-mozyr-uyezd-skrygalov-kopatkevichy-petrikov-lenin-lakhva-david-horodok-turov-karolin/) - According to the 1850 Census of the Russian Empire, the Jewish population had grown more than half since the previous census in 1834 to 2,350,00 people. Within the Pale of Settlement, 25 percent of the population was Jewish. Therefore, the Russian government began receiving many more inquiries for the construction of synagogues. In 1853, the - [Jewish Hotel Owners of MInsk, Belarus (1914)](https://jhrgbelarus.org/jewish-hotel-owners-of-minsk-belarus-1914/) - By 1914, the Minsk Jewish population was 45,103, a little less than half of the total population of Minsk (106,673). At that time in Minsk, sales and services were controlled by Jewish people. 78% were store owners, 72% were truckers, 94 % were tailors and 86% were shoemakers. With the Russian Empire’s growing economy, new - [How Borisov's Jews saved Napoleon in 1812](https://jhrgbelarus.org/how-borisovs-jews-saved-napoleon-in-1812/) - In November of 1812, the Russian army surrounded French troops at the Berezino River in shtetl Borisov, Minsk guberniya. French General Ebel decided that that the only possible escape for the French was to cross the Berezino, so he created a plan. He gathered 10 local Jews and asked them to indicate where this river - [1912 Brest-Litovsk. Business avenue that people in the society didn't discuss out loud](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1912-brest-litovsk-business-avenue-that-people-in-the-society-didnt-discuss-out-loud/) - The issue of prostitution is as old as this world. In Russian empire prostitution was legalized in 1843. The first attempt to count the amount of brothels in Russian Empire was taken in 1889. According to the records at that time there was 1,216 officially legalized brothels with 7,840 women with permission to work there. - [1911 List of Jewish Horticulturists in the Mogilev Guberniya](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1911-list-of-jewish-horticulturists-in-the-mogilev-guberniya/) - Within the Pale of Settlement, horticulture was not a typical Jewish enterprise or field of endeavor. There were several obstacles to establishing a horticultural business. Not only were Jews’ rights to own land limited, but they also needed a significant amount of capital for the initial investment and beyond. In addition, uncontrollable natural causes and - [1922 Financial help to Yeshivas in Eastern Europe](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1922-financial-help-to-yeshivas-in-eastern-europe/) - After the 1917 revolution in the Russian Empire, the Institution of Jewish Education became the most vulnerable and effected by economical instability. Regular local donors were not able to support Jewish schools and yeshivas anymore, and head of yeshivas reached out to American Jews with the request of financial help. Beginning from 1921 this type - [1892 History of Grodno Synagogues](https://jhrgbelarus.org/1892-grodno-synagogues-history/) - We would like to let you know that we recently found an 1892 list of Grodno synagogues that were registered as prayer houses. (Please note that the government authorities often referred to synagogues as “prayer houses”.) This list contains the following information: the name of each synagogue, its location and the year construction was finished. - [Hotel alternatives in Belarus](https://jhrgbelarus.org/15-2/) - For those of you who have plans to travel to Belarus in the first half of May. The world hockey championship will be held in Minsk on May. More than 20,000 visitors are expected to come to Minsk during that time. Almost all hotels in Minsk are already booked for those dates. But this fact shouldn’t result in cancellation - [List of the richest merchants in Belarus (1913)](https://jhrgbelarus.org/9-2/) - In 1913 Russian empire had reached a pinnacle of it’s economical development. The country was number one in exporting eggs, flux and butter. It was the year when Russia had started exporting grains, coal and steel. A new layer of very reach people had shaped. Belorussian historians found out 50 most wealthy businessmen who were - [Collection of passports from Brest Uezd (1906-1907) recently found in Grodno archive](https://jhrgbelarus.org/collection-of-passports-from-brest-uezd-1906-1907/) - Just recently in Grodno historical archive we have discovered a 23 original foreign passports for residents of Brest uezd (most of them were from shtetl Vysoko-Litovsk). These passports were issued to people who left abroad during the second half of 1906 or first half 1907. At that time passports were issued for 6 months, and if people ## Pages - [Home](https://jhrgbelarus.org/) - No matter where in the world you live, if you have Jewish ancestry from Belarus, JHRG can help you start your family roots research. - [Genealogical Service](https://jhrgbelarus.org/genealogical-service/) - In genealogy, the results must be measured by the proper use of research principles, methodologies, and practice. Since no researcher can guarantee the results of research, a researcher can, through experience, determine what records exist, analyze the information found therein, and make cogent recommendations for future successful research. What kind of materials will be found - [Test Form](https://jhrgbelarus.org/test-form/) - [About Us](https://jhrgbelarus.org/about-us/) - In the spring of 2002, heads of several Belarusian Jewish organizations established the Jewish Heritage Research Group (JHRG) in Belarus. The goal of this JHRG is to create a window into Jewish past of Belarus. We want to take rich Jewish heritage of Belarus off the shelf and introduce it to you. Jewish Heritage Research - [Planning Your Trip](https://jhrgbelarus.org/about-trip-and-travel/) - Researching your family tree is a voyage of discovery. It is a pastime that enables you to reap rewards again and again. However, those who simply trace their family tree from the comfort of their home are missing an important piece of the puzzle. Even a lifetime spent on ancestral research is no substitute for - [Ancestral Shtetl Tours](https://jhrgbelarus.org/ancestor-shtetl-tours/) - Please, contact us:jhrg@jhrgbelarus.org Day 1: Arrival in to international airport "Minsk-2" Transfer to the hotel with guide Registration Optional: Trip to a National Historic Archive Day 2: Minsk Museum of history and culture of Jews of Belarus, Jewish city block of 19th century, central place of destruction of Jews of of Minsk within the Holocaust a memorial "Hole", Jewish - [Contact Form](https://jhrgbelarus.org/contact-2/) - [How JHRG Can Assist You](https://jhrgbelarus.org/how-jhrg-can-assist-you/) - The Jewish Heritage Research Group in Belarus can assist you ! You live many thousands of miles away from the town or village where your family had its roots. You don't have the time or the opportunity to visits the towns or villages that are part of your family history. You would like to see - [Research Inquiry Form](https://jhrgbelarus.org/research-information/) - [Kosher Travel](https://jhrgbelarus.org/kosher-travel/) - Please, contact us: jhrg@jhrgbelarus.org The program is as follows: 1st day: coming to Minsktransfer from the airport to Minskbooking in 2nd day: Minsk-Rakov: Jewish cemetery, the place of burning of 950 Jews, visiting the local museum.Volozhin: the building of Yeshiva (1806), Jewish cemetery, the grave of Rabbi Haim Volozhiner.Radin: the building of the Yeshiva, the grave of Rabbi Chofets Chaim. Grodno: (overnight stay) - [Jewish Heritage Tours](https://jhrgbelarus.org/jewish-heritage-tours/) - Please, contact us:jhrg@jhrgbelarus.org Day 1: Arrival into Minsk. Transfer from airport to hotel. At request: visit of historical archive city of Minsk, where are stored documents on the Jewish community of Belarus, beginning from 1795. Day2: Minsk Minsk - Visiting a museum of history and culture of the Belarus Jews, Jewish Community Center, area of a ghetto, the - [Belarus Jewish History](https://jhrgbelarus.org/belarus-jewish-history/) - In 1412 - for the first time several Jewish families were mentioned in the chronicles of the city of Brest-Litovsk (Brisk, Brest) a city at the extreme western border of Belarus. During the next 100 years, Jews started to settle in Grodno (1436), Novogrudok (1445), Kobrin (1456), Minsk (1489), and Pinsk (1506). In 1766 - the adult population of the - [Research Services](https://jhrgbelarus.org/research-services/) - In a hectic modern world, where everything is needed yesterday, people are increasingly fascinated by questions such as "Who am I?" and "Where do I come from?" Fortunately, for those of descent, these are the kinds of questions that we can help to answer. It's the perfect starting point with an unforgettable trip back to - [Blog Style 3](https://jhrgbelarus.org/blog-style-3/) - [Blog Style 2](https://jhrgbelarus.org/blog-style-2/) - [Gallery](https://jhrgbelarus.org/gallery/) - Gallery Gallery lorem ac erat suscipit bibendum. Nulla facilisi. Sedeuter nunc volutpat, mollis sapien vel, conseyer turpeutionyer masin libero sempe. Fusceler mollis augue sit amet hendrerit vestibulum. Duisteyerionyer venenatis lacus. - [Portfolio](https://jhrgbelarus.org/portfolio/) - Our Projects Interior Cotton House Exterior Armada Center Urban Stonya Villa Interior Prime Hotel View promo videoWhat Client's Say?Jason Brown Crowne Plaza Owner Emily White Armada Owner Jesica Smith Alsa Manager ## My Templates - [Default Kit](https://jhrgbelarus.org/?elementor_library=default-kit) ## Portfolios - [Cotton House](https://jhrgbelarus.org/portfolio/cotton-house/) - Prime Hotel Architecture non lorem ac erat suscipit bibendum. Nulla facilisi. Sedeuter nunc volutpat, mollis sapien vel, conseyer turpeutionyer masin libero sempe. Fusceler mollis augue sit amet hendrerit vestibulum. Duisteyerionyer venenatis lacus. Villa gravida eros ut turpis interdum ornare. Interdum et malesu they adamale fames ac anteipsu pimsine faucibus. Curabitur arcu site feugiat in tortor - [Armada Center](https://jhrgbelarus.org/portfolio/armada-center/) - Prime Hotel Architecture non lorem ac erat suscipit bibendum. Nulla facilisi. Sedeuter nunc volutpat, mollis sapien vel, conseyer turpeutionyer masin libero sempe. Fusceler mollis augue sit amet hendrerit vestibulum. Duisteyerionyer venenatis lacus. Villa gravida eros ut turpis interdum ornare. Interdum et malesu they adamale fames ac anteipsu pimsine faucibus. Curabitur arcu site feugiat in tortor - [Stonya Villa](https://jhrgbelarus.org/portfolio/stonya-villa/) - Prime Hotel Architecture non lorem ac erat suscipit bibendum. Nulla facilisi. Sedeuter nunc volutpat, mollis sapien vel, conseyer turpeutionyer masin libero sempe. Fusceler mollis augue sit amet hendrerit vestibulum. Duisteyerionyer venenatis lacus. Villa gravida eros ut turpis interdum ornare. Interdum et malesu they adamale fames ac anteipsu pimsine faucibus. Curabitur arcu site feugiat in tortor - [Prime Hotel](https://jhrgbelarus.org/portfolio/prime-hotel/) - Prime Hotel Architecture non lorem ac erat suscipit bibendum. Nulla facilisi. Sedeuter nunc volutpat, mollis sapien vel, conseyer turpeutionyer masin libero sempe. Fusceler mollis augue sit amet hendrerit vestibulum. Duisteyerionyer venenatis lacus. Villa gravida eros ut turpis interdum ornare. Interdum et malesu they adamale fames ac anteipsu pimsine faucibus. Curabitur arcu site feugiat in tortor ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://jhrgbelarus.org/category/uncategorized/) ## Portfolio Category - [Exterior](https://jhrgbelarus.org/portfolio_category/exterior/) - [Interior](https://jhrgbelarus.org/portfolio_category/interior/) - [Urban](https://jhrgbelarus.org/portfolio_category/urban/)