The Jewish community of Postoloprty and its status within the region of north-west Bohemia until the end of the 18th century

Židovská obec Postoloprty a její místo v regionu severozápadních Čech do konce 18. století

Author(s): Hana Legnerová / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Postoloprty; Jewish community; north-west Bohemia; 18th century;

The paper deals with the history of the Jewish community of Postoloprty (Postelberg) in the context of Jewish settlement in north-west Bohemia. This community is remarkable in that it is one of the few in Bohemia to have been established as a result of the expulsion of Jews from Vienna and from Lower Austria after 1669. A key role in the relocation of the Jews here was played by the owner of the Postoloprty domain, Georg Ludwig Graf von Sinzendorf (1616–1681), who took under his protection almost 20 Jewish families who had originally settled on his estates in Lower Austria. The character of the owner of the domain was generally crucial for the Jewish community. This is because he was in a position to alter their established way of life by rejecting their existing rights and obligations. After 1691, the new owners of the domain, the Schwarzenbergs, introduced stricter rules for the Jewish community, especially with regard to marriage permits and to their dealings with the Christian majority. The Jews were gradually segregated to a separate street in the north-east of the town. Towards the end of the 18th century, the community became heavily indebted and its population stagnated as a result of a combination of several unfavourable factors – notably, a sudden reduction in the number of families in 1711, high costs to be paid for the newly built synagogue, and a series of natural disasters.

No Entry to Jews! Marginalization and exclusion of the Jewish population in mining towns before 1850 on the example of Horní Slavkov

Židům vstup zakázán! Marginalizace a exkluze židovského obyvatelstva v horních městech před rokem 1850 na příkladu Horního Slavkova

Author(s): Pavel Dohnal / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Horní Slavkov; Jews; marginalization; exclusion 19th century;

The topic of the persecution and emancipation of the Jews opens up a range of interesting issues – from the adoption of a general policy of disciplining subjects through to an exploration of personal identities in the pre-modern era. In less than a century, the status of the Jewish population of the Bohemian lands had changed beyond recognition. Whereas in the 18th century they were still only a tolerated section of society, sometimes at risk of fatal persecution, by the end of that century they were gradually able to participate in the economic life of the Habsburg Monarchy, and after the middle of the following century they had finally gained full civil rights. This paper outlines the relationship of the central and local authorities towards the Jewish population of the Bohemian lands by focusing on the official agenda of the royal mining town of Horní Slavkov. Extant sources – such as the town’s correspondence with Jewish communities and individuals, or the town’s criminal law agenda – provide insights about the legal practices of the day and enable us to highlight the problems associated with enforcement of the legislation restricting the right of residence for Jews in mining towns.

The Jewish minority in Staňkov

Židovská menšina ve Staňkově

Author(s): Radka Kinkorová / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: ethnic minorities; Staňkov; Jews; 19th century; 20th century;

The town of Staňkov (Stankau) is located 20 kilometres north-east of Domažlice in South Bohemia. After the relaxation of discriminatory laws in 1848, Jews began to move to large urban areas, gradually leaving the small rural settlements, such as Staňkov. Around the middle of the 19th century, a large number of Jewish families moved to Staňkov, which at the time comprised two parts. After the turn of the 20th century, some of them began to relocate to large towns. Right up until the 1930s, there were still members of a few Jewish families living in Staňkov, namely the Bloch, Kohn, Lederer, Wilhelm, and Weil (Bruml and Schwarz) families. These families had a similar life experience. In the middle of the 19th century, some of their relatives moved to Staňkov, where they began to prosper both socially and economically. Few, however, had the foresight to leave the country by the end of the 1930s; some tried, but it was too late by then. In November 1942, they were deported to the Terezín/Theresienstadt ghetto. Later, they were sent on to concentration and extermination camps in the East. Most of the members of these families perished, apart from a few individuals who managed to survive the war. Alžběta (Elisabeth) Ledererová returned to Staňkov from the Mauthausen camp. The Wilhelm siblings Otto, Helena and Aloisie (Louisa) Wilhelm survived the war abroad.

List of authors

Seznam autorů

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: authors list;

Chaos as a consequence of emancipation. Organization of Jewry in Bohemia 1848-1893

Chaos jako důsledek emancipace Organizace židovstva v Čechách 1848-1893

Author(s): Daniel Baránek / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jewish tax; Bohemia; financial challenges; Prague; legal reform; 19th century;

The abolition of the Jewish tax in October 1848 and the equalization of Jews by the constitution of March 4, 1849, posed significant financial challenges for Jewish communities in Bohemia. The search for a solution spanned over four decades, with Prague quickly resolving the issue through ad hoc measures, while rural communities struggled. Efforts to legally secure funding for rural Jewish communities failed in the early 1850s, as only the Prague Jewish community had the status to enforce contributions. The Czech governorship's attempts to reform Jewish communities were met with resistance, leading to a prolonged period of legal and financial uncertainty. The situation was further complicated by the lack of clear criteria for determining the status of Jewish religious communities. Despite various proposals and negotiations, a comprehensive legal framework was not established until the late 19th century. The eventual issuance of a law in 1890 brought some order to the chaotic situation, but challenges persisted in implementing and enforcing the new regulations.

Jewish religious communities of Chodová Planá and Tachov at the beginning of the 20th century

Židovské náboženské obce Chodová Planá a Tachov na počátku 20. století

Author(s): Jan Edl / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jewish communities; Chodová Planá; Tachov; financial challenges; legal reforms; resilience;

At the turn of the 20th century, the Jewish religious communities in Chodová Planá and Tachov navigated significant organizational and financial challenges. Following the equalization of Jews in 1848 and the subsequent legal reforms, these communities sought to establish stable financial foundations. The issuance of model statutes in the late 19th century provided a framework for their operations, including the collection of religious contributions. Despite bureaucratic hurdles, both communities managed to adapt, with Tachov experiencing a notable increase in income and expenses due to higher salaries for religious officials. The financial records reveal the reliance on member contributions and the varied economic statuses within the communities. Detailed inventories of movable and immovable property highlight the communities' assets, including synagogues and cemeteries. The study underscores the resilience and adaptability of these rural Jewish communities in the face of legal and financial uncertainties, providing a comprehensive view of their internal dynamics and contributions to local Jewish heritage.

On the organization of Jewish religious communities in the Czech lands

K organizaci židovských náboženských obcí v českých zemích

Author(s): Vlastimila Hamáčková / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jewish religious communities; Czech lands; 1890 law; Supreme Council; social care; heritage preservation;

The organization of Jewish religious communities in the Czech lands between the two world wars faced numerous challenges, as detailed in the extensive archival materials preserved in the Jewish Museum in Prague. The 1890 law established Jewish religious communities as public territorial corporations, mandating the collection of a religious tax to cover community needs. Despite the autonomy granted by the law, the communities struggled with issues such as appointing and maintaining rabbis, and the lack of broader organizations to coordinate inter-community relations. Efforts to create a unified organization culminated in the formation of regional unions and the Supreme Council of Jewish Religious Communities in 1927. These unions aimed to manage common affairs, represent Jewish interests to state authorities, and ensure the preservation of Jewish heritage. The Supreme Council also focused on social care, education, and the protection of historical and artistic Jewish artifacts. The study highlights the resilience and adaptability of Jewish communities in navigating legal and financial uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of preserving their history for future generations.

Halician refugees in the Domažlice and Horšovský Týn region during the First World War

Haličští uprchlíci na Domažlicku a Horšovskotýnsku v době první světové války

Author(s): Radka Kinkorová / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Galician refugees; World War I; Domažlice; Horšovský Týn; migration; local response;

The arrival of Galician refugees in the Domažlice and Horšovský Týn regions during World War I highlights the complex dynamics of migration and local response. Thousands of predominantly Jewish refugees fled the advancing Eastern Front, with many finding temporary shelter in various towns and villages. The local authorities and communities initially welcomed the refugees, providing food, clothing, and shelter, but as the war progressed, resources dwindled, and tensions rose. The refugees' different cultural and hygienic practices sometimes clashed with local norms, leading to mixed reactions from the residents. Despite these challenges, efforts were made to integrate the refugees, including setting up schools for their children and organizing employment opportunities. The study underscores the importance of understanding historical migration patterns and the social dynamics involved, offering valuable insights into the human capacity for both compassion and prejudice during times of crisis.

The last Jews in the Planá judicial district

Poslední židé v soudním okrese Planá

Author(s): Markéta Novotná / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jewish community; Planá; Holocaust; property confiscation; census records; resilience;

The Jewish community in the judicial district of Planá experienced significant changes from the late 19th century to the 1930s. By 1930, only a fraction of the original Jewish population remained, with many having moved to larger cities or emigrated abroad. The community faced severe persecution during the Holocaust, with most members being deported to ghettos and concentration camps, where they perished. The confiscation of Jewish property and its subsequent redistribution post-war further impacted the community. Detailed records from the 1930 census provide insights into the lives of the remaining Jewish families, their occupations, and their contributions to local society. Despite the tragic losses, the historical documentation preserved in various archives offers a poignant glimpse into the resilience and legacy of the Jewish community in Planá. The study emphasizes the importance of these records in understanding the broader socio-economic and cultural history of the region.

The visually impaired and blind in the Terezín ghetto 1941–1945

Zrakově postižení a nevidomí v ghettu Terezín 1941-1945

Author(s): Tomáš Fedorovič / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Terezín ghetto; visually impaired; Reinhard Heydrich; Jewish assembly camps; resilience; Holocaust;

The plight of visually impaired and blind Jews in the Terezín ghetto during World War II is a poignant chapter in Holocaust history. With the establishment of Jewish assembly camps under Reinhard Heydrich's regime, many blind individuals were deported to Terezín, where they faced harsh conditions. Despite the adversity, the Jewish community organized care for the blind, including the creation of a dedicated home in the ghetto. Medical professionals and volunteers provided essential services, from eye care to daily assistance. The resilience of the blind inmates is evident in their efforts to maintain dignity and contribute to the community, despite their disabilities. The study highlights the importance of preserving these historical records to honor the victims and learn from their experiences. The documentation provides a detailed account of the administrative and social dynamics within the ghetto, offering valuable insights into the lives of the visually impaired during this dark period.

Czechoslovak Jews as victims of political repression in the USSR

Českoslovenští Židé jako oběti politických represí v SSSR

Author(s): Jan Dvořák / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Czechoslovak Jews; Soviet repression; Gulag; deportation; survival; archival research;

The plight of Czechoslovak Jews under Soviet political repression from the 1920s to the 1950s is a harrowing tale of survival and persecution. Thousands of Czechoslovak citizens, including Jews, faced arrest, deportation, and execution under various waves of Soviet repression. Many were sent to Gulag labor camps, where survival depended on youth and health, with a significant number perishing. The research highlights the diverse backgrounds of the victims, from political emigrants and war prisoners to those fleeing Nazi persecution. Despite the harsh conditions, some managed to survive and later joined the Czechoslovak military units forming in the Soviet Union. The study underscores the importance of detailed archival research in uncovering these tragic histories and the resilience of those who endured such extreme adversity.

The (Un)known fate of Jiří Weil (1939–1959)

(Ne)známé osudy Jiřího Weila (1939-1959)

Author(s): Hana Hříbková / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jiří Weil; Jewish Museum; cataloging; Gestapo; Terezín; resilience;

Jiří Weil's tenure at the Jewish Museum in Prague from 1943 to 1959 was marked by his meticulous cataloging of artifacts from destroyed synagogues and Jewish communities. Despite being arrested by the Gestapo in 1944, Weil continued his work in the museum, contributing significantly to the preservation of Jewish heritage. His involvement in the museum's planning meetings and his efforts in organizing exhibitions and publications were pivotal. Weil's post-war activities included rescuing Jewish books from Terezín and other locations, and his work inspired many of his literary creations. His resilience and dedication to documenting Jewish history are evident in his extensive archival contributions and his role in publicizing the Terezín children's drawings. Weil's legacy is preserved through his numerous studies, translations, and the exhibitions he helped curate, highlighting the importance of his work in the context of Jewish cultural preservation.

National Property Administration – Tábor district office. Archival fund correctly and incorrectly stored?!?!?

Národní správa majetkových podstat - obvodová úřadovna Tábor. Archivní fond správně i mylně uložený?!?!?

Author(s): Laděna Plucarová / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: post-war Czechoslovakia; Jewish community; property restitution; Košice Government Program; National Administration of Property Assets; resilience;

In post-war Czechoslovakia, the Jewish community faced immense challenges in reclaiming their property and dignity after the Holocaust. The Košice Government Program of 1945 initiated the restitution process, addressing the confiscation of Jewish property during the Nazi occupation. Despite numerous legal hurdles and bureaucratic obstacles, efforts were made to return properties to their rightful owners or their heirs. The National Administration of Property Assets played a crucial role in managing these restitutions, dealing with properties across various regions. Detailed records from the State District Archive in Tábor reveal the complexities of these processes, including the handling of public spaces like synagogues and cemeteries. The study highlights the resilience of the Jewish community in navigating these legal and administrative challenges, emphasizing the importance of preserving these historical records for future generations. The archival materials provide a comprehensive view of the post-war restitution efforts and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition.

Materials on the history of Jews in the Czech Lands in the Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People in Jerusalem

Materiály k dějinám Židů v českých zemích v Ústředním archivu pro dějiny židovského lidu v Jeruzalémě

Author(s): Markéta Pnina Younger (Rubešová) / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Central Archives; Jerusalem; Jewish heritage; pinkasim; memorbuchs; digitalization; cultural preservation;

The Central Archives for the History of the Jewish People in Jerusalem, established in the late 1930s, plays a crucial role in preserving Jewish heritage. Founded by historian Josef Meisl, the archive collects and maintains documents related to Jewish communities worldwide, from the Middle Ages to the present. The Czech collection, a significant part of the archive, includes materials from Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia, covering various aspects of Jewish life, such as community records, personal collections, and organizational documents. Notable items include pinkasim (record books) and memorbuchs (memorial books), which provide insights into the social, economic, and religious activities of Jewish communities. The archive's digitalization efforts have made many of these documents accessible online, enhancing research opportunities. The study emphasizes the importance of these archival materials in understanding the historical development of Jewish communities and preserving their cultural heritage for future generations.

On the history of Jewish settlement in Rožmberk and Vltavou

K dějinám židovského osídlení v Rožmberku nad Vltavou

Author(s): Daniel Polakovič / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jewish settlement; Rožmberk nad Vltavou; synagogue; pinkas; resilience; heritage preservation;

The history of Jewish settlement in Rožmberk nad Vltavou is traced back to the late 17th century, following the expulsion of Jews from Vienna and Lower Austria. Although the existing literature repeats the information that the beginnings of Jewish settlement in Rožmberk date back to the mid-13th century. Early records mention Jewish merchants and families settling in the area, contributing to the local economy and establishing a synagogue and cemetery. Despite facing periodic expulsions and anti-Semitic decrees, the Jewish community persisted, with notable families like the Herlinger and Wehle playing significant roles. The community's resilience is evident in their ability to rebuild after fires and other adversities, maintaining their cultural and religious practices. The preservation of archival materials, including the pinkas (community record book), provides valuable insights into the community's social and economic life. The study emphasizes the importance of these historical records in understanding the broader context of Jewish life in Bohemia. Efforts to document and preserve the Jewish heritage of Rožmberk nad Vltavou continue to be crucial for future generations.

Jewish cemetery in Mladá Vožice

Židovský hřbitov v Mladé Vožici

Author(s): Iva Steinová / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: Jewish settlement; Mladá Vožice; synagogue; cemetery; resilience; heritage preservation;

Jewish settlement in Mladá Vožice began in the early 17th century, with significant growth in the following decades. The community faced various challenges, including anti-Semitic decrees and periodic expulsions, yet they established a synagogue and cemetery. Prominent families like the Synks and Liftschitzes played key roles in the community's development, contributing to local commerce and religious life. The Jewish cemetery, founded in the late 17th century, contains numerous historical tombstones, including those of notable figures such as Elias Baroch and Sinaj Woschitz. Despite adversities, the community demonstrated resilience, maintaining their cultural and religious practices. The preservation of archival materials, including the pinkas (community record book), provides valuable insights into the community's social and economic life. The study emphasizes the importance of these historical records in understanding the broader context of Jewish life in Bohemia. Efforts to document and preserve the Jewish heritage of Mladá Vožice continue to be crucial for future generations.

List of authors

Seznam autorů

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: about authors;

Editorial note

Ediční poznámka

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: editorial; ethnohistory; Jews;

V říjnu 2016 uspořádalo Židovské muzeum v Praze ve spolupráci se Státní oblastním archivem v Litoměřicích a Státním okresním archivem Chomutov se sídlem v Kadani šesté setkání archivářů, historiků, hebraistů a pracovníků regionálních muzeí, kteří se zabývají dějinami Židů v Cechách především se zaměřením na novodobou problematiku a historii pohraničních oblastí.

List of authors

Seznam autorů

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Editorial note

Ediční poznámka

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Czech / Publication Year: 0

Keywords: editorial; ethnohistory; Jews;

V říjnu 2018 uspořádalo Židovské muzeum v Praze ve spolupráci se Státním oblastním archivem v Třeboni sedmé setkání archivářů, historiků, hebraistů a pracovníků regionálních muzeí, kteří se zabývají dějinami Židů v Cechách především se zaměřením na novodobou problematiku a historii pohraničních oblastí.