Chernivtsi, a mid-size city in southwestern Ukraine on the upper course of the Prut River, has long been one of Western Ukraine's main cultural and educational centers. Historically a cosmopolitan community, Chernivtsi was once dubbed "Little Vienna” and "Jerusalem on the Prut.”
Jews have lived in Chernivtsi since the early 15th century and have been involved in the merchant and trade industry since that time. By the late 19th century, Jews constituted a large portion of the city's population, exceeding 30%. Yiddish was the primary language spoken by the Jewish community, with some German as well, due to Austrian influence.
During World War I, the city changed hands many times, and was ultimately annexed by Romania, which led to hardship for the Jewish community. Nevertheless, over the years, the city became a focal point of Jewish intellectual life. World War II brought great tragedy to the city: a Jewish ghetto was established in Chernivtsi and most of the Jews were deported to Transnistrian camps; more than half of the city’s Jewish population died.
Following the war, most of the remaining Jewish population of Chernivtsi emigrated to Romania, Israel (then Palestine), and the United States. Many of the Jewish religious and community buildings were used by the government for secular purposes.
Rabbi Mendy Glitzenstein and his wife Peri, have been instrumental in the revival of the Chernivtsi Jewish community over the past several decades. In 2021, Rabbi Glitzenstein, and local officials organized several events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust, including one held on the corner of Bryanska and Pizkultruna streets, where the Maccabi sports stadium stood for many years, and the location from which thousands of Jews were deported to their deaths in 1941. At the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled and inspiring speeches were delivered by the Israeli and German Ambassadors to Ukraine who were in attendance. The Regional Governor also attended and announced that a famous building in town, the “Jewish House” would be returned to the local community to serve as an educational and cultural center. Rabbi Glitzenstein who serves as the Chief Rabbi of Chernivtsi, commented:
“Beyond commemorating the memory of the Holocaust victims and events, we must boldly look at the spread of anti-Semitism in the world and do everything we can to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. We must celebrate our Judaism with pride and without fear, spread light, and make the darkness disappear. The might of the events that have just been commemorated in the city, with the participation of government representatives and guests from across the world, prove that this is possible and in our hands.”
In March 2024, Chief Rabbi Glizenstein worked with local leaders to commemorate and celebrate the history and traditions of their city. The Vernissage Centre of Culture exhibition hall, in Chernivtsi, featured the work of Natalia Korobara, in a show titled ‘The Light of Jerusalem.’ Paintings and modern graphics were on display, drawing hundreds of visitors despite the ongoing war. The artist was congratulated for combining “material mastery” of technique with penetrating spirituality. Rabbi Glitzenstein noted that “the watercolors and oil paintings—including landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits exploring the special light of Jerusalem—blend Ms. Korobara’s fascination with physical detail and metaphysical wonderment. The bright gracefulness lifts viewers out of the present moment, making the exhibit an antidote to the travails of war.” Additionally, Rabbi Glitzenstein noted, “Natalia’s impressive work is a beautiful combination of spirituality and material mastery. In the Torah portions we are currently reading, we find the same combination regarding the special vessels and tools used in the Mishkan, which in the future will also be used in the Holy Temples in Jerusalem, the theme of our exhibition.”
We commend Rabbi Glizenstein and his wife for their leadership of the Chernivtsi Jewish community, even in the face of personal sacrifice (they survived a near tragic car accident in June 2022, upon returning to Ukraine from Hungary). It is an honor for JRNU to continue to support the Chernivtsi Jewish community.
Together we save lives and restore hope.
