Lost Treasures: The Wooden Synagogues of Eastern Europe The Artwork of Bill Farran

Minkovtsy, Ukraine - Original Linocut

Yiddish name: Minkovitz

Jews settled in Myn’kivtsi in the early 18th century and set up trades including a town brewery and two mills. The Jewish community established the institutions required for their autonomous governance: the kahal (governing council), a rabbi, a cantor, and numerous kosher butchers.

By 1788, the community built a big wooden synagogue on the bank of the Ushitsa River. Myn’kivtsi became the possession of Polish noble Ignacy Marchocki. One of Marchocki’s first reform acts was to abolish serfdom on his estate and give all people equal rights. In 1792, the first Jewish printing houses were opened. The printing industry and Marchocki’s reforms continued until his death in 1827. In 1836 the town, no longer owned by a Polish noble, was ruled by the Russian Government.

On July 31, 1941, the German Wehrmacht occupied Myn’kivtsi. The town’s Jews were shot and buried in a mass grave on August 30, 1941.

Purchase a print

Original linocut prints are 8x10 inches, and are available either unmatted or in an 11x14 matte.

I also offer matted 5x7 digital prints. These prints are created from high-res digital images and come in an 8x10 matte.