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

Šaukėnai, Lithuania - Original Linocut

Shukian [Yid], Shavkyany [Rus], Szawkiany [Pol]

The wooden synagogue of Šaukėnai, built in the eighteenth century, was famous for its beautiful carved bimah and Aron Kodesh.

On August 29th, 1941, the Jews of Šaukėnai were taken to the town of Zhager where many Jews from the nearby towns had already been confined. All were murdered on October 2, 1941.

Eight youngsters, who had managed to escape from the Zhager massacre, sought asylum with the priest of Šaukėnai. He proposed that they become Christians, to which they agreed, but this did not rescue them. They too were shot and buried in the Catholic cemetery where a cross marks their grave. Early in the 1990's a tablet was erected on their graves, with the following inscription:

"Here eight Jewish youngsters are buried. They were murdered on November 1, 1941, All Saints Day. All were led to the ghetto of Zhager, but survived by escaping from there, after which they found asylum in the church of Šaukėnai. At the end of September 1941, they received the Holy Cross. Priest Jonas Stasevicius baptized and adopted them, but this was not enough for the murderers and their leaders. These youngsters died because they were born Jews. Rest in peace.”

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.