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

Zabłudów, Poland - Original Linocut

Yiddish name: Zablodove

The wooden synagogue of Zabłudów was built between 1637-1649 in a town that had a thriving Jewish community for hundreds of years. It had a remarkable three-story roof which was constructed without the use of nails. Renovated and enlarged in 1765, it was considered a Jewish cultural treasure of Poland. Inscribed on its walls were colorful paintings and prayers. There was a large collection of valuable worship vessels of great historical - value, including ancient scrolls, a massive silver Torah crown, and a menorah standing on a pole built especially for it. In addition, there were colorful embroidered silk and velvet Torah curtains using silver and gold threads. The beautiful bimah, standing in the middle of the synagogue, was designed in the shape of a tower with windows and arches. A special Sabbath afternoon custom was for the klezmer band, headed by the jester/humorist of the town, coming to play music in the synagogue.

Zabłudów’s synagogue and most of the town was burned by German Wehrmacht troops on June 26, 1941. The next year, the ghetto was liquidated, and 1,400 Jews were transported to Treblinka, where all were killed the same day.

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.