Story Summary:
The 1st Baranower Sick and Benevolent Society was founded in New York by immigrants from Baranow, Poland. Initial Jewish presence dates to around the 14th century, however, due to the political environment at that time, the Jewish population ceased, and was not re-established until the 18th century. Jewish population increased steadily up until the 19th century. A synagogue and cemetery was established sometime in the 18th century. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Jewish community faced severe economic hardships, resulting in mass migrations to neighboring areas and/or overseas. The Jewish community of Baranow perished in the Holocaust. Their memories continue to live on. ~Blog by Olivia Scanlon
1st Baranower Sick and Benevolent Blog
The 1st Baranower Sick and Benevolent Society was founded in New York by immigrants from Baranów, Poland. Initial Jewish presence dates to around the 14th century, however, due to the 1648/9 uprising and the Swedish invasion in the 1660s, the Jewish population ceased and was not re-established until the 18th century. In 1765, census shows that there were about 300 Jews in Baranów. This number increased to almost 1500 Jews by 1890, but began to decrease in the 1900s due to the economic situation and both World Wars. By 1921, there were just under 750 Jews in the town.
During the 18th century, a synagogue was established, in addition to a Jewish cemetery (located at Czołmowska Street). The community faced hardships as a result of the decrees and taxes that were being levied on the community. In 1789, Rabbi Yaakov Shimon Hayim Dentsch was Baranów’s first rabbi. He held the position until the 1840s, to which Rabbi Yisrael Horowitz took over. He was succeeded by his son Rabbi Avraham Simha. Rabbi Avigdor served as Baranów’s last rabbi. He perished in the Holocaust.
During the 19th century, Baranów’s Jewish community became politically involved. In addition to the Zionist activities/organizations, a branch of Mizrachi was also active. During the late 19th century however, waves of migrations took place, from Baranów to either neighboring areas or overseas. During WWI, Baranów was occupied by the Russians. After the war, the community faced a period of economic recovery. Soup kitchens, and charities, in addition to a Jewish Credit Bank were established to help aid the communities in need. Eventually, industrial plants were established in the town, which helped the community financially. Libraries and theatre clubs were established to promote cultural growth within the community.
On September 1, 1939, the German Army invaded Poland. Shortly after, a Juderat was established, with Mordechai Gross as its head. Many of the buildings, in addition to the cemetery, were destroyed during the war. Sometime in Jan./Feb. of 1942 mass deportations to nearby death camps took place. By June of the same year, the Baranów ghetto was closed. Its inhabitants were deported to Dębica and then to the Belzec/Sobibór death camps.
https://www.jgaliciabukovina.net/110931/community/baranuv
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-18440223
https://www.esjf-cemeteries.org/survey/baranow-jewish-cemetery/
https://www.nli.org.il/en/a-topic/987007559914605171
~Blog by Olivia Scanlon
