Ukrainian experts have digitized the synagogues of Bukovina with unique paintings, which you can now view.

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In a context where historical monuments are being destroyed, modern technologies have become an indispensable tool for their preservation. In Ukraine, where war threatens cultural objects, specialists from the SKEIRON team have completed a unique project: 3D digitization of three Jewish synagogues in the Chernivtsi region.

These buildings are not only architectural monuments but also repositories of unique Jewish wall paintings that represent an important element of the Jewish heritage in Eastern Europe. Now, they can be studied in digital format on the Sketchfab platform, opening up new opportunities for researchers, restorers, and anyone interested in Jewish culture.

The project was supported by the UKRAINE Art AID Center and the Chernivtsi Museum of History and Culture of Jews of Bukovina.

Which synagogues have been digitized?

Specialists conducted laser 3D scanning of three historical synagogues in Bukovina:

• Active synagogue Beit Thah Benjamin (Chernivtsi, 1923)
• Former Orthodox synagogue Groze Shil (Chernivtsi, 1854)
• Synagogue in Novoselitsa (1919)

You can see them here – https://sketchfab.com/skeiron/collections/synagogues-of-bukovina-1e6990bf246143578c8eab443c192c65

These buildings are valuable sources of information about the lives of Jewish communities in the region, their traditions, and religious practices.

“Today in Ukraine, there are only a few synagogues with wall murals. Each of them is a unique historical object that needs to be preserved,” note the SKEIRON experts.

Why is 3D digitization important for Jewish heritage?

Synagogues, like other objects of Jewish culture, are under threat of destruction. In times of war and with insufficient funding, many buildings are in danger, and restoration work is often postponed indefinitely.

Laser 3D scanning allows for the following:

• Create a digital copy of the monument with the utmost detail
• Document architecture and frescoes, which will assist in future restoration efforts
• Preserve cultural heritage for study by researchers, historians, and Jewish communities
• Provide remote access to cultural monuments for people around the world

This method is already actively used in Israel, Europe, and the United States to preserve Jewish heritage.

Table: Advantages of 3D digitization of synagogues

Jewish heritage: preservation through technology

The Chernivtsi region was once one of the largest centers of Jewish life. Before World War II, there were tens of thousands of Jews living here, along with dozens of synagogues, schools, and cultural centers. Today, much of this has been lost.

3D digitization of the synagogues in Bukovina is not only a documentation effort but also an attempt to preserve Jewish history for future generations.

On Nanovo – Israeli news, we continue to monitor initiatives aimed at preserving Jewish heritage and stories that highlight the connections between Israel and Ukraine.

This project serves as a reminder that our history is important, and technology can help us preserve it.