Exhibition in Kyiv: “Shtetl. Doll Memories of a Jewish Shtetl”

Kiev, Ukraine — The unique exhibition has opened at the State Toy Museum «Shtetl. Puppet Memories of a Jewish Town».

This exhibition provides a rare opportunity to look into the world of Jewish shtetls, which once flourished with life filled with traditions and family rituals. Today, these shtetls have disappeared or nearly disappeared, but their legacy continues to live through cultural events like this.

The exhibition features puppet compositions that recreate the everyday life of Jewish communities, including significant rituals such as b’rit milah (circumcision), kiddushin (sanctification of marriage), and other important moments in Jewish life. The exhibition tells the story of how Jewish families traditionally lived, their customs, and how crafts and trade played a central role in their lives.

Shtetl: Cultural and Historical Heritage

Shtetl (from Yiddish שטעטל, meaning “small town”) was a traditional Jewish settlement that existed in Eastern Europe from the 16th century until the early 20th century. Such settlements emerged in present-day Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, and other countries, and they were centers of Jewish culture, religion, and economy.

A typical shtetl had a compact layout. The central square or main street was occupied by the market (fairground square), around which were craft workshops, shops, and residential houses.

The most important buildings in the shtetl were:

• Synagogue — not just a place of prayer, but also the center of the community. There were large stone synagogues (e.g., in Brody or Ostroh), as well as wooden ones decorated with paintings.
• Beit Midrash (house of study) — a school for religious studies where men studied the Talmud.
• Mikvah — a ritual bath necessary to observe the laws of ritual purity.
• Market and tavern — centers of economic life. Jews often had permission to trade and rent taverns from the local nobility.

Shtetls also had a unique form of self-governance — kahal (community council), which was responsible for taxation, conflict resolution, charity, and maintaining public order.

Important Rituals of the Jewish Family

The exhibition features puppets telling stories about rituals that accompany a person from birth to old age. Here are some of them:

• Rituals of birth and early rites: as soon as the baby is born, his journey in the Jewish community begins, accompanied by important rituals, such as b’rit milah.
• Wedding rituals: the kiddushin ritual, which symbolizes the sanctification of marriage, and other elements of the Jewish wedding, including mandatory traditions and rituals.
• Bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah: these rituals mark the coming of age for boys and girls in the Jewish community.

The exhibition also includes puppets that represent the most famous characters of Jewish folklore, such as Tevye the Milkman and The Fiddler on the Roof, characters that have become symbols of the traditional Jewish world.

The Economy and Crafts of the Jewish Shtetl

Great attention is paid to the economic life of Jewish communities, where crafts and trade held a special place. Unlike Christians, who were prohibited from engaging in usury (lending money at interest), Jews actively developed the financial sector, which became one of their main sources of income. In addition, Jews were actively involved in crafts, including weaving, tailoring, and trade.

The exhibition presents puppet miniatures that show how Jewish families were engaged in:

• Trade — Jews sold fabrics, clothing, and goods produced in their communities. They often acted as intermediaries in international trade.
• Crafts — puppets depicting bakers, weavers, and other craftsmen symbolize the contribution of Jewish communities to economic life.
• Banking — usury, forbidden to Christians, became available to Jews, making them important players in the financial systems of many countries.

Impact on Modern Ukraine and Israel

This exhibition is not only a cultural treasure but also an important symbol for the Jewish people, especially for those who have maintained a connection with their Jewish roots, living in Ukraine or Israel. Events like this help preserve the memory of what was lost and support cultural identity among new generations.

Interest in the exhibition also shows how important culture is for maintaining identity, especially in the context of historical catastrophes such as the Holocaust, which claimed the lives of millions of Jews, including in Ukraine. Amid the ongoing conflict and Russian aggression, this exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving Jewish culture and traditions for future generations.

The exhibition also holds significant importance for Israelis of Ukrainian descent, as they can see in these puppets and historical objects their own past and connection to their ancestral lands.

Important Dates and Details

• Venue: State Toy Museum, Kiev, Klovsky Uzviz 8.
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (ticket office until 5:00 PM).
• Duration: The exhibition will run until the summer of 2025.
• More information: https://www.facebook.com/toys.museum.ua/

The exhibition attracts not only those interested in the history of the Jewish people but also anyone who wants to better understand how Jewish communities lived and developed in Ukraine and other European countries.

An important part of cultural life in Ukraine and Israel is supporting events like the one at the Kyiv Museum. We, in turn, at NAnews – Israel News, strive to cover topics related to Jewish culture and traditions, and highlight important events that strengthen the ties between Israel and Ukraine.

The exhibition also promotes interest in Jewish traditions and provides a platform for educational and cultural initiatives that help preserve the memory of the past and foster respect for cultural diversity in the modern world.

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