Bauska Jewish community

The Bauska Jewish community existed in Bauska from the late 18th century until September 1941. During 19th century it was one of the main ethnic communities of the town and participated in its growth and development. Two pioneers of religious Zionism – rabbi Eliasberg and rabbi Kook lived and worked here.

Jews in the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia first settled in Courland from Germany and were different from Lithuanian Jews. In 1799, after the Duchy was incorporated in the Russian empire, Jews were officially allowed to live right outside Bauska city limits. Mostly Lithuanian Jews, they were orthodox, built a wooden synagogue and established a cemetery.

In 1820 Jews were allowed to settle and live in Bauska. For many years they formed the largest group of inhabitants here. They outnumbered Baltic Germans and Latvians, who were still mostly farmers and had not started to move to cities yet.

Bauska was a lively market city and Jewish traders became middlemen between Latvian farmers and larger towns. In return, farmers purchased industrial goods and handicrafts from Jews.

In 1840 82 Jewish families (692 people) moved to Kherson Governorate to become farmers.

In 1844 a new stone synagogue was built in one corner of the City square.

In 1856 Lubavicher Hasidim established their community in Bauska and built their own house of prayers.

After the beginning of the First World War Russian military authorities ordered all Jews to leave Courland Governorate. Not everyone obeyed, but most Jews did leave and moved to Russia.

Soon after the end of German military occupation and end of the Latvian War of Independence Jewish life in the city resumed. In 1924 Bikur cholim society is legally registered. Hakoah football team actively participates in local competitions.

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Wikipedia