Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine:
Nikolayev.
Chairman of the community: Sholom Gotlib
Tel: +38 (0512) 37-37-71
Address: K. Libknekhta Str., 15, Nikolayev
Community history
Nikolaev city - a city and port on the Black Sea, the largest regional commercial and industrial center of the Nikolaev region, founded in 1789. The first Jews (mainly from Galicia) settled in the town of Nikolayev, immediately after its foundation (1789). Their main occupations were craft and trade, the Jewish contractors promoted the development of shipyards - one of the largest in Russia. During the eviction of Jews in 1834, only a few Jews were allowed to stay in town. Nikolaev economy went into decline, and in 1859 Alexander II at the request of the Admiralty allowed the Jews to stay in the city, merchants, industrialists and then retired lower ranks. Thanks to the Jewish traders Nikolayev became a major center for export of grain. In the late nineteenth century two synagogues, as well as 14 houses of worship operated in Nikolaev. On April 18, 1902 (acc. Jewish calendar year 5652 Nisan 11) the 7th Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson was born. His father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, was one of the most famous rabbis of the time. A scientist with a deep knowledge of Talmud, Jewish law, a Hassidic thought. His wife Hannah was the daughter of Nikolaev Rabbi Meir-Shloyme Yanovsky.
In 1905, the city erupted terrible routs.In 1910 there were 15 Jewish schools in Nikolaev.In 1919-1920 routs swept the city again.In 1926 21,786 Jews lived in Nikolaev (about 21% of the total population).During the German occupation (August 17, 1941 - March 21, 1944), all Jews who could not evacuate were killed (about 12,000).After the liberation of Nikolaev Jews began to return back to Nikolaev, in 1959 15 800 Jews lived there (7% of the total population).In 1962 authorities closed the last synagogue in Nikolayev.In 1970 the Jewish population was 17,978 people.In 1970-1980, many Jews emigrated to Israel.
In 1991 the Office of Religious Affairs registered the Nikolayev Jewish Community.In September 1991 the grand opening of the synagogue took place.The community received new development in 1995 with the arrival of Rabbi Sholom Gotlib and Rebbetzin Dina.The city began to actively revive Jewish life, culture and traditions and strengthen national identity.More and more people can feel themselves Jews and receive spiritual and material support and assistance.The community observes all the Jewish holidays, holds concerts and other public events.The synagogue runs Yeshiva, where all Jews can study the Torah, Hebrew, the laws of Jewish life.The community boasts a mikvah, a tradition to keep the purity of the Jewish family.Every Sunday, under the guidance of Rebbetzin Dina a women's club is held. The community operates a community center, kids’ club, a club for the elderly, youth club, club for girls, sports, computer lab, Internet. The regional Yahad newspaper is published by Nikolayev community.