Kalish Memorial Book
Kalish Memorial Book by Kolokoff Hopper, published by JewishGen, Incorporated in 2021, offers a detailed exploration of the Jewish community in Kalish, Poland, which dates back to 1139. This edition spans 446 pages and is presented in English. The book chronicles the community’s resilience through various adversities, including fires, epidemics, and invasions, while highlighting significant historical milestones such as the establishment of the first synagogue in 1358 and the growth of the Jewish population over the centuries.
Readers will find a comprehensive account of the socio-economic roles of Jews in Kalish, from craftsmen to bankers, and the impact of historical events such as the Swedish invasions and the Prussian rule. The narrative also delves into the vibrant cultural and religious life of the community, including the establishment of notable Hasidic groups. The tragic decline of the Jewish population during and after the Second World War is documented, illustrating the profound changes faced by the community. This book serves as a historical record of Jewish life in Kalish, encompassing themes of history, religion, and the enduring spirit of a community.
Official synopsis Publisher
Kalish was the first city in Poland to have an established Jewish community and its roots run deep. The Jews were inhabitants of that city as early as 1139 and the first synagogue was permitted by King Casimir III in 1358. Over the centuries life was very turbulent. There were fires, epidemics, wars and invasions but until the Second World War the community always managed to rebound.
In the early days the Jews worked in the crafts and became tailors and butchers and when the Church forbade its members to loan money for interest the Jews became bankers and creditors. Between 1655 and 1660 the Swedes invaded Poland and in 1706 the Swedes captured Kalish burning a large portion of the city.
Between 1793 and 1806 Kalish was under the rule of Prussia. The Jewish population numbered about 2100 and by 1857 the number grew to 4,300. Kalish became known for its textile and lace industries and in 1908 thirty-two factories were owned by Jews. Kalish had a very active rabbinical life and the Hasidim of Gur and Kotsk established themselves there.
In 1939 the Judenrat (Jewish council) conducted a census and there were about 18,000 Jews in Kalish. The Jews were moved to a Ghetto and by the end of the year only 600 remained alive there. After the Second World War the few survivors who returned were harassed and murdered by the Poles and gradually all the Jews left mainly for Israel and the United States.
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