Rigas Jurmala File / תיק קהילה

These sources present Historical and statistical review Comprehensive information on resort areas and settlements Jurmala andRazkane in Latvia during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The materials include Demographic data, details about railway infrastructure and local economic development, alongside Detailed maps that document the structure of cities. Some of the texts focus onJewish Community Life, while exposing manifestations of anti-Semitism and social discrimination in public institutions and leisure facilities at that time. This combination of Official documents and personal testimonies and journalistic reports provide a broad view of the social and urban fabric of the region. The sources serve as evidence of the political and cultural changes that the region underwent under the rule of the Russian Empire until the independence of Latvia.

The development of the Jewish settlement in Rīgas Jūrmala and its surroundings

The city Rigs Jurmala, located on a narrow coastal strip between the Gulf of Riga and the Heliaupa River, developed as a significant resort and bathing center (C156-2f). According to the 1935 census, the city had a population of 7,863, of whom 7,863 were identified as Jews. 130 people, which constituted about 1.66% of the total population (C156-2f). Historical information indicates that this area was previously inhabited by poor fishermen, and only in the 19th century did it begin to develop as a modern resort, when in 1920 Rigs Jurmala was granted city rights (C156-2f). The city's local government and public service institutions in the 1930s were staffed by various figures, including doctors such as Edwards at Tichers (Eduards Beticers) andDavids Gerbers (Dāvids Garbers), as well as lawyers such as Rudolf Legzdinsz (Rūdolfs Legzdiņš) (C156-2f, C156-6f).

The Dubbeln/Dubulti community and its social struggles

The settlement Doblan (now known as Doblanty) was a central focus for the Jewish community in the bath area, but the attitude towards Jews there was fraught with social difficulties. In 1882, the conduct of the "Doblant Baths Society" was reported (Dubbelnsche Badegesellschaft), which established regulations that discriminated against Jews and prevented them from joining as full members of society, defining them as "temporary" members only (C156-5-1f). The author of the article, M. Kobarsky, compared this attitude to the "mark of disgrace" of the middle century and noted that the Jews had always played a prominent role in the development of the place, but suffered verbal and practical persecution (C156-5-1f). A later article from 1910 in the journal "Rzeszowet" describes that the anti-Semitic atmosphere in the Baltic region had worsened, and that attempts were made to exclude the Jews from local public life (C156-5-4f).

Cultural, educational and spiritual life

Despite the difficulties, Dublin maintained a rich cultural and spiritual life. In 1910, a proposal was made to establish a library for the Jewish population in the area, with the assistance of the Jewish Association. Past language enthusiasts (C156-5-3f). In the cultural sphere, the play "A Man Shall Be a Man" (To Be a Man) was performed in Dublin by a Jewish theater group, despite administrative objections (C156-5-3f). Among the prominent spiritual figures who worked in the area or were in contact with it are: Rabbi Yehuda Bar Aharon Glickman, Av Beit Din of Ventspils, who delivered a eulogy in Dublin in 1893 for the rabbi Abraham Abel Rashkner (C156-5-2f). Another source mentions Rabbi Yekutiel Zalman Levitas, who served as rabbi in the city Doblan (Dobele/Doblen) in the province of Courland (C156-19f).

Rēzekne as a Jewish transportation hub

In the city Režica (Rēzekne), the development of the community was closely linked to its becoming an important railway junction at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1901, two railway stations were opened in the city: one on the Petersburg-Warsaw line (III class) and the other on the Moscow-Window line (IV class) (C156-9f). The Petersburg-Warsaw station, which was built of bricks and included a cafeteria, was destroyed during World War II (C156-9f). The presence of both railways made Rēzekne a strategic transit point for passengers heading to Berlin and Warsaw, connecting its Jewish residents, such as the Grodzinski who settled in the city in 1906, to large urban centers such as Vilnius, Pskov, and Moscow (C156-9f).

Unique terms and concepts

• Dubbelnsche Badegesellschaft: The Doblan Baths Company, a management body that was responsible for regulating bathing and recreational services in the town.
• Hovevei Sfat Ever: The "Historical Language Enthusiasts" Association, an organization that promoted the Hebrew language and culture.
• Officers: Senior officers or officials in the Latvian administration (appears in the context of job listings).
• City Council: City council or municipal administration.
• Resort: A health resort or resort based on natural resources (such as the sea or springs).

List of sources

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