Pilda file / תיק קהילה

📜 History of the Jewish Community in Pilda, Latvia

These documents document the history of The Jewish community in the settlement of Filda in the Lodz region, Latvia, starting in the early 19th century. The sources describe the Local religious life Around the "Philda Minyan" and pointing to Gradual decline in the number of Jews in the region during the period of Latvian independence. The texts detail the The dramatic political changes which occurred following the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact and the annexation of Latvia to the Soviet Union in 1940. Finally, the sources reveal the bitter fate of the community during The Holocaust, with the occupation of the region by the German army in the summer of 1941. According to the documentation, The local Jews were murdered. Shortly after the occupation, in a mansion near the city of Lodz.

History of the settlement of Pilda in Latvia

Geographic and demographic background

The settlement Pilda Located in the sub-district Ludza, in the region Latgale in Latvia (C92-1f, C92-4f). Between 1920 and 1940 the settlement was part ofIndependent Latvia, and later included in the territories of the Soviet Union (C92-1f, C92-4f). In the early 19th century, the place was inhabited by Several dozen Jewish familiesHowever, over the years there has been a significant decrease in the number of Jews in the area (C92-1f, C92-3f).

Community and religious life in the early 19th century

In the early period of the Yishuv, public prayers were held within the framework of the "Philda's Minyan" (or in Yiddish: "Der Fielder Menin") (C92-1f, C92-3f). The quorum was headed by Hired cantor who led the prayers (C92-1f, C92-4f). The sources indicate that some of the Jewish families who lived there in the early 19th century They could not read or write. (C92-3f).

The period of Latvian independence (1920–1940)

During the period of the Sovereign Latvian Republic, the number of Jews in the settlement gradually decreased (C92-3f). According to the sources, in 1925 the rural area of ​​Pilda counted Only 14 Jews (C92-1f, C92-4f). By 1930 their number had decreased to7 Jews, among which was mentioned A family of merchants (C92-1f, C92-3f). A handwritten note on one of the documents states the number "375", but its connection to the text is not explicit (C92-3f).

The Holocaust and Occupation Period

after Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact Signed in August 1939 between Germany and the Soviet Union, Latvia was annexed in the summer of 1940.Soviet Union, and the Red Army entered its territory (C92-1f, C92-4f). On June 22, 1941, with the start of the German attack on the Soviet Union, the process of occupying the area began (C92-3f, C92-4f). About ten days after the start of the attack, the German army occupied the place (C92-1f). Shortly thereafter, the Jews of Filde were murdered inestate Located near the lodge (C92-1f, C92-3f, C92-4f).

Terms and concepts from the sources

• For Latgale: One of the four historical cordilleras of Latvia, located in its eastern part (C92-1f).
• Filda's Minyan / Der Filder Minyan: The local term for organizing community prayer in a locality (C92-3f, C92-4f).
• Hired cantor: A prayer leader who is employed for a salary to lead public prayers (C92-1f).
• Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact: A non-aggression pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, which paved the way for the occupation of the Baltic states (C92-4f).

List of sources

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• C92-1f – A historical overview printed in Hebrew about the settlement of Filda, including demographic data, information about religious life, and a description of events during the Holocaust.
• C92-3f – Historical documentation in Hebrew about the Filda community, including a list of bibliographical sources, handwritten notes, and information on the level of literacy in the settlement.
• C92-4f – A historical summary in English from the Jewish Diaspora Center about Filda, including statistical data and an official letterhead with the inscription "TO LUDZA."

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