PRUZHANY YZKOR
BOOK
1958
Chapter 27
1931 - WELFARE, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS IN PRUZHANY
Representative
Jewish Urban Commission - Urban electric power station - Urban slaughterhouse -
Voluntary Firemen Society - Orphan Home "Yakov Dinezon" - Aged People Home - Guests Home (Achnosas
Orchim) - Home for poor people (Linat Ha'Tzedek) - "Toz" (children
sanitary aid) - Loans Fund (Guemilot Chasadim) - Loans Funds in "Batei
Midrashim" (Synagogues and religious studies academies) - Jewish Popular
Bank - Community Saving Fund - Traders
Union - Artisans Union - Needle Industry Workers Professional Union - Trade and
Administration Union - Nutrition Professional Union - Betar (Tumpledor
Alliance) - "Ha"shomer Ha'tzair" (Young guard) - He'chalutz
Ha'tzair (Young pIoneer) - "Freedom" - TARBUT School - Cultural Union
- Kehila (Jewish Community) - Yeshiva (High religious studies academy) -
"Pruzener Lebn" (Pruzener Life) weekly - Y.SH.O (Jewish school
organization) - Jewish Popular Library - State High School "Adam
Mitzkevitsh" - "YAVNE" Hebrew Popular School - "Talmud
Torah and Chadarim" - "TARBUT" High School - "Y. L.
PERETZ" Popular Jewish School - State Schools No. 1 and 2
This review refers to the situation in
year 1931 as was published in
the "Pruzhany City Register"' appeared that year. In this review some
institutions were not included, because they didn't provided the data required.
Also, don't appear data of the period from 1931 and until the
destruction of the Community in year 1939. To complete these years, we publish
some additional stories, news, summaries and reports of journalistic editions in Pruzhany as
"Pruzener Lebn" and "Pruzener Shtime "[i].
We also used documents and materials that we received. Some Landsmen contributed their news, summaries
and memories, and this way they helped to cover missing data.
Of the summary of "Pruzhany
1931 Register" we do not mention information that were not at all in
connection with Jewish population. When
life in Pruzhany was normal, these had
sense and they were a duty. Now when evoking Pruzhany truncated Jewish population, we suppress these
information.
Representative Jewish Urban Commission
In summer 1919, Polish power orders elect the first Pruzhany Urban
Jewish Commission. The official statements pointed out a schedule to
present candidates lists. Radical
groups rejected their participation in elections. Population's different social
classes were still under the effects of recent years of war, and they didn't
demonstrate any interest neither they presented any list of candidates. A group
of activists of old generation presented a list of commitment, including Jews
and gentiles, as the only list created for Urban Commission.
The period of Urban Commissions lasted - according to the law - three
years, but Polish power didn't order new elections until year 1927. During last mentioned year, was already
other times. Population demonstrated a great interest, and a strong electoral
campaign began.
Were presented candidates in 9
lists:
|
No. |
Denomination |
|
01 |
" Agitators " |
|
02 |
Gentile proprietors |
|
03 |
Workers and Indigent Jewish Population (a radical group) |
|
04 |
Workers, Polish intellectuals and officials |
|
05 |
"
Agitators " |
|
06 |
National Jewish block (Zionist group)
|
|
08 |
Merchants, artisans and non land proprietors (gentile small merchants
and journeymen) |
|
10 |
Christians united (former Russian officials and intellectuals) |
|
11 |
Russian orthodox peasants. |
Electoral fight in Jewish streets was hot, especially among groups of
lists 03 and 06. Among gentiles, fight was among lists 02, 04 and 08.
Elections day, July 17, in Jewish streets was an electoral battle. All modern methods of agitation of big cities were used: summonses, pamphlets,
gatherings, meetings, and finally enormous posters all wide the streets, and
luminance signs. Electoral campaign attracted great quantity of
representatives. Right to vote had 3313 people, and voted 2629, that is to say 80%. The results were the following:
|
No. |
Denomination |
Votes |
Representatives |
|
01 |
" Agitators " |
56 |
0 |
|
02 |
Gentile proprietors |
292 |
3 |
|
03 |
Workers and Indigent Jewish Population (a radical group) |
759 |
8 |
|
04 |
Workers, Polish intellectuals and officials |
321 |
3 |
|
05 |
"
Agitators " |
5 |
0 |
|
06 |
National Jewish block (Zionist group)
|
1003 |
10 |
|
08 |
Merchants, artisans and non land proprietors (gentile small merchants and journeymen) |
68 |
0 |
|
10 |
Christian united (former Russian officials and intellectuals) |
66 |
0 |
|
11 |
Russian orthodox peasants. |
58 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
2629 |
24 |
|
Representatives elected were:
list 02 BARANOVSKY, LAIKEVITSH, and YUKOVKSY; list 03 URINSKY, VOLANSKY, NITZBERG, GLEZER.
BRAVERMAN, PINSKY, SERLIN and GOLUBOVITSH, list 04 VIBRANOVSKY, RADKIEVITSH,
TOPOLSKY; list 06 GOLDFAYN, GRINSBERG, BIRENBOIM, KOSHITZ, POMERANIETZ,
GREENWALD, KANEL, YANOVITSH, ZELENIEVSKY and KAGANOVITSH.
In first assembly of new Urban Commission President was chosen. L. VIBRANOVSKY was elected Mayor, and A.
BIRENBOIM was elected Vice Mayor. Later were elected M. VOLANSKY and Y.
POMERANIETZ.
The period of current Urban Commission concluded summer of 1930. Polish
power doesn't summon to new elections. In course of time, people's
substitutions happened in the authorities of
Municipality and of Urban Commission, . In substitution of deceased (GRINSBERG and VIBRANOVSKY) and those who
traveled (TOPOLSKY, Y. POMERANIETZ, RAPOPORT) or those that gave up their
positions (one of them RODGEVITSH), in their place entered others.
Current Commission (1931) is the
following:
Mayor: M. DORANT
Vice Mayor: A. BIRENBOIM
Members: M. VOLANSKY, y G. ADAMOVITSH;
Representatives: R. OBALSEVITSH; G. URINSKY, V. OZSHEPOVSKY, Y.
BARANOVSKY, M. BRAVERMAN. A. GOLDBERG, Z. GOLDFAYN, F. GOLUBOVITSH. E. GLEZER,
M GRINVALD, A. VITKEVITSH, A. ZELENIEVSKY, M ZUDKOVSKY, M. YANOVITSH, M.
LEIKEVITSH, V. NITZBERG. SH. SERLIN, A. POMERANIETZ, L. PINSKY, Y. TZUKERMAN,
N. KAGANOVITSH, Y. KANEL, M. DOSHITZ and Y. KLENITZLY
1931/32 Budget
Detailed budget (See note [ii])
Urban electric power station
Urban electric station began to work during WWI German occupation. It
was built in a temporary building in a wooden barrack on the corner of Pacevitz
and May 3rd Streets. A locomotive of 60 H.P. moved 2 dynamos and this was
enough for then needs. With arrival of Polish power, it passed under domain of
Municipality, as inheritance of previous Urban Commission. The population went
getting used little by little to the comfort of electric illumination.
Then was necessary a bigger quantity of
electric power, since the quantity of subscribers was higher. The first station could not satisfy demand,
and this forced the Municipality to build a bigger electric station. For this
objective the Municipality obtained a long term loan, bought land on Budkievitz
(Zamkova) St., constructed an appropriate building, and bought a Deutz Diesel
motor of 200 H.P. In autumn 1926 the new station started. In 1928 in
substitution of two old dynamos, were
installed a generator AEG of 135 KW. The whole installation cost 338.000 guilden.
In course of last years, slowly
were placed airline cables. Continually, cables of iron of German origin were
replaced by others of copper. These last ones conform 70% of the total. The
longitude of airline cables is of 20.197 meters, mounted on 536 posts. Footnote table gives us a picture on
electric energy consumption during period 1922/31[iii]. Were 2.519 insulators and streets were illuminated
with 259 lamps.
Urban slaughterhouse
Was built in year 1907 with authorization of then District Head F.
MARKEVITSH. At the beginning there was
a sector to slaughter cows and calves, made in primitive facilities. In year
1929/30 a remodeling and reconstruction was done. In the biggest sector were
slaughtered simultaneously 40 big pieces and 50 small ones. In a near sector were slaughtered pigs and
in another special sector viscera were
cleaned. Was built a laboratory for the study of trichinosis. A well provided water to the building. The remodeling cost 48.000
guilden.
The slaughterhouse was given - by means of a bid - in lease for its
exploitation. Last lessee for three
year-old period (1929/31) was L. GOLDBERG. The price was 20.000 annual
guilden.
Voluntary Firemen Society
Was founded in August 26 1898 as a initiative of then urban doctor PIOTR
MATZOKIN. First elements were very poor: two manual bombs, six wooden barrels,
a platform with stairways and axes. The quantity of volunteers was
approximately 90 men. With time the inventory improved, adding iron barrels,
first were 6 small one and then 3 big
one . In 1928 - for Municipality deference - was received from the General Society of Mutual Insurance, a loan
of 27.000 guilden, and with this money was bought an firemen automobile with
motor bomb. The insurance company reduced the debt in 17.000 guilden, and the
other 10.000 were considered a subsidy to Firemen Society. .
In 1920 the Society had the highest volunteers quantity: 120 men. Then
it was decaying continuously and now the Society has 60 volunteers, included 19
of the orchestra. In 1925 the Society buys a flag, and in same year, September 25, was carried out a solemn
inauguration. The flag was artistically embroidered with golden threads on
silk, and cost 850 guilden.
The annual budget of the society reached to the amount of 10.000
guilden. The revenues came mainly from the subsidy granted by the Municipality,
artistic representations, and of the "flower day" that members of the society organized. Many
times tried to institute payment of a fee among Jewish population, as members of the society, but they didn't
achieve it. We should highlight and recognize that voluntary firemen achieved an important role during WWI in care
and order surveillance when the city was without power control. Thanks to their self-denying task, excesses
and vandalism were avoided.
Current Commission (1931) is formed by 9 persons:
DARANT M., President
BIRNBOIM A. Treasurer
DUDEK St. Secretary
ZELENITZKY A. member
YANOVITSTH Y., member
LEINVANDHENDLER Y., member
FAINGOLD, M. Dr., member
PLISHKA St., member
KELER G., member
VIBRANOVSKY, Y., Machines Chief
ZAKHEIM L. ,Assistant to Machines Chief
GLEZER Y. ,Manager
Orphan Home "Yakov Dinezon"
The idea of founding a home, arose in
year 1919, when degree of population's poverty was very high. In town
wondered abandoned children, orphans of here and of other towns, homeless
hurtled by the torrent of
war. The promoters
URINSKY G.
VOLANSKY M.
POLIAK M.
tried to practice the idea of founding a home
for abandoned children, inviting
members of the " Joint ". After many efforts they were able to
receive from Joint a subsidy for this objective. Was constituted a Commission
of which were part besides the promoters, the following persons:
GOLUBOVITSH F.
VOLANSKY A.
POLIAK D.
ROZENSHAYN M.
The Commission rented a house (in 23 Kobrinska St.) and ordered 12 beds.
They collected as loan tables,
clothiers, banks and sheets. The Joint sent two complete bed sheets sets. The
"Control Central Committee" had used American clothes, and sent through US Red Cross a quantity of
clothes for Children Help Committee,
and also promised to send groceries. In May 20 1920, was all ready to receive orphans that were in
total 12, and to incorporate them to the new home. They undressed them, burned
their clothes, gave them a bath and left them fresh and glistening. One of the
ladies of the Committee
GOLUBOTISH LIBE
gave all her help, and very soon
the quantity of children ascended to 17.
In 1921 the teacher (now deceased)
KLEINMAN, RIFKA
was representative of Joint for Pruzhany area, and was in charge of
welfare and protection of orphans. She
had the initiative of founding also a boarding school for faulty children, and
had there 10 children. The
administration was directed by
ALPER, SHEINE.
The boarding school worked during almost one year. They had very
demoralized children's cases and of difficult behavior, who could not continue
in the boarding school. The remaining ones were transferred to Orphans Home.
In 1923 Joint began to reduce its activity in Poland. The subsidy that
had granted to Orphans Home ends up being minimum. The Help Committee that
provided groceries, no longer existed. The maintenance of this institution
relapsed almost exclusively in Jewish Society. Managerial functions of Orphans
Home was in private hands, and Joint only controlled during some years to children that were in private homes. In 1923
was founded the Social Committee, which regained the Orphans Home
Administration, instituting the regular payment of monthly fees to institutions
members.
Summer of 1923 visited Pruzhany a Landsman,
LEADER AIZIK
who lived in New York. He donated 500 dollars with the objective of
constructing the Home, that before the war was dedicated to be the Jewish Home
, and which would be from now on dedicated to Orphans Home. It was finished in
autumn, and the Home was transferred to this building. As gratefulness, the
Committee decided to put to this house the name "Beit Leader", and in
Home's living room was placed a marble badge with the inscription "August
1923."
In 1925 the Home Committee joins the "Central Society of Protection
and Welfare of Orphan Children in Polesia", which from December 31 began
to work in Pruzhany. The society has in Pruzhany 485 members, and revenues for
monthly fees added a considerable
amount of money. The Dramatic Art Circle, directed by Y. GLEZER carried out
representations for the benefit of Homes, several times a year, . It also had
an additional income renting the theater room that was in the building. The
maintenance of the Institution was based mainly on subsidies obtained from
abroad.
Footnote details the budget of Orphans House.[iv] Due to crisis, amount of children in the Home was
reduced very much, to be only 22. In Private Control were 16. Until today
ended Home period 43 children, and from
Private Control 69. Of them 84 were in occupations mentioned in footnote[v]
The Commission was formed by following persons:
FAINGOLD M. Dr. President
YANOITSH Y. Vice President
LIPHSHITZ A. Vice President
URINSKY Y. member
IZRAELIT M. member
GOLDFAYN F. member
GOLDFAYN Tz. member
GLEZER Y. member
GLEZER Y. member
YANOVITSH M. member
YUDEVITSH Sh. member
FEGEL Ch. member
SERLIN Sh. member
POMERANIETZ Z. member
TZURKERMAN N. member
ALPER Sh. Manager
YELSKY L. Secretary and Accountant
Aged People Home
Was founded in 1917 by
POLIAK M.
SELETZKY, FREIDE
and others. Was located in same
building of Orphans Home. They had two rooms, and lived there 4 old men. The control of old people was in charge of a
Committee formed by these Ladies :
MINTZ Ch. B.
MOSTOLLANSKY H. L.
Guests Home (Achnosas Orchim)
Was founded in 1926 by initiative of
SELETZKY A.
The Society had the objective and the responsibility of offering poor
transient salesmen a place to spend the night and drink tee. This institution
was maintained by means of population's voluntary cooperation, and of
donations. The quantity of members was of 34. Was President the mentioned
SELETZKY.
Home for poor people (Linat Ha'Tzedek)
Was founded in 1880 for
initiative of then Pruzhany Rabbi, YERUCHAM YEHUDA PERELMAN (later was Minsk Great Rabbi). The commission was
constituted by grown-up people, distinguished proprietors, that dedicated full
to this activity, to fulfill the precept of helping other people. It had 235
members. The task was that in event of
residents illness, spend the night next to the sick person . Later their
activities - besides the mentioned -
increased. They also gave in loan medicine elements, gave to needed free
medical service, medicines, nutrition for the weak and convalescent sick
persons, and lent money to low interest rate.
The budget of year 1931 was 7.800 guilden. The Society had own building,
basement for ice and deposits. Also had elements to lend as for example: 50
bath-tubs, 7 electric house elements, many ice
bags, cushions and vaporizers.
The value of it's goods reached
to 15.000 guilden. In 1931 the Society harbors 204 people, lent 723 elements
and china, made 240 medical visits, 235
cases of monetary support, 641 cases of nutrition, 235 cases of ice provision.
In the course years after WWI the President
SELETZKY YOSEPH
aided with much enthusiasm to create means and to obtain money, to
restore the building and to buy new elements.
The current amount of members is of 458. The current commission is
formed by:
ROZENSHAIN M. A. President
GRINZBERG P. Vice President
BAGATSH M. M. Vice President
SEGAL V. Treasurer
PISETZKY D. Secretary
GORDON A. member
GUERSHCOVITSH Y. member
DIDKOVITSH M. Y. member
NITZBERG A. member
POTSHINKE D. V. member
KAPLAN A. Y. member
"Toz" (children sanitary aid)
In June 1929 was opened "Toz" Society. This Society had 310
members. The activity of this society - in its short existence - is expressed
in the following way: they carried out medical care to children of Jewish
schools, they cured trachoma in children, and other eyes illnesses. They gave
medical help by payment of one gulden
while the recipes were to same cost. They injected to school children medicine
against scarlet fever, and cured their
teeth. They sent a great quantity of school children to summer places in
Domachev and Otvotzk. Some patients with lung illnesses went to specialized
medicine centers. They distributed many medicine and hygiene magazines. They exhibited as propaganda two movies
about hygienic methods.
In 1930 the society buys 31 hectares of pine groves, 3 km of the city (near Liachy) and began to build an own summer place. In
summer 1931 was opened the place. There converged 25 children . The building
was prepared for 50. In another building was the kitchen and bathroom, and also housing for the landlord.
Toz headquarters assigned 5.000 guilden to build the place. The
patrimony of the society was constituted by the summer colony, furniture and
laboratory elements, and its value was approximately 12.000 guilden. Some
activists expressed the idea of unifying the "Home for poor people"
with Toz, but members of the first one were against this idea.
The society was directed by following people
GOLDFAYN A. Dr. President
YUDEVITSH Sh. Vice President
FAYNGOLD M. Dr. Vice President
GRINZBERG Y. member
TINSKY Sh. member
NITZBERG V. member
FELDMAN Ch. member
TZUKERMAN N. member
RAVITSH A. member
RAVNITZKY F. member
POMERANIETZ Z. Secretary
Loans Fund (Guemilot Chasadim)
August 2 1926 was founded the
Loans Fund suggested by Joint. For this objective assigned 700 dollars. The
task of the Committee was the help with money without interests to small
merchants and artisans. In order that basic capital stays and don't decrease,
Joint presents a condition: the committee will generate a constant entrance to
cover administrative expenses. The Committee registered a quantity of members
that contributed with a voluntary monthly fee of 20 groshen..
The first commission was composed by:
BOREISHO Sh.
GOLDBERG Sh.
FOLDFAYN Z.
GRINSBERG Ph.
VOLANSKY M.
YANOVITSH T.
YANOVITSH Y.
PODBELSKY R.
POMERANIETZ Y.
FAINGOLD M. Dr.
PERELSHTEIN A.
TZUKERMAN A.
KANEL M.
KOSHITZ M.
SHAPIRO A.
During first period was distributed 25% of basic capital to a Workers Autonomous Committee . The current
amount of members is 145. The monetary flow was of 9.000 guilden. The patrimony
was of 9.140 guilden. The current Commission is composed by following persons
:BOREISHO SH.
GOLDFAYN Z.
GRINSBERG F.
DUBINSKY M.
CHMELNITZKY V.
FAYNGOLD M. DR.
PERLSHTEIN A.
KOLODITZKY Ch.
KOLODNY Sh.
KANEL M.
KATZ A.
KOSHITZ M.
RABINOVITZ B.
Loans Funds in "Batei Midrashim" (Synagogues and Religious
studies academies)
Since year 1912 existed a Loan Fund in Bet Medresh "Malbish
Arumim" ("Dress the needed"). It had a capital of 7700 guilden. The amount of members was 394.
The maximum quantity of each loan was of 100 guilden. The commission was
integrated by:
L. GRUNDT President
D. PISETZKY. Secretary Treasurer
MEIR MOISHE BOGATSH,
ELIE NITZBERG,
DOVID VELVEL
PATSHINKE,
DAVID PISETZKY,
YTZHAK THE "KLEPER",
L. LICHTZIER,
MEIR ITSHE DIKTOVITSH
During 1922 under guidance
of
SELETZKY A.
was founded the Loan Fund "Tifered Chesed" (Beautiful
charity). Secretary Treasurer was
YERUCHAM GOLDBERG.
Own capital was 1500 guilden, The maximum quantity of each loan was of
50 guilden. Benefited 50 persons.
In 1928 was founded a Loan Fund
in Bet Medresh " Kadisha " whose name was "Torah Ve'chesed"
(Torah and charity). It's capital was of 4000 guilden. The maximum loan was of
50 guilden.
Jewish Popular Bank
June 7 1922 for initiative of a group of merchants, was founded this
bank. The Commission was constituted by
BIRENBOIM A.
GOLDFAIN Z.
GRINBERG L.
VANTFUS M.
MOLCHADSKY Y.
ABRAMOVITZ M. Control Commission
BOGATSH M. , Control Commission
GALPERN M. Control Commission
VOLK L. Control Commission
YANOVITSH T. Control Commission
YANOVITSH M. Control Commission
SEGEL SH. Control Commission
SPECTOR SH. Control Commission
FAINGOLD M. Dr. Control Commission.
September 30 1922 the Bank had 382 members. The first year registers was
of 227,523.39 Polish marks. In course of year, granted loans for 8160 marks. The bank operated as a
cooperative, and was member of "Polish
Cooperative Societies Union". The amount
of members was 486. The situation of the Bank until November 1 1931 is
shown in footnote.[vi]
Current Commission is formed by following persons::
GOLDFAYN Z.
GOLDBERG A.
YANOVITSH Y.
YUDEVITSH SH.
KRUTZEL A.
ARONSON Y. Control Commission
GOLDFAYN F. Control Commission
GRINSBERG F. Control Commission
ZABELEVSKY Z. Control Commission
YANOVITSH T. Control Commission
LUBASHITZ SH. Control Commission
MOVSHOVITZ SH. Control Commission
POMERANIETZ A. Control Commission
SEVINSKY SH. Control Commission
ABRAMOVITZ Tz.
Director
Community Saving Fund
Was founded February 15 1928, ordered by authorities. The objective of
the Fund was to make propaganda in saver's benefit, and to demand a decrease in
credit costs. Basic capital was of 25.000 guilden deposited by the "
Seimic " and was responsible for Fund activity. Credits amounted 35.000
guilden received from state banks. The Fund also carried out limited bank
operations. Their basic economic data is in footnote [vii].
Its commission is formed by following persons:
DZSHEKONSKY Y
TOPCHEVSKY M.
SOLOVEI Y.
ROGOZINSKY A.
OLSHANSKY A. Control Commission
BORUSHKA St. Control Commission
GOLDFAYN Z. Control Commission
GOLDSHTEIN N. Control Commission
ZSHUKOVITSH N. Control Commission
ROZSHVITZKY S. Control Commission
Traders
Union
In 1921 under initiative of GOLDFAYN F. and YANOVITSH M. Traders Union
was founded.
This institution had the task of defending merchants and small merchants interests. Had representatives in Urban Commission and in
Taxes Commission. They intervened in all particular and general cases in
all instances of financial world.
The first commission was composed by
GOLDFAYN Z.
GODFAYN F.
DOBRAITZER H.
YANOVITSH M.
POMERANIETZ A.
Members amount was 175. Commission was formed by
BERMAN A.
GOLDBERG A.
GOLDFAIN Z.
GRINSBERG F.
YANOVITSH T.
YANOVITSH M.
KOSHITZ M.
KLENITZKY Y.
RAVNITZKY B.
Artisans
Union
Founded in January 31 1925 by
initiative of
GLEZER Y. E.
FELDMAN M.
PERKAL B.
Objective of this institution was de defend local artisans interests.
The amount of members was 90.
First commission was formed by
BOGATSH M. M.
GLEZER Y. E.
GERSHGORN Y.
MOKRANSKY M.
SERLIN Sh.
PODBELSKY R.
FAYNGOLD M. Dr.
FELDMAN M.
PERLSHTEIN A.
RAVNITZKY F.
In 1927 had the highest amount of members that were 280, due to a norm according to which all should certify
their artisan character. In 1930 the Artisans Union organizes qualification
exams, and helped 70 of them to receive his " Master " diploma . The
quantity of members was of 210 in that year. The commission was constituted by
following persons:
BOREISHO SH. L.
GLEZER Y. E.
GERSHGORN Y.
DUBINSKY Y.
SERLIN Sh.
PERLSHTEIN A.
TZUKERMAN A.
KOLODNY SH.
KANEL M.
Needle Industry Workers Professional Union
Was founded in March 8 1927 by initiative of
RAVITSH A.
GLEZER Y.
ROZANSKY Y.
Their activity began with the quantity of 120 members. In first
commission were
BAVITSH Y.
GLEZER Y.
RAVITSH A.
BLACHER L.
BRAVERMAN A.
This institution organizes all seam shops (they were 32). From time to
time they controlled that regulation of
8 daily working hours rule is acted. In the event of strike, the Union
protected strikers so that they receive 50 or 60% of salary corresponding to
their work. In diverse opportunities, the Union organized educational and
informative acts for its members. The
current amount of members is 98. Because of crisis, the amount of unoccupied workers reaches to 70% and the
Union fights to maintain its existence.
The current commission is constituted this way:
BABITSH Y.
BLACHER L.
GEIER Z.
GLEZER Y.
ZAMUCHOVSKY H.
CHESNYK L.
In 1932 were commission members of
Tailors Union:
SELETZKY Y.
LOMNITZER SHEINDEL
BLIACHER LEIZER
BABITSH YANKEL
URINSKY RIVKA
RAVITSH MELECH
ZAMUCHOVSKY HENIE GUITEL
GLEZER YTZHOK
CHESNIK LEIBEL
GEIER ZELIK
Trade and Administration Union
Was founded in May 1928. Founders were:
YELSKY L.
LUBOSHITZKY P.
NEIMAN M.
PRUZHANSKY G.
First commission was formed by
BLACHER Y.
LUBSHITZKY P.
NEIMAN M.
PRUZHANSKY G.
KRAZNIK B.
Members amount was 31. Were unemployed 18 . Current Commission is formed
by
BIRENBOIM SH.
LUBASHITZKY P.
PISETZKY CH.
FELDMAN D.
PRUZHANSKY G.
Nutrition Professional Union
This institution was founded in 1926, and after some months, at the
beginning of 1930 was disbanded due to labor conflicts. After a short time was
renewed with solid bases. The amount of members was of 52.
This Union includes all mill workers,
oil industries and bread producers. Was integrated by Jews and gentile.
The commission was constituted by Jews, Byelorussian, and Poles, in proportion
to the amount of members of each ethnos.
Thanks to the intervention of the Union, 8 working hours day is respected, and Social Insurance was also
settled down. Due to the crisis, a great proportion of workers was
reduced.
Betar (Tumpledor Alliance)
Was founded in 1928 by a Hebrew teacher initiative, named A. GORDON. The
objective of this organization was to disclose among youth the ideology of
revisionism. The activity of the organization was the practice of sports and
military training. The amount of members was of 60, especially composed by
school youth.
"Ha"shomer Ha'tzair" (Young guard)
Exists from 1921 having been founded by initiative of V SAPHIRSHETEIN.
It is an educational youth organization that
yearns to sum up Zionist-socialist-collectivist ideals in Eretz
Israel.
This institution carries out meetings,
reading nights, and representations. Members are youth between 10 and 20
years .
He'chalutz Ha'tzair (Young pioneer)
Was founded in 1928 by initiative of
GELMAN A.
LIFSHITZ A.
It is an educational youth organization whose objective was to sum up
pioneer Zionism, and reconstruction of
Eretz Israel. They carried out cultural acts in Hebrew. Members are youth
between 10 and 18 years.
"Freedom"
This institution was founded in April 1930 by initiative of
GEIER Z.
ROZENSHAIN S.
The objective was to carry out cultural and educational acts among labor
class. For this purpose were carried out reading nights, chats, etc. Members
were organized in two circles called Borochov and Sirkin. During a short time,
were carried out night courses (Jewish literature, general history). For
economic problems the courses were annulled. In summer time, were organized walks and trips, including
time for comments and sport exercises. They had a library (75 books and
publications) and they distributed newspaper "Our time". The
commission was formed by
ARNSON Y.
VILENTSHIK A.
ZAKHEIM L.
ZAIDMAN Y.
YAROSEVITSH B.
CHOMSKY A.
CHOMSKY M.
LEW Y.
KOZSHEBRODSKY A.
KATRANSKY SH.
RAITMAN R.
Tarbut School
Was founded in 1923. The objectives of the institution were to make
known Hebrew culture. The community maintained the Hebrew Popular School, and
another group conformed an 8 years Hebrew High School. The library contained
1.100 books, mostly in Yiddish.
In winter months were carried out reading nights. The quantity of
members was approximately 100. President was
GRINVALD M.
Cultural
Union
This institution was founded in December 1928, by initiative of
teachers
BENSION, Z.SH
MAN, Y.
By mid 1929 the activity
weakened because some members leaved the organization. With the arrival of Mr.
GRINBOIM H.
task began to revive. The objective
of the institution was to clarify and to carry out, among members of labor
class, an educational task about the spirit of its ideals. Courses were dictated, also chats and walks,
and were organized trips. Was formed a
choir and a group of dramatic art. Their installations were used as chess club
and of other social games, and there was a reading room with diverse newspapers
and chronics.
They dedicated special attention to eradicate illiteracy among members,
and for that end worked groups of study. The circle of members of this institution,
gathered material for YIWO (Jewish Research Organization) and carried out an
intense activity. The society participated in meetings of Jewish World
institutions (schools, libraries). Existed a library, books and publications
related to social problems
In summer time, were organized walks and trips, received guests, and
carried out encounters with social groups in neighborhood.
Figures in footnote give us a panorama of "Cultural Union".
Monetary incomes are detailed there [viii] . In 1929 the institution had 35 members who paid
annual fee. In 1931, together with youth, they were 138. They were directed by
GRINBOIM H. President
URIEVITSH Z. member
ZAMUCHOVSKY H. G. member
YELIN CH.. member
ROGOVITSH SH. member.
Kehila (Jewish Community)
The elections to choose community authorities were carried out in July
1928. Were elected 8 representatives, 2 of Shereshev and 6 of Pruzhany. Were
presented candidates in 6 lists , and from this lists, representatives were chosen.
Their names are
URINSKY G. (liberal)
KRUTZEL A. (orthodox)
POMERANIETZ A. (Zionist)
GOLDFAYN F. (merchant, voted as president)
KANEL M. (artisans)
GOLDBERG M. (butcher, he died and was replaced by GOLDBERG B.)
The community certified as Rabbi to
FAIGNBOIMEN David.
Until this pages were written, Kehila was not active.
Yeshiva (Higher religious studies academy)
Was installed in Pruzhany in 1929,
with some student arrived from Yvyye, after town's fire. It has 79 male
students.
"Pruzener Lebn" (Pruzener Life) weekly
For initiative of members of Y.SH.O (Jewish school organization), the
community decided to edit a weekly publication with the name "Pruzener
Lebn".
The first number was published
August 29 1930 and appeared regularly every week; this is it's third
life year. The interest of this weekly publication was in universal Jewish culture. Besides spreading
in Pruzhany, it arrived to neighboring
towns and cities, as well as to
US, South America, Cuba, Mexico, and Australia.
The weekly publication was diagrammed in private installations and printed in Seimik printing . Issued 600 copies. It's editor was
URINSKY G.
Y.SH.O (Jewish school organization)
For initiative of Popular School Executive Commission, in March 1925 was
opened in Pruzhany the Polish Jewish School Organization Section..
The objectives were to disclose universal Jewish culture and the
development of Jewish schools. Y.SH.O. maintained Y. L. PERETZ school, where pupils studied during 7 years, and
also a children home. It also had a dramatic art group that represented several
times a year classic and modern works, of great artistic value. They
organized reading nights and
conferences with participation of Jewish poets and writers. The society edited
a weekly publication as was mentioned.
The amount of members was
132.
The Commission was:
URINSKY G. President
GLEZER Y. E. Vice President
VOLANSKY M. Secretary
NITZBERG V. Member
SERLIN Sh., member
VAIVISHINSKY, A. member
PERLSHTEIN A. member
KOLODNER Sh. Member
Jewish Popular Library
In years 1921/22 existed in Pruzhany two youth groups that directed
small libraries. One was called
"Labor Library". It had 300 books and was directed by
AVERBUCH M.
GOLDBERG M.
GRINBERG Y.
GRINBERG R.
NEIMAN M.
SEGEL H.
The second group was the "Youth Cultural Organization". Had
250 books and was directed by
BERESTOVITZKY M.
GOLDBERG M.
GLOTZER Y.
CHOMSKY L.
CHMELNITZKY B.
FORER D.
PRUZHANSKY G.
Due to characteristics of these two libraries, the activity was very
limited and could not be developed. In 1924 due to social activists'
initiative, among them
VOLANSKY M.
decided to legalize the public operation of the library. Also
GOLDFAYN O. Dr.
collaborated and helped a lot in this program. They carried out an
associates registration, and with money of inscription bought 126 books. The
two youth groups gave books patrimony to the new institution. This way the
quantity of books to the moment of inauguration rose to 676.
The first Commission was integrated this way:
AVERBUCH M.
URINSKY G.
GOLDFAYN O. Dr.
VOLANSKY M.
SERLIN Sh.
RAVITSH A.
KAIZER Y.
In year 1926 Commission was integrated this way:
YULANSKY Meir
NITZBERG. Veve
EPELBOIM Freidke
RAVISTSH M.
PERELSHTEIN Y.
URINSKY G.
AVERBUCH M.
NAIMAN M.
The volumes increase was as is
indicated in footnote [ix]. Counting 80 repeated volumes, the library had 1355
copies. On literature were 1037 and of sciences were 318, all in Yiddish
language.
Until last years the library was the only cultural center in the city.
Here were frequently carried out reading nights and chats. When other social
institutions settled down in the city, the interest for this Cultural Center
decayed . Quantity of members is shown as table in footnote[x]
Current Commission is the following:
TZUKERMAN G. President
ZAIDMAN Y. member
YELIN CH. member
NEIMAN M. member
SHTUL M. member
FAIVISHINSKY A. member
State High School "Adam Mitzkevitsh"
Was founded in 1921 by initiative of
Urban Commission, which maintained the school. At the beginning had 4
study years. In 1924 the government takes the school under it's rule, and every
year increased quantity of study years until arriving to 8.
Current annual fee is of 220 guilden. In benefit of Parents Commission ,
was necessary to pay 50 additional annual guilden.
As said, the quantity of study years was 8. The fifth year had another
parallel course. The teachers team was of 16 people. Director
was
NOVOVSKY L.
The students by school year are
shown in footnote [xi]
Hebrew Popular School "YAVNE"
Was founded in 1919 by initiative of
GELMAN A.
At the beginning were opened first four years. The first years, school
was maintained with subsidies of Joint, and later was established a school fee. Beginning in year 1925 and up to now,
the school received a subsidy from municipality, sometimes high or other times
small.
Beginning in 1925 existed a kindergarten . Studies were carried out in
Hebrew. The current quantity of students in each course is shown in
footnote [xii]
"Talmud
Torah y Chadarim"
The institution Talmud Torah was responsible for 5 Chadarim (TN: plural
of Cheder) in which studied approximately 95 children with 5 teachers, and also
a Polish language and mathematics
teacher.
Besides the Talmud Torah, are in the city four private Chadarim,
where study near to 80 males. Was
president of the institution
Rav FAIGENBOIM D.
"TARBUT" High School
Was inaugurated with annual
school beginning in 1926/27. At the beginning was up to 6th. year, and every
year one additional was added. At present time are five degrees , from the 4th.
up to 8th. The quantity of students per year is detailed in footnote[xiii]. Teaching personnel was of 6 persons.
DRAILINK Dr.
Director
Popular Jewish School "Y. L. Peretz"
The first test to found a school in which studies were carried out in
Yiddish, was in 1916 during German occupation. After a short existence, Germans
closed it. Newly in September 1919 was carried out first real inauguration, and
first four years began to work regularly.
The founders were
URINSKY G.
GOLDBERG T. Teacher
PERLSHTEIN P. Teacher
KLEINERMAN R. Teacher
ROZENSHAIN A. Teacher
Mentioned persons were of School Commission and of Pedagogic Commission.
Some month later were added
VOLANSKY M.
POLAK B.
Teachers dedicated much time and enthusiasm to the task, in spite of not
receiving any payment during much time.
In 1920 Pruzhany Joint Commission paid a constant subsidy. Little by little were acquired necessary
elements, and teachers received a small salary. The school grew and educational
personnel increased. In same year, visited the school NATAN SHAFRAN who was
then a delegate of "Dinezon-Medem-Raichman School Committee", who created a contact with Warsaw. The study
program was changed continually by teachers,
from beginning and according to own approach, in order to fulfill state
school authorities requirements, as due to directives of "Jewish Schools
Organization". Studies were carried out in Yiddish. In 1921 was carried out
in Warsaw first Jewish Schools meeting, and was founded Jewish Schools Central
Organization . Were sent four delegates who were
URINSKSY G
POLAK B.
PERLSHTEIN P.
EPSHTEIN M. (in name of kindergarten).
From then on school was in constant contact with central authorities. From time to time
visited the school delegates and
instructors. In 1920 for the first time, children carried out an evening representation, which was an important
demonstration for the School. From then on, every year were carried out evening
children representations.
In 1924 was carried out in Warsaw the second schools meeting. The school
was represented by two delegates
VOLANSKY M.
KAIZER Y.
In November of same year visited Pruzhany the writer and poet PERETZ
MARKISH. He went to the school and photographed with children, teachers, and school commission. In 1926 the
teacher TZUKERMAN carried out an experience in
7th. year, during history classes: to investigate the history of our
city. This experience was successful,
and children created a small " Pinkas " where they told synthesis
about the history of Pruzhany. At the end of the school year 1926/27, when
finished school first student group, was carried out first exhibition, and it
deserved the recognition of all local Jewish
population's social classes. After closing school year, higher classes carried
out a trip to Warsaw together with their teachers.
During school year 1927/28, the school received from State a subsidy of
300 guilden. At the end of school
period, was carried out an alumni trip to Belovietz. At the end of school year 1928/29 was carried out the second
exhibition of children works. In course of some days, the exhibition was
visited approximately by 1000 people. The visitors (school authorities, teachers
of local institutions), responded excited. When concluded school year, they
made a trip to Kuzmir.
In the same year, three school students received a prize for their works
presented about "Saving Day". This event was announced openly. In
1929 through the commission, was carried out the preparations to celebrate
10th. Anniversary of school. It happened a very painful fact, and the
celebration was deferred. After a long and difficult illness died the teacher
and member of commission, founder of the school, colleague RIVKA KLEINERMAN.
She died from a heart affection in a hospital of Warsaw August 15 1929.
In same year was carried out a test by introducing Dalton system in 7th. year, in some courses. As a result of
this experience, was organized a public class on the issue "Chasidism
", and students presented an allusive work.
In year 1930 was carried out the
celebration of 50th. anniversary,
with participation of a delegate of
School Organization, colleague TABATSHINSKY.
The program included: to raise school flag donated by alumni and a
representation of students. Alumni, parents and people sympathetic with school
marched through the city with music and
songs. There was a great sport party, and at the end was a banquet.
Same year Jewish Schools Organization presented it's outstanding
students, in a national exhibition in Warsaw. They received first prize that
was a library valued in 300 guilden.
In School was active an independent commission directed by students, and
divided in diverse under - commissions:
cooperative, library, meteorology, mandolin, news, murals, administration and
control.
In June 1931 the school received an important visit: the writer YOSEF
OPATUSHU. He took several pictures with students, teachers, commission and
parents' committee.
During all it's existence the school should confront a constant fight to
subsist. Incomes came (through local section of Y.SH.O.) from a municipality
subsidy, artistic representations, support of U.S., etc. School fees covered
only part of the budget, given parents poverty whose occupations were as it is
shown in footnote[xiv]
Table in footnote shows the quantity of children in school period[xv]. Direction of School was in charge of Y.SH.O
Commission. The quantity of children
that ended School 5 years, is shown in footnote.[xvi].During all this period, more than 200 children had to
interrupt studies without finishing them due to lack of necessary resources. Of
68 alumni, were distributed in different occupations as is shown in footnote.[xvii]. Teaching personnel was of 6 persons:
GRINBOIM H.
YERUCHIMOVITSH L.
SVENTZIANER-TZUKERMAN R.
STUL M.
TZUKERMAN N.
RATNBERG R.
Parents commission was formed by some School commission members, and by
the following:
GERSHGORN Y.
DUBINSKY M.
ZLOTNIK A.
LIFSHITZ A.
NIEBOSHTSHIK F.
RAVNITZKY F.
State Schools No. 1 and 2
These two state schools worked in same building. The school No. 1 was
for males during the morning, and school. 2 for girls in the afternoon. The
educational personnel was of 12 persons. The quantity of students in both
schools according to the religion and nationality is shown in footnote[xviii]
Director of School No. 1 was KROPIVNICKI and of School No.2 was
VIBRANOVSKA.
[i] TN See translation in
another chapter
[ii] Budget
|
Expenses |
Income |
||
|
Administration
|
47.417.09 |
Urban Properties
|
8.475.00 |
|
Conservation urban goods |
800.00 |
Urban representation |
45.500.00 |
|
Representation Expenses |
1.000.00 |
Subsidies and donations |
6.233.00 |
|
Debts payments
|
15.000.00 |
Various taxes
|
2.500.00 |
|
Public places
|
11.600 |
Administrative collection |
5.871.00 |
|
Planning |
100.00 |
Urban elements use
|
21.100.00 |
|
Education |
31.770.00 |
Participation in state taxes |
10.400.00 |
|
Culture and art
|
1.200.00 |
Attachés to state taxes |
57.510.00 |
|
Public health
|
5.200.00 |
Independent taxes
|
32.900.00 |
|
Social protection
|
35.500.00 |
|
|
|
Agriculture subsidies |
6.000.00 |
|
|
|
Industry and trade subsidies |
6.175.00 |
|
|
|
Public safety
|
20.910.00 |
|
|
|
Various |
8.937.91 |
Various |
1.201.00 |
|
TOTAL |
191.600.00 |
TOTAL |
191.600.00 |
|
Year |
KW. Consumed |
Electric station daily working hours
|
|
1922 |
90.000 |
5.0 |
|
1923 |
75.000 |
5.0 |
|
1924 |
75.390 |
5.0 |
|
1925 |
86.200 |
5.5 |
|
1926 |
97.530 |
6.6 |
|
1927 |
113.068 |
8.0 |
|
1928 |
143.000 |
8.0 |
|
1929 |
155.000 |
10.0 |
|
1930 |
150.000 |
10.0 |
|
1931 |
145.000 |
10.0 |
|
Expenses |
Incomes |
||
|
1.Orphans home
|
|
Monthly fees
|
3.000 |
|
Nutrition |
8.400 |
Representations
|
2.400 |
|
Clothes |
2.400 |
Private donations
|
500 |
|
Medical aid |
200 |
Aid from abroad
|
1.500 |
|
General instruction
|
1.280 |
Theater rental
|
600 |
|
Labor instruction
|
400 |
Children's fees
|
500 |
|
Clothes laundry
|
400 |
Municipality subsidies |
10.400 |
|
Order and Hygiene
|
150 |
" Seimik " subsidies |
1.500 |
|
Heating and illumination |
1.600 |
State subsidies
|
500 |
|
Maintenance |
500 |
Central subsidies
|
2.500 |
|
Inventory |
300 |
|
|
|
Various |
200 |
Various |
200 |
|
2. Private control
|
|
|
|
|
Personnel |
3.950 |
|
|
|
Administrative expenses |
300 |
|
|
|
Administrative organization |
800 |
|
|
|
TOTAL |
23.600 |
TOTAL |
23.600 |
|
Tailors |
37 |
|
Carpenters |
11 |
|
Shoemakers |
11 |
|
Locksmiths |
5 |
|
Employees |
5 |
|
Embroiders |
3 |
|
Hats makers |
2 |
|
Barbers |
2 |
|
Blacksmiths |
2 |
|
Teacher |
1 |
|
Car driver |
1 |
|
Returned to relatives home |
17 |
|
Emigrated |
11 |
|
Married |
8 |
[vi] In
guilden
|
Capital |
23.703,90 |
|
Cash |
1.572.644,81 |
|
Registers |
7.332.623,58 |
|
Checks |
2.772.80 |
|
Loans |
361.24 |
|
Savings |
142.654,53 |
|
"Premium" savings |
1.645,50 |
In guilden
|
Year |
Amount |
Meetings |
Assisted |
|
1929 |
612.55 |
18 |
856 |
|
1930 |
836.22 |
49 |
2576 |
|
1931 |
1186.57 |
35 |
2368 |
|
Year |
Men |
Women |
Total |
|
1925 |
113 |
152 |
265 |
|
1926 |
110 |
102 |
212 |
|
1927 |
127 |
126 |
253 |
|
1928 |
132 |
127 |
259 |
|
1929 |
117 |
81 |
198 |
|
1930 |
104 |
75 |
179 |
|
1931 |
68 |
49 |
117 |
|
Class |
Males |
Females |
Total |
|
1. |
18 |
13 |
31 |
|
2. |
14 |
16 |
30 |
|
3 |
17 |
10 |
27 |
|
4. |
23 |
15 |
38 |
|
5. |
18 |
32 |
50 |
|
6 |
18 |
24 |
42 |
|
7 |
13 |
28 |
41 |
|
8 |
17 |
11 |
28 |
|
Religions |
|
|
|
|
Jews |
22 |
61 |
83 |
|
Catholic |
66 |
56 |
122 |
|
Orthodox Russian |
50 |
32 |
62 |
[xii]
|
Class |
Males |
Females |
Total |
|
Kindergarten |
2 |
16 |
18 |
|
1. |
15 |
5 |
20 |
|
2. |
19 |
9 |
28 |
|
3. |
19 |
9 |
28 |
|
4. |
15 |
14 |
29 |
|
5. |
25 |
9 |
34 |
|
6. |
25 |
4 |
29 |
|
7. |
10 |
9 |
19 |
|
Total |
130 |
75 |
205 |
|
Occupation |
Amount |
Percentage |
|
Journeymen and specialized workers |
119 |
59 |
|
Cart drivers
|
25 |
12 |
|
Small merchants
|
25 |
12 |
|
Orphans |
15 |
8 |
|
Father in U.S.
|
10 |
5 |
|
Liberal professions |
8 |
4 |
|
Total |
202 |
100 |
|
Class |
Males |
Females |
Total |
|
Kindergarten |
8 |
10 |
18 |
|
1 |
10 |
29 |
39 |
|
2 |
9 |
20 |
29 |
|
3 |
10 |
23 |
33 |
|
4 |
18 |
14 |
32 |
|
5 |
8 |
13 |
21 |
|
6 |
5 |
15 |
20 |
|
7 |
3 |
7 |
10 |
|
Total |
71 |
131 |
202 |
|
Task |
Amount |
|
Specialized workers |
38 |
|
Teaching, technician |
6 |
|
High School and Seminars |
7 |
|
Died |
1 |
|
Emigrated, without word and various |
16 |
|
Total |
68 |
|
Religion |
School No 1 |
School No 2. |
Total |
|
Jews |
18 |
93 |
11 |
|
Poles |
164 |
104 |
268 |
|
Byelorussian |
152 |
96 |
248 |
|
Total |
334 |
293 |
627 |