Join the BZD and our guide, Evgenia Kempinski, as we embark on this two-part journey, encompassing both the historical riches and the vibrant contemporary tapestry of Jewish life in Bessarabia, Moldova.

*Part 1: “Journey through Time: The Jewish Legacy in Bessarabia”*

Welcome to the first segment of our immersive tour. In this portion, we will embark on a historical expedition, tracing the remarkable story of Jewish life in this region.

Today, Moldova remains home to a resilient Jewish community, numbering approximately 15,000 to 20,000 members. However, to fully appreciate their story, we must journey back in time to explore the profound Jewish legacy of Bessarabia.

Throughout history, this land, has witnessed the presence of Jews dating as far back as the Roman era. Yet, during the 19th and 20th centuries, Moldovan Jewish life thrived, leaving an indelible mark on European and global Jewish history.

Bessarabia is celebrated for its renowned rabbis, skilled Jewish artisans, lyrical poets, and the rich musical culture of Bessarabian Yiddish. We will visit some of the emblematic Jewish towns. These towns hold the secrets to the vibrant Jewish life that once thrived here, allowing us to reimagine the bygone era.

Our journey will then lead us through the streets of Kishinev. Once a bustling city with over 50,000 Jewish residents, Kishinev is etched into Jewish history for the tragic events of the 1903 Jewish pogrom. This pogrom left an indelible mark on the Jewish story, and we will explore its unique significance.

As we meander through Kishinev, we will uncover the tales of its Jewish inhabitants, the formation of self-defense Jewish squads, the architectural wonders of Kishinev Synagogues, the intellectual and political leaders who left an enduring legacy, and the daily lives of its Jewish population.

Among the remnants of this rich history, we will encounter former synagogues and ancient cemeteries, poignant reminders of the once-thriving Jewish Life in Moldova