Hebrew University Researchers Document Over 30 Ancient Synagogues in Ukraine

Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with the United Jewish Community of Ukraine, have completed a significant expedition in Ukraine's historic Podolia region. During the latter half of August 2026, the team surveyed more than 30 ancient synagogues that have survived various historical challenges. The expedition meticulously examined the structural condition of these buildings, assessed the preservation of their unique architectural features, and documented interior design elements and decorations in some instances.

The collected data, including drawings and photographs, will form the basis for a new comprehensive book titled "Synagogues of Ukraine: Podolia." This publication, to be released by the Hebrew University's Center for Jewish Art, follows a major 2017 research project by the same center that documented synagogues in Volhynia. The previous work, spanning two volumes, covered 39 surviving synagogues and 302 lost structures across 23 locations.

In addition to the upcoming book, the newly gathered information will be integrated into the Bezalel Narkiss Index of Jewish Art, a vast digital database containing over 632,000 images of more than 57,000 heritage items. This index is considered the world's largest systematic repository in its field.

Vitaly Komzin, director of the United Jewish Community of Ukraine, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, "We are grateful to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for this close and important cooperation." He expressed hope that the future book will generate significant interest and connect descendants of those who emigrated from Podolia, many now residing in Israel and the United States, with their heritage.