The Jewish Street in the village of Tomaszów. A Compelling and Historically Authentic Scene by Hans Larwin. Poland ...

The Jewish Street in the village of Tomaszów. A Compelling and Historically Authentic Scene by Hans Larwin. Poland, 1915.

Dimensions: 24x34 cm. Signed. Hans Larwin (1873-1938).

An authentic and interesting street scene showing life in the Jewish town (Shtetl) of Tomaszów, Poland. The painting depicts a variety of interesting Jewish figures, including artisans, in a manner reminiscent of Hasidic tales.

An interesting scene that captures the atmosphere of a Jewish Street before the War.

The Jewish community in Tomaszów existed from the 17th century until it became extinct in the Holocaust. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries many of the Jews of Tomaszów Lubelski worked in the local tiny industry. About half of the town's 18 factories were owned by Jews, and many others were employed in local workshops. A few worked as suppliers to the Russian army stationed on the outskirts of town or as contractors.

In the second half of the 18th century, with the spread of Hasidism in Poland, Hassidic rabbis were appointed, and Tomaszów Lubelski became a center of Hasidism and seat for Admorim. Batei Midrash of many Hasidic sects was established there: Kotzk-Gur, Turisk, Radzin, Belz, Sanz and others. Among the most prominent students of sages who were in Tomaszów Lubelski are R. Shimaya, author of the 'Dashmia' court; Rabbi Mordechai Yosef (the Rebbe of Izbica), author of "Mei Hashiloach" and his son, Rabbi Yaakov Leiner, author of "Sefer Beit Yaakov"; Rabbi Eliezer Bar Grabowitzer, and Meir Avraham Frisherman.