Jews in the “Works of the Podolian diocesan historical and statistical Committee” edited by Yukhym Sitsinsky

Abstract

Abstract. The research purpose to elucidate the principles governing the settlement of Jews within the Balta district at the dawn of the 20th century, drawing upon materials from the Diocesan Committee edited by Yu. Sitsinskyi. The primary emphasis is placed on the quantitative and geographical distribution of Jewish communities. The publication presents demographic data pertaining to settlements, encompassing their religious and ethnic characteristics. A crucial facet of this study involves analyzing the factors influencing the settlement of Jewish communities in border regions, particularly those characterized by active trade. The article’s materials indirectly shed light on the role of Jews in fostering the local economy. Scientific Novelty. The scientific novelty of this study lies in the pioneering utilization of Yu. Sitsinskyi’s work as a primary source for investigating the settlement patterns of the Jewish population within the Balta district. Research Originality. The originality of this research is predicated on the application of Yu. Sitsinskyi’s work as a foundational source for analyzing the settlement principles of the Jewish populace in the Balta district, thereby affording a novel perspective on historical processes. The study transcends a mere depiction of quantitative and geographical distribution, delving into the underlying causes of settlement, notably the nexus with economic determinants and border location. This analysis illuminates the contribution of Jewish communities to the district’s economic development. The adoption of a suite of methodologies, including historical-statistical, historical-chronological, and typological approaches, ensures a comprehensive analysis of the research problem.

Conclusions. The Balta district exhibited a heterogeneous ethnic and religious composition, encompassing Ukrainians (referred to as Little Russians), Moldovans, Poles, Catholics, Lutherans, Old Believers, and Jews, reflective of its border proximity, economic prospects, and inclusion within the Pale of Settlement. The distribution of Jewish communities was uneven, with concentrations observed in trading hubs and district towns such as Balta, Kruti, and Bohopil, attributable to their engagement in commercial and economic activities. Conversely, regions remote from these centers witnessed a marked decline in Jewish population. The analysis of Yu. Sitsinskyi’s works, as primary sources, not only bridges historiographical gaps but also facilitates a deeper comprehension of the living conditions of Jewish communities in the region, thereby laying the groundwork for subsequent interdisciplinary investigations.