Have you ever wondered what kind of work filled the days of your ancestors in the shtetls?
What did they do to make a living, support their families, and find meaning in their daily lives?
In this two-part journey, we’ll bring those long-ago market towns of Eastern Europe to life, uncovering the vibrant world of Jewish trades and professions—from the well-known, like tailoring and shoemaking, to the almost forgotten ones.
You’ll hear stories of real people — men and women — who worked hard, got creative, and developed unique businesses and crafts that gave their communities identity and strength.
Part 1: Trades and Traditions
In the first session, we’ll explore the classic trades that were the heartbeat of shtetl life.
What roles did tailors, shoemakers, and merchants play, and what hidden skills did they master?
We’ll also dive into the more unusual, rare crafts that you may have never heard of but that played a part in the Jewish shtetl economy.
From rich to poor, young to old, each person had a role, a skill, a purpose.
Part 2: Enterprise and Innovation
The second session shines a light on the ingenuity and enterprise of shtetl Jews as they embraced new technologies, adapted to changing economies, and navigated often tricky relationships with local authorities.
We’ll look at what professions earned respect, which jobs were “less desirable,” and how economic shifts threatened age-old trades.
This session celebrates the creativity and adaptability that allowed Jewish communities to thrive even amid challenges.
We delve into the lives, dreams, and achievements of our forebears, honoring the ways they built a livelihood and a legacy.
Whether your ancestors worked with their hands, ran a business, or passed down a craft, you’ll walk away with a deeper connection to their world and a richer understanding of the trades that shaped Jewish history.