Jewish Museum Moldova – Open Air Museum at the Jewish Cemetery in Vadul Rașcov

This article was originally published as a Newsletter by the museum’s director, Irina Șihova. 

The Museum of Jewish History of the Republic of Moldova has initiated a process to establish an open air museum at the Jewish cemetery in Vadul Rașcov (Șoldănești).

The cemetery in Vadul Rașcov, thanks to our initiative and efforts, has obtained the status of a national monument and deserves heightened national level attention in its protection, research, and promotion as a significant national heritage site. We are deeply concerned about the future of the Vadul Rașcov Jewish cemetery, particularly given the numerous examples of interventions that have negatively impacted the authenticity, landscape setting, and touristic potential of similar sites all over Eastern Europe.

This cemetery holds substantial architectural and historical value, being one of the few remaining cemeteries in Moldova in relatively good condition compared to most others. It is a model Jewish cemetery for South-Eastern Europe and has the potential to become a key attraction in tourist circuits. The cemetery’s tombstones reflect the traditional Jewish practice of tombstone carving, without Soviet-era stylistic influences.
The Jewish cemetery boasts a history spanning over two centuries, documenting the rise and fall of a Jewish community in the shtetl. Over many years, the museum’s researchers have compiled extensive information and published several scholarly works on the history of Vadul Rașcov.

Our intention is to complement the existing cemetery, well-known among tourists, with an information center dedicated to the Jewish shtetl. This center would vividly illustrate the history of Jewish settlement in our country. The museum team has been actively promoting the Vadul Rașcov Jewish cemetery as a major tourist attraction, making it one of the most significant and frequently visited sites in Moldova. Last year, the Museum launched the tourist route “Through the Jewish Fair Vadul Rașcov” as part of the international festival European Days of Jewish Culture and the European Jewish Routes project.

With extensive experience in managing and maintaining the Jewish cemetery in Chișinău, the museum team is well-equipped to undertake similar responsibilities for the Vadul Rașcov cemetery. We seek your support in this initiative and anticipate receiving a letter of endorsement to further our efforts in preserving and promoting this invaluable cultural and historical site.