RASHKOV: History of Rashkov as a large commercial center with a focus on Jewish participation in production and trade throughout the centuries; a place where there were Jewish homes. We stop by the banner with a view of Rashkov and its coat of arms. We are in the center of Rashkov, the oldest rural settlement in Transnistria (1402). On the banner and around it we see modern Rashkov, which we will walk through today and talk about its rich past, primarily Jewish. Rashkov is a special place in the Jewish history of our republic. Let us say that in 1914 there were more than 2,000 Jews and four synagogues. The Jews owned a pharmacy, the only tannery in the area, a mill, timber stores, an inn, 50 shops and stores. The first historical information about the Jewish presence in Rashkov dates back to the 17th century - 1637. The community included immigrants from Ukraine, Austria, and Poland. Before us is the market, which was once the most crowded place in the town. A significant part of the trade was carried out by Jews.On the right side of the market were several Jewish houses and shops, which existed until the XX century.They were one-story buildings, usually on a high ground floor. At the end of the 19th century, shops and stores were added to the facades of houses overlooking the shopping street. We are in the territory of the Jewish Magaly, which was located further to the right of the marketplace, descending to the Dniester. Rashkov was a significant trading point, conveniently located on the main trade and transport artery of the region — the river Dniester, at an important crossing over it. Now the market functions only once a week and not on weekends, but on Tuesdays. Historically, fairs were held in other villages, but in Rashkov they were held on Tuesday, which established itself as a market day! A large quantity of building materials arrived at the Rashkov wharf every month. The Rashkivians actively traded timber, agricultural products (especially wine), handicrafts, they bought tiles, agricultural and household equipment outside the region. From the 1860s there were steam mills, a tobacco factory, distilleries, wine cellars, and sawmills, many of which were owned by Jews. In the early 19th century the main occupations of the inhabitants of the village were farming and viticulture, gardening thrived. In animal husbandry, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and a variety of poultry prevailed.Bee-keeping, fishing, and hunting were developed in the village.Many – especially Jews - were engaged in crafts. The following crafts stand out: pottery, cooperage, weaving, sawmill, carpentry, skinning, flour milling, butter-making, wine-making. Now we pass the MARKET up the central Lenin Street in the village and, crossing the road, we stop at the monument to Lenin. Behind it is the House of Culture, built in the 1960s.Its size – by rural standards – very impressive; on the walls of the building are beautiful mosaics. There is a restroom on the premises, which we recommend you use before you continue your tour. The House is open, but may be closed on weekends, in which case you can use the restroom in the street to the right of the House.