Commerce and Livelihood in Tomaszow

Major form of livelihood of the Jewish community was based on trade and handicrafts. Heads of family were merchants, grocers, owners of shops and market stalls on market days (Thursdays). It was a typical Chassidic town that developed slower than the big cities.

A joint Polish-Jewish bank ("Spoldzlaczi") was established in Tomaszow prior to World War One. A Pole by the name of Dr. Zavdatzki, a liberal who was fond of Jews, was appointed its director, and all the bank's employees were Jews.

Between two world wars-

Order slowly began resuming in Tomaszow following the Russia-Poland war, and Jews went about restoring their life and businesses. Trade and professional unions were established, and in 1926 a Jewish bank, "Handorker", was established in town. Hirsch Meir Tziment and Elazar Bergerboim were appointed its managers. The activity of the popular Polish bank was also renewed in 1927.

In general, Tomaszow's economical situation between the two wars was quite rough, with ups and downs due to wars, changes of governments and natural disasters (mostly fires). Standard of living and the income of the average Jewish family were quite low.