Jews began to settle in Częstochowa in the 18th century. In 1790, there were only about 50 Jewish residents, who were not yet an independent religious community but were part of the kahal in Janów. In 1794, after a dispute, the Jews of Częstochowa separated from Janów, and by 1799 they had purchased land for a cemetery—a fundamental step towards independence. In October 1804, the Prussian king granted permission to establish an independent kahal. Between 1805 and 1810, the Municipal Synagogue and mikvah were built on a property on Wodna (now Nadrzeczna) Street. Starting in 1834, a beit midrash (house of prayer and study) was also constructed, which included a yeshiva (religious school for adults).

The Jewish residents of Częstochowa mainly engaged in trade and crafts, and from the 1830s began developing textile workshops, processing flax and cotton. They also produced goods such as accessories, toys, watches, glasses and optical tools, mirrors, needles, umbrella frames etc. Larger factories typically employed only non-Jewish workers. Many Jews practiced liberal professions (such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers).