Jewish Heritage Europe

Belarus: Jewish cemetery in Derechin restored thanks to descendants; commemorative plaque to be mounted in May

In a years-long effort spearheaded by a family of descendants, the long-neglected Jewish cemetery in Derechin, Belarus (also spelled Dereczyn) has been restored and a commemorative plaque will be mounted at a rededication ceremony May 22. The works, carried out … continue reading →

Romania: Great Temple synagogue in Deva rededicated after 2-year restoration

Sheheheyanu in Romania! The Great Temple synagogue in Deva, in Transylvania in western Romania, was recently rededicated with a gala ceremony after undergoing two years of restoration. The ceremony March 31 included prayers, returning Torahs to the ark, placing a … continue reading →

Czech Republic: New visitor information panels installed at 6 (fairly out-of-the-way) Jewish cemeteries in western/southwestern Bohemia

Signposting Jewish heritage sites is an important way to “put them back on the map” and educate local people and visitors alike. The Tachov Archives and Museum Society — TAMUS, a Czech non-profit NGO deeply involved in documenting and preserving … continue reading →

Moldova: First-stage of restoration of Jewish cemetery in Chisinau lays bare vast space; reveals — but also causes — damage

The near-total removal of trees and other vegetation in the first stage of the state-sponsored restoration of the Jewish cemetery in Chisinau has laid bare the vast expanse in a way that has revealed the extent of damage to the … continue reading →