Jewish Heritage Europe

Netherlands: At 17th century Beth Haim Portuguese Jewish Cemetery in Ouderkerk, opening of visitors center is final step in 6-year development project. Plus – 3D models are available of 100 elaborate gravestones

(JHE) — A small visitors’ center has been opened at the historic Beth Haim Portuguese Jewish cemetery in Ouderkerk, completing a development project for the cemetery launched in 2014 on the 400th anniversary of its foundation in 1614. Around 28,000 … continue reading →

Turkey: Progress in Izmir — rescue of the Etz Hayim and Talmud Torah synagogues, and substantial EU grant

(JHE) — Good news from Izmir! Nesim Bencoya reports  “meaningful progress” in the rescue of two long-derelict historic synagogues — the Etz Hayim and the Talmud Torah (Hevra). In addition, in a separate development, he reports that a broad, three-year … continue reading →

The 2021 “Vanished World” Jewish Heritage Calendar is available for free download

  Its that time of year again — The 2021 Vanished World Jewish Heritage Calendar by the Cologne-based photographer Christian Herrmann is available for free download from his Vanished World web site. Each year, Christian puts together a calendar featuring … continue reading →

Poland: Maria Piechotka, influential pioneer of research on synagogue architecture, dies — at 100 — in Warsaw

(JHE) — The Jewish heritage world has lost a giant — Maria Piechotka, a pioneer in the study of synagogue architecture in Poland and mentor to generations, has died in Warsaw, just months after her 100th birthday. May her soul … continue reading →