Jewish Heritage Europe

Folk Art on Jewish gravestones, fascinating article by Heidi Szpek

The carved decoration on Jewish gravestones in Eastern Europe (and elsewhere) is often highly elaborate, combining religious iconography with folk art. Dr. Heidi M. Szpek, Professor Emerita, Central Washington University, has written extensively about the Bagnowka Jewish cemetery in Bialystok, Poland — … continue reading →

Sergey Kravtsov on the Value & Preservation of Jewish Built Heritage

  Sergey Kravtsov, Senior Research Associate at the Center for Jewish Art in Jerusalem, has written a thoughtful op-ed on the value and preservation of Jewish religious heritage in Europe, published on the excellent “Future of Religious Heritage” web site.  Born … continue reading →

New online exhibit a valuable resource on synagogue history, architecture & practice

  The Addlestone Library at the College of Charleston (South Carolina) has launched a new online exhibit that provides a fascinating (and useful) resource on synagogue history, architecture and practice. Called “The Life of the Synagogue,” the exhibit includes 76 items selected … continue reading →

RIP Leonard Nimoy: Mr. Spock and images of blessing hands

  The death of the actor Leonard Nimoy, legendary for the half-human, half-Vulcan Star Trek character Mr. Spock,  has focussed attention on his iconic “Live Long and Prosper” divided-finger hand gesture that was based on the hands raised in blessing … continue reading →