Jewish Heritage Europe

Germany: A visitors center is under construction at the Old Jewish Cemetery in Mainz, whose oldest gravestones date from the 11th century.

The city of Mainz is constructing a new visitors’ center at the historic Old Jewish Cemetery, which has gravestones dating from the 11th century to the late 19th century.  Mainz, along with nearby Worms and Speyer, comprise the three so-called … continue reading →

Call for Applications Germany: ShUM Cities 2025-26 – International Artist in Residence project (with focus on Jewish heritage in Worms, Speyer, Mainz, Germany) Deadline for applications is September 30.

There is still time to apply for the ShUM cities 2026 International Artist-in-Residence Program. Deadline for applications is September 30th, 2025.  The ShUM Cities project links the important medieval Jewish heritage of the German cities of Worms, Speyer, and Mainz … continue reading →

Germany Update: The modernist Reichenbachstrasse synagogue has reopened. At the ceremony, an emotional German chancellor vows to fight new and old antisemitism

The modernist Reichenbachstrasse synagogue in Munich has reopened following a years-long restoration process. With an emotional speech at the dedication ceremony Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz  appeared to fight back tears as he decried the antisemitism that has surged since … continue reading →

Lithuania: the grounds surrounding the partially restored synagogue in Švėkšna are being landscaped and improved

The grounds surrounding the synagogue in Švėkšna are being landscaped and improved to make the complex attractive both to tourists and to residents of the town. The masonry synagogue, located on the town’s main square across from the twin-towered church, … continue reading →

Netherlands: Dutch King Willem-Alexander takes part in celebrations of the 350th anniversary of Amsterdam’s Portuguese Synagogue

  Dutch King Willem-Alexander took part in a ceremony celebrating the 350th birthday of the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam, known as the Esnoga or Snoge. After the service, the King met with rabbis and members of the Jewish community. He … continue reading →