Jewish Heritage Europe

Poland: The Matzevah Foundation 2024 program offers opportunities to volunteer to clean up Jewish cemeteries in Poland

Want to volunteer this summer to help clean up a Jewish cemetery in Poland? The Matzevah Foundation (TMF) has announced its cemetery clean-up projects for this summer. There are doing some together with other organisations, but there are two where … continue reading →

Italy Update: The restoration has been completed of the Old Synagogue in Carpi, which was serious damaged in earthquakes in 2012

Carpi Old Synagogue, after restoration. Photo: Carpi municipality

The restoration at the Old Synagogue of Carpi, in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, has been completed, and the sanctuary – seriously damaged in 2012 earthquakes — will soon be reopened to the public as a permanent exhibition center focused … continue reading →

UK: The Manchester Jewish Museum celebrates the 150th anniversary of its historic Sephardi synagogue with events throughout the year

Logo of the Manchester Jewish museum

(JHE) — This year is a big one for the Manchester Jewish Museum. The museum opened 40 years ago, in 1984 — and it is anchored by the historic Spanish and Portuguese synagogue that this year is celebrating its 150th … continue reading →

Poland: The restored synagogue in Chęciny reopens as a Center for Jewish Remembrance and Culture

Restored Checiny synagogue Photo: Checiny municipality

Following an extensive restoration, the former 17th century synagogue in Chęciny reopened at the end of February as  a Center for Jewish Remembrance and Culture, whose aim is to teach “tolerance and respect for other religions and cultures.” The Center … continue reading →

Purim! This year, we focus on the beautiful way individual Esther scrolls have been written out and decorated

An early 18th century Esther Scroll, or Megillah, in the Museum of Jewish Padova

Purim begins tomorrow night… it is a festive holiday, a time of celebration, crazy costumes, and… drink. On Purim, we read the Esther scroll, or Megillah, the Book of Esther that tells how Queen Esther saved the Jews of the … continue reading →