Jewish Heritage Europe

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 →

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 →

UK: SOS campaign launched to save Margate synagogue from being sold at auction to property developers

(JHE) — A group of artists and Jewish heritage educators are trying to save a 91-year-old synagogue from being sold at auction to developers who could demolish the building or convert it into apartments. The small, red brick synagogue in … continue reading →

UK: Renewed concern raised at planned 20-storey tower block to be built across the street from historic Bevis Marks synagogue

(JHE) — Leaders of Britain’s oldest synagogue — Bevis Marks in London — have raised renewed concerns that a planned new high rise building across the street would dominate the space, cut the synagogue off from light and access, and … continue reading →

Germany: The synagogue in Laudenbach is under restoration thanks to govt grant after years of lobbying by citizens’ group. At the same time documentation of inscriptions goes on in the Jewish cemetery

(JHE) — After years of efforts by a citizens’ group — and a recent major government grant — restoration work on the village synagogue in Laudenbach, Germany is beginning — and fragments of a geniza have been found in its … continue reading →