Jewish Heritage Europe

Two remarkable Torah Arks from Europe — in Israel: one from Hungary, one from Italy

Dozens of Torah arks from disused and/or abandoned synagogues were brought to Israel from European countries after the Holocaust. They include around 40 that were brought from Italy alone: for the most part they are now used in Israeli synagogues … continue reading →

Greece: Romaniote Memories — Exhibit of photos by the late Vincent Giordano of Romaniote Jews & synagogues in Greece and New York

We post here a taste of an exhibit of photographs documenting Romaniote Jews in Greece and New York that is being shown at the Greek Consulate in New York, and later at the Greek Embassy in Washington. Called “Romaniote Memories … continue reading →

UK: Foundation for Jewish Heritage buys Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, synagogue; hopes to create a Jewish heritage center there

The Foundation for Jewish Heritage has purchased the historic but derelict synagogue in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales and hopes to realize plans to transform it into a Welsh Jewish Heritage Center. “The Foundation wants the Merthyr project to promote inter-cultural dialogue … continue reading →

Italy: the death of Edda Servi Machlin prompts focus on Jewish Pitigliano

The death last month of Edda Servi Machlin, known for her Italian Jewish cookbooks, has prompted a focus on the Jewish heritage in her hometown, the beautiful hill town of Pitigliano, dramatically perched on a neck of rust-colored tufa rock … continue reading →

Hungary: Discovering Budapest’s lesser known synagogues. Part 2 — Synagogues tucked away in courtyards and apartment buildings

Budapest’s three grand main synagogues, located in the central part of the city on Dohány, Kazinczy and Rumbach streets, are local landmarks. But there are a more than a score of other synagogues scattered around the Hungarian capital, most of … continue reading →