Jewish Heritage Europe

Lithuania Update: Restoration of the synagogue in Čekiškė will proceed, with a cooperation agreement between the Kaunas Jewish community and civic authorities. It will become a cultural center

Restoration work on the 19th century red brick synagogue in Čekiškė will continue thanks to a cooperation agreement signed this month between the Kaunas District Municipality Mayor Valerijus Makūnas and  Mauša Bairakas, chair of the Kaunas Jewish Religious Community. Restoration … continue reading →

Greece: The Ets Hayim Synagogue in Larissa has reopened after full-scale reconstruction

Photo montage of the Larissa synagogue dedication, from Kehila Kadosha Janina Facebook

The Ets Hayim synagogue of Larissa, in central Greece,  reopened last month after full-scale restoration and reconstruction work that began in 2019 but was stalled due to Covid restrictions and other issues.  It was a process “filled with challenges, setbacks, … continue reading →

Germany: Archaeologists discover foundations of medieval synagogue in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Archaeologists have discovered the foundations of a medieval synagogue in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in southern Germany, a major center of Jewish scholarship in the  middle ages.  The synagogue was used until a pogrom in 1349 devastated the Jewish community. … continue reading →

Moldova/Transnistria Update: The preserved ruins of the 18th century synagogue in Raşcov (Rashkov) is a tourist attraction — watch a video

Changes… Back in 2017, we posted an essay by Sergey R. Kravstov and Vladimir Levin of the Center for Jewish Art wondering whether the hulking ruins of the 18th century great synagogue in Raşcov (Rashkov) would or could be conserved. … continue reading →

France: A two-year scientific inventory survey of Jewish heritage in Alsace is underway, focusing on the region’s more than 120 synagogues

The Grand Est Region of France and the Regional Department of Cultural Affairs are carrying out an inventory survey of Jewish heritage in Alsace, with a particular focus on synagogues. The survey was launched in October 2024 and is scheduled … continue reading →