Jewish Heritage Europe

Italy: RIP Elio Carmi, president of the Casale Monferrato Jewish Community. A cultural activist and noted designer, he developed the Jewish museum in the complex of the 16th century synagogue, and established the Museum of Lights, featuring contemporary Hanukkah menorahs

(JHE) — Elio Carmi, a cultural activist, nationally known creative designer, and president of the tiny Jewish community in the town of Casale Monferrato, in northwest Italy, died Monday (January 8), aged 71. He suffered from pleural mesothelioma, a rare … continue reading →

Czech Update: Restoration of the synagogue in Čáslav is nearly fully completed; a crowd-funder is raising the funds for the final touches

Synagogue in Caslav, Czech Republic

After years of sometimes sporadic work, the restoration of the synagogue in Čáslav is nearing full completion.  The building, which is owned by the Prague Jewish community,  already functions as a Jewish cultural center focusing on Jewish heritage, history, and … continue reading →

Croatia Update: Restoration of former synagogue in Koprivnica will be completed thanks to new €2 million grant

(JHE) — Renovation of the former synagogue in Koprivnica, Croatia, will be completed thanks to a new €2 million grant from the EU, via Croatia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.  Mayor Mišel Jakšić signed the contract for it on December … continue reading →

UK: New conservation area approved around London’s historic Bevis Marks synagogue

The City of London’s Planning Committee has voted unanimously to  set up a Conservation Area around historic Bevis Marks Synagogue, a Grade I listed shul built in 1701 that is Britain’s oldest synagogue in continuous use. The move would protect … continue reading →