Jewish Heritage Europe

JHE Photo Essay: for Tu B’Shvat 2023 — Trees and fruit in Jewish decorative art; in synagogues, on gravestones, and as part of ritual objects

Tu B’Shvat — the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shvat — begins tonight. It is known as “the New Year for Trees:” the time of year when the earliest-blooming trees in the land of Israel start to flower.  It is the custom … continue reading →

Poland Update: Long-awaited restoration of the 17th century synagogue in Chęciny is getting under way. It will become a Center for Jewish Remembrance and Culture

The long-awaited renovation of the 17th-century synagogue in Chęciny is getting under way.  The synagogue will house a Center for Jewish Remembrance and Culture, whose aim will be to teach “tolerance and respect for other religions and cultures.” Total cost of … continue reading →

UK Update: Project Manager named for Welsh Jewish Heritage Center project at the Merthyr Tydfil synagogue

Mazel tov to Neil Richardson, who has been named Project Manager for the project to create a Welsh Jewish Heritage Center in the historic synagogue in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Richardson has extensive experience in the heritage sector, most recently serving as Interim … continue reading →

Germany: Watch the film of “Ritual Echoes,” a sound installation performance piece by Avery Gosfield centered on the monumental medieval mikvah in Speyer

As we noted at the time, the Italy-based American musician Avery Gosfield, a specialist in early music, was awarded one of the three first-time artist-in-residence fellowships presented by the ShUM cities project.  Her work, titled “Ritual Echoes,” entailed creation of a sound … continue reading →