Jewish Heritage Europe

Anniversary of Anniversaries: 150 Years of the twin-towered synagogue in Krnov, Czech Republic

The year 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of Jewish Heritage Europe. The theme of  our  birthday celebrations is the “Anniversary of Anniversaries” — that is, using JHE’s own anniversary to feature other significant or symbolic anniversaries. Here we highlight the 150th anniversary of … continue reading →

UK: Saturday will be the last Shabbat at the center city Manchester Reform Synagogue, before its demolition

This Saturday will mark the last Shabbat to be celebrated at central Manchester Reform Synagogue on Jackson’s Row before it is demolished to make way for a high-rise real estate development. The red-brick synagogue was designed by the architects Eric … continue reading →

Germany: Restoration plans for the two synagogues in Essen — the monumental Old Synagogue (now a Jewish culture center) and the postwar New Synagogue complex

The two synagogues in Essen, Germany will see restoration in the coming months. The stone facade and copper roof of the monumental Old Synagogue will be refurbished, while the community hall of the postwar New Synagogue  complex will be restored. … continue reading →

UPDATED with new material: The Origins of the Women’s Gallery (and pictures)

View from the women's gallery, the monumental Zion Synagogue in Oradea, Romania, built in 1878 and designed by Dávid Busch, the city's chief architect

(JHE) — We have posted in the past about women’s galleries in the synagogue, mainly focusing on the architecture and physical sites. Two recent publications trace the origin of of the separation of women during prayer and the evolution of … continue reading →

Germany: €900,000 in state and federal grants to restore the 12th century mikveh in Worms

German state and federal governments have allocated €900,000 toward the restoration of the medieval mikveh in the synagogue complex in Worms. During a visit to the synagogue this week, Rhineland-Palatinate state’s Interior Minister Michael Ebling officially presented a €360,000 grant … continue reading →