Jewish Heritage Europe

Poland Update: Full-scale replica of the destroyed Połaniec wooden synagogue is installed at the open air ethnographic museum in Sanok

(JHE) — A full-scale replica of one of the hundreds of East European wooden synagogues destroyed during WW2 has been installed at Poland’s largest open-air ethnographic museum, or skansen. The replica of the synagogue of Połaniec  now forms part of a … continue reading →

Slovakia: Archaeologists working on the project to restore the grand synagogue in Trenčín discover foundations of the original 18th century synagogue beneath the floor of the sanctuary

The synagogue in Trencin before renovation

(JHE) — Archaeologists working on the EEA-funded project to renovate the grand, domed synagogue in Trenčín have discovered what are believed to be the foundations of the earlier synagogue from the end of the 18th century. The synagogue, listed as … continue reading →

Hungary Update: Progress in the restoration of the synagogue in Kőszeg

Following years of false starts and failed announcements, restoration is well under way on the long-derelict 19th century synagogue in Kőszeg, Hungary — plans for which we detailed October 2020. The synagogue, which is owned by the state, will become … continue reading →

Lithuania: Archaeologists announce exciting discoveries at site of destroyed Vilna Great Synagogue, including Bimah, Ark, and silver Yad

  Discoveries in their just-completed sixth season of excavations at the site of the destroyed Great Synagogue in Vilnius include full exposure of the Aron Kodesh (Torah Ark) and the Bimah. The team of Israeli, Lithuanian, and  north American archaeologists even … continue reading →

Ukraine Update: Poland’s Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich strongly denounces the desecration of the historic Jewish cemetery in Sataniv … by a Jew. Calls for aid in helping prevent such “abominations”

(JHE) — Michael Schudrich, the Chief Rabbi of Poland and head of Poland’s Rabbinic Commission for Cemeteries, has forcefully condemned as  desecration the destruction of part of the historic Jewish cemetery in Sataniv by Haredi activist Israel Meir Gabai. It … continue reading →