Jewish Heritage Europe

Shavua tov! Greeting the week with an online exhibit of paper cuts by Danuta Petruczenko inspired by the decoration of historic synagogues

Shavua tov! We are starting the week with a small online exhibit of colorful paper cuts by Warsaw-based Danuta Petruczenko. Almost all of them are based on present-day reconstructions of the intricate painted decoration found in historic synagogues, most of … continue reading →

Ukraine: Jewish community in Ivano Frankivsk launches fundraising campaign to repair serious water damage in its synagogue

The Jewish community in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine (formerly Stanisławów) has launched an emergency fund-raising campaign to repair the Tempel synagogue, which has suffered considerable water damage due to recent heavy rains. According to the web site jewishnews.com.ua, the community is seeking … continue reading →

Ukraine: alarm raised in Odessa that construction of a multistory apartment block could damage the former synagogue hosting the Migdal JCC

Jewish activists and local media in Odessa have raised an alarm about the potential impact of a six-story apartment block about to be built next door to the former Meat Butchers’ synagogue, which has housed the multi-purpose Migdal JCC since … continue reading →

The Serious Impact and Challenges of COVID-19 on Religious Heritage Organizations — Results of a Survey by the NGO Future for Religious Heritage

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major negative impact on museums, preservation work, and other organizations and initiatives concerned with religious heritage (including Jewish heritage). A just-published survey by the NGO Future for Religious Heritage (FRH) details four main areas … continue reading →

Italy: delicate repair work under way to consolidate sinking floor of Florence synagogue

Delicate work is under way to consolidate the mosaic marble flooring of the great synagogue in Florence to prevent possible collapse. Work began on June 1 and is to continue through the month. The Opera del Tempio di Firenze — … continue reading →