Jewish Heritage Europe

UK: Stories from the historic Willesden Jewish cemetery, London — emphasizing it as a “House of Life”

A Jewish cemetery is often referred to as a “House of Life.” Each gravestone or other funerary monument commemorates the life of an individual or family; or in some cases marks a mass grave. These stones tell stories: through epitaphs, … continue reading →

Psalm: Installation in Venice by ceramicist/author Edmund de Waal highlights Jewish heritage in historic Venice ghetto, and literature

A two-part installation by the ceramic artist and writer Edmund de Waal, author of the book “The Hare with the Amber Eyes,” opens next week in Venice, highlighting Jewish heritage in the lagoon city and its historic ghetto, as well … continue reading →

The Power of Built Heritage — op-ed by JHE director

In the wake of the devastating fire last week at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, JHE Director Ruth Ellen Gruber wrote an op-ed for JTA discussing the transcendent symbolism of built heritage.   JTA gave the essay the title “Notre Dame will be rebuilt … continue reading →

Belarus: Jewish cemetery in Derechin restored thanks to descendants; commemorative plaque to be mounted in May

In a years-long effort spearheaded by a family of descendants, the long-neglected Jewish cemetery in Derechin, Belarus (also spelled Dereczyn) has been restored and a commemorative plaque will be mounted at a rededication ceremony May 22. The works, carried out … continue reading →