Jewish Heritage Europe

Call for Nominations: World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize. Deadline for submission is September 5

Nominations are now open for the 2026 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize — a biennial award recognizing outstanding achievements in saving structures emblematic of the modernist architectural movement.   Deadline for submissions is September 5.  The prize includes a cash … continue reading →

Turkey: Istanbul’s historic Yanbol synagogue reopens after a 2-year restoration. It has a new exhibit of precious ritual material discovered in a hidden storeroom during the renovation process

The historic Yanbol synagogue in Istanbul’s Balat neighborhood has reopened for worship after two years of restoration work. It features a new permanent exhibit called “Forgotten Rooms” that displays  precious ritual objects and other material discovered in a hidden storeroom … continue reading →

Poland: The 17th century synagogue in Łęczna, empty for years, will be restored and adapted as an educational and cultural center

Synagogue in Łęczna, Poland, August 2018

The 17th century synagogue in Łęczna, which has stood empty and deteriorating for more than a decade, will be renovated and adapted as an educational and cultural center as part of a broader program to develop the town. According to … continue reading →

Lithuania Update: Restoration of the synagogue in Čekiškė will proceed, with a cooperation agreement between the Kaunas Jewish community and civic authorities. It will become a cultural center

Restoration work on the 19th century red brick synagogue in Čekiškė will continue thanks to a cooperation agreement signed this month between the Kaunas District Municipality Mayor Valerijus Makūnas and  Mauša Bairakas, chair of the Kaunas Jewish Religious Community. Restoration … continue reading →

Greece: The Ets Hayim Synagogue in Larissa has reopened after full-scale reconstruction

Photo montage of the Larissa synagogue dedication, from Kehila Kadosha Janina Facebook

The Ets Hayim synagogue of Larissa, in central Greece,  reopened last month after full-scale restoration and reconstruction work that began in 2019 but was stalled due to Covid restrictions and other issues.  It was a process “filled with challenges, setbacks, … continue reading →