Jewish Heritage Europe

Italy: The Jewish cemetery in Pesaro is to reopen to the public following restoration and stabilization work. It was closed 2 years ago for safety reasons

The historic Jewish cemetery in Pesaro, Italy,  will reopen to the public in Spring 2026 after being closed for safety reasons since 2023. The cemetery is located in the Monte San Bartolo Park, and the reopening will follow the completion … continue reading →

France: The Synagogue in Metz has reopened after two years of extensive restoration work. There will be celebratory Open Doors events on November 2.

At a ceremony on Sunday (October 26) the 19th century synagogue of Metz was reopened after a €2.3 million restoration that had kept it closed for two years. Local TV said more than 650 people packed the synagogue for the … continue reading →

Ukraine: A blast wave from Russian drone strikes damaged precious stained glass windows in a historic Kyiv synagogue. Dr. Eugeny Kotlyar, who created the windows, reflects on the situation and appeals for aid in restoring them

During the night of October 22, a powerful blast wave from Russian Shaheed drone strikes hit the historic synagogue in the Podil district of Kyiv. The damage does not appear to have been extensive — it mainly seems to have … continue reading →

Austria: A year-long renovation of Vienna’s historic Stadttempel has begun, in preparation for its 200th birthday next year

The ark in the Stadttempel, Vienna, Austria

Work has begun on the wide-ranging restoration of Vienna’s main synagogue, the historic Stadttempel — which will celebrate its 200th birthday next year.  The €10.5 million renovation, carried out with the involvement of the Federal Monuments Office and described by … continue reading →

Poland: Sukkoth 2025 — Sukkahs and symbolism; with news of the Sukkah Project, conserving a historic sukkah from the town of Izbica

The Jewish holiday of Sukkoth, the “festival of booths,” starts tonight and lasts a week. It is both a harvest festival and a commemoration of the years Jews spent wandering in the desert in Biblical times. Jews traditionally build temporary … continue reading →