Jewish Heritage Europe

“The Last Palace” – New book brings a century of Prague mansion’s (Jewish & other) history alive

  Nearly seven years ago, at Hanukkah 2011, the then-U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Norm Eisen, hosted the pre-launch of Jewish Heritage Europe at the palatial ambassadorial residence in Prague. JHE Director Ruth Ellen Gruber demonstrated our site to … continue reading →

CZ: Restoration of Great Synagogue in Plzen to begin soon; details

  Plans are moving forward for the restoration of the monumental twin-towered Great Synagogue and nearby rabbi’s house in Plzeň (Pilsen) in the Czech Republic.  According to local media, tenders are going out now, and work should begin within the next … continue reading →

On the road in CZ: the secret synagogue in Terezin (crosspost)

Take a deep dive into the history of the so-called “secret synagogue” at Terezin, the town and historic fortress north of Prague that the Nazis turned into a ghetto/concentration camp — Theresianstadt. Along with JHE Coordinator Ruth Ellen Gruber, the … continue reading →

Round-up: Summer time is Jewish cemetery clean-up time

Jewish cemetery, Holesov, CZ

So many Jewish cemetery/Jewish heritage volunteer clean-up operations take place each spring and summer that it’s hard to keep track. Here are just a few that have caught our eye — some that have taken place, some that are under … continue reading →