The centuries-old Jewish cemetery in Osoblaha, a remote little town on the Czech-Polish border, is unique in the Czech Republic because of the strong influence of Polish/Silesian-style gravestone art. It has some 313 surviving gravestones (out of possibly 1200); the … continue reading →
It was exciting to visit the synagogue in Loštice, CZ and learn first-hand about the work spearheaded by the Respect and Tolerance Foundation, a civic organization founded around 15 years ago that documents the history and culture of the pre-war … continue reading →
A signpost in Černovice, a small town in southern Bohemia, leads to a Jewish cemetery founded in the 17th century, and a memorial to local victims of the Holocaust that strikingly personalizes the loss. Jewish Heritage Europe Coordinator Ruth Ellen … continue reading →
Today is the Fourth of July — Independence Day in the United States. It’s traditionally celebrated with fireworks displays against starry summer skies. We thought we’d post of images of synagogue decoration that evoke the heavens (and celebration). … continue reading →
The festival of Shavuot, which begins Saturday night, marks the reception of the Torah — and Ten Commandments — at Mt. Sinai. Jews traditionally go to synagogue on Shavuot to hear the Ten Commandments read out: 1. I am the Lord … continue reading →
