Jewish Heritage Europe

Ukraine – Long(er) Read: New Memorial Monuments Are Being Installed to Mark Jewish Cemeteries Across Ukraine — Even in Wartime

Check out the new essay in our “Long(er) Reads” section — by Vitalii Kamozin, with additional commentary by Milton Koch. It’s about the ongoing initiative to install simple, uniform memorial monuments to mark the sites of Jewish cemeteries all over … continue reading →

Ukraine: Grass fire sweeps part of the Jewish cemetery in Berdychiv; matzevot are reported to be largely undamaged

Screengrab of the fire at the Berdychiv Jewish cemetery

An out of control grass fire swept the Jewish cemetery in Berdychiv, blackening part of the sprawling area but, sources in Ukraine told JHE, apparently only dry grass burned and the granite matzevot were not seriously damaged. Firefighters called by … continue reading →

JHE Photo Essay: for Tu B’Shvat 2024 — Trees and fruit in Jewish decorative art; in synagogues, on gravestones, and as part of ritual objects

It’s Tu B’Shevat — the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shevat, known as “the New Year for Trees:” the time of year when the earliest-blooming trees in the land of Israel start to flower.  It is the custom to reflect on our … continue reading →

Jewish Cemetery Clean-ups 2023 — Round-up #4. More than three dozen initiatives in 13 countries. (We know we’ve missed some, so please add in the comments)

Overgrowth in the Jewish cemetery in Ouderkerk, Netherlands

Every year, we post roundups of some of the many Jewish cemetery clean-up initiatives that take place in various European countries. It is so important to emphasize these efforts, as they are largely overlooked – while occasional vandalism grabs headlines. … continue reading →

Bows (and some arrows) to mark the Hebrew month of Kislev, whose Zodiac sign is Keshet — the bow — or Sagittarius

We’re in the Hebrew month of Kislev, whose Zodiac sign is Sagittarius — Keshet; or bow. Here are some images of the Bow (and arrow) marking Kislev, depicted in Zodiacs found in various European synagogues (and a library).   ShareTweetSharePin