architecture
Back When the Jews Built Like JewsThursday, March 21, 2013 by Ben Greenfield | Jewish Ideas Daily » Daily Features
In December 1872, authorities in Florence halted elaborate plans for a grand synagogue and criticized the city's Jews—for not building more Jewishly.
The National LibraryThursday, March 14, 2013 by Rochelle Furstenberg | Jewish Ideas Daily » Daily Features
I counted on the National Library at the Hebrew University as my senior citizen’s refuge, my succor in my declining years, a protective womb that leads to a new learning. But all this will soon change.
The Jewish Egyptian RevivalWednesday, March 13, 2013 by Diana Muir Appelbaum | Jewish Ideas Daily » Daily Features
Passover marks the day on which God liberated the Israelites from Pharaoh’s rule. But three millennia after the Exodus, emancipated Jews expressed their national identity by building synagogues in the Pharaonic style.
Editors' Picks
No Master Builder Michael Sorkin, Nation. A new book resurrects the notion that Nazi architect Albert Speer’s work has artistic merit. It doesn’t.
Reinventing the Sukkah John Bentley Mays, Globe and Mail. Aiming to raise awareness about affordable housing, a Canadian housing agency is preparing to reveal the winners of its international—and multi-faith—sukkah design contest.
Britain’s Maginot Line Kevin Connolly, BBC. Israel’s landscape is dotted with squat, brick-colored “Tegart forts,” built to withstand all attack and ensure long-term British military control of Palestine. Today, they are just artifacts.
Anglo-Jewish Architecture Christopher Howse, Daily Telegraph. An authoritative survey of English architecture neglected to mention any synagogues—even those of outstanding artistic merit. Now a new book corrects the omission.