Biella Synagogue
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The Biella Synagogue is an early 17th-century synagogue in Biella, Italy.
The synagogue occupies the top floor of a medieval house at Vicolo del Bellone 3, in the heart of the historic Jewish quarter. It is a modestly sized, rectangular room with baroque decoration, a central bimah and an ornate, seventeenth century, baroque Torah Ark.[1]
The synagogue possesses the oldest known Torah scroll still in use which dates to the 13th century.[2]
In 2009 a 350,000 euro restoration, overseen by the Jewish community in Vercelli and funded from the Piedmont Region and by donations from a number of sources, including a local bank, completed the repair of the roof, and restoration of the Torah Ark, women's gallery and interior. Further restoration work is planned.[1]
The Biella Synagogue is one of about sixteen that survive in Piedmont, including the Synagogue of Casale Monferrato and the Vercelli Synagogue.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Ruth Ellen Gruber (January 25, 2009) "Biella synagogue restored", Jewish Heritage Travel
- ^ Chamberlain, Samuel (31 March 2021). "Turkish police seize apparent ancient Torah scroll during car search". The New York Post. Retrieved 2 April 2021.