Biella Synagogue

Biella Synagogue
Italian: Sinagoga di Biella
Religion
Affiliation	Judaism
Rite	Italian rite
Ecclesiastical or organisational status	Synagogue
Status	Active
Location
Location	Vicolo del Bellone 3, Biella, Piedmont
Country	Italy
Location of the synagogue in Piedmont
Geographic coordinates	45°33′56″N 8°02′42″E
Architecture
Type	Synagogue architecture
Style	Baroque
Completed	1780
Materials	Stone
[1]

The Biella Synagogue (Italian: Sinagoga di Biella) is a Jewish congregation and synagogue, that is located at Vicolo del Bellone 3, in Biella, Piedmont, Italy. The synagogue was completed in 1780.[1]

History

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.[2]

The synagogue possesses the oldest known Torah scroll still in use which dates to the 13th century.[3]

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.[2]

The Biella Synagogue is one of about sixteen that survive in Piedmont, including the Synagogue of Casale Monferrato and the Vercelli Synagogue.[2]

See also

• History of the Jews in Italy
• List of synagogues in Italy

References

1. "Synagogue in Biella". Historic Synagogues of Europe. Foundation for Jewish Heritage and the Center for Jewish Art at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. n.d. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
2. Gruber, Ruth Ellen (January 25, 2009). "Biella synagogue restored". Jewish Heritage Travel.
3. Chamberlain, Samuel (March 31, 2021). "Turkish police seize apparent ancient Torah scroll during car search". The New York Post. Retrieved April 2, 2021.