As the home of the Catholic faith, you may not think of Rome for its Jewish community. In fact, Rome’s Jewish community is both the largest in Italy today and the oldest documented Jewish community in Europe.
Jews have had a presence in Rome since the 2nd century BCE. As a major trading city on the Mediterranean, Rome attracted Jews over the following centuries. It was during that time that the Jews of Rome established their distinctive traditions, with its resemblance to the Temple rites, borne from living outside the Kingdom of Judea while the Temple stood in Jerusalem.
In 1555, Pope Paul IV forced the Jews of Rome to move into a ghetto where they remained until 1870. Restrictions were imposed on the Jews in the ghetto and they were forced to attend weekly church services. Separated from the wider Jewish world and restricted by the ghetto walls, they maintained their community’s distinct culture and customs.
Explore Rome’s Jewish history and experience the vitality of modern Jewish life in Rome with us!
Join Laura for a tour of the Eternal City. Discover the history and traditions of one of the oldest Jewish communities in Western Europe. The Jewish community of Rome has an unbroken legacy spanning over 2,200 years. Discover the majesty of the Ancient City, one of the most important archaeological areas in the world. Visit the infamous Arch of Titus, built to commemorate the victory over Judea and the destruction of the Second Jerusalem Temple. Travel through 22 centuries of anecdotes, curiosities, and learn about some of the most fascinating idiosyncrasies of Jewish Roman history – and of course, be sure not to miss the opportunity to taste some mouthwatering Roman Jewish cuisine!
February 20, 2019