Inside Jewish Italy: Young Adults Explore History, Heritage, and Connection
By Julie Gordon, Community Planning Manager
November 2024, 17 young adults from San Diego embarked on a transformative journey to explore Jewish life in Italy through Federation’s partnership with JDC Entwine. This immersive week brought together participants for meaningful connections, cultural discovery, and community-building.
Connecting with Jewish Florence
Upon arriving in Italy, we were warmly greeted by JDC Entwine staff and began with a meaningful conversation about Kavannah (intention), setting personal and collective goals for the week ahead. Our first exploration took us to the Florence Synagogue, a stunning landmark that has been the “beating heart” of the city’s Jewish community since 1882. Within its walls, we discovered the Jewish Museum and a Holocaust Memorial, honoring Florence’s Jewish victims and offering a powerful reminder of the community’s enduring resilience.
As we walked through Florence’s historic streets, the city’s charm revealed itself in its stunning architecture and rich culture. Landmarks like the Church of Santa Maria Novella, Palazzo Strozzi, the Duomo, and the Uffizi Gallery offered a glimpse into Florence’s layered history. That evening, our group came together for a lively pasta-making workshop hosted by Chabad of Florence. Rolling dough, sharing stories, and enjoying the meal we created brought a sense of warmth and connection that set the tone for the days ahead.
Exploring Chianti and Siena
Our day trip to Chianti and Siena was a perfect blend of history, culture, and connection. At the Monteriggioni Fortress, built in 1213, we wandered through its ancient walls, where traces of medieval life mix with modern touches like small shops and cafés. In Siena, we visited an 18th-century synagogue undergoing restoration after a 2023 earthquake, a powerful reminder of the resilience of Jewish heritage. One of the most memorable moments was meeting David, a local medical school graduate, who shared stories about growing up in Italy and being part of its small but vibrant Jewish community. The day ended with a wine tasting at Villa Mangiacane Winery, where we reflected on the journey and enjoyed the flavors of Tuscany before heading back to Florence.
Jewish Rome and the Vatican
Traveling to Rome by high-speed train, we began with a meaningful conversation on Arevut (mutual responsibility), setting the stage for our time in the city. Staying near the historic Jewish Ghetto, we experienced its vibrant mix of kosher restaurants and shops alongside stark reminders of ongoing challenges, like October 7th hostage signs and antisemitic graffiti. These sights reminded us how coming together as a strong Jewish community during this time is so important.
Another highlight of our visit in Rome was exclusive access to the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, where the group met Chargé d’Affaires Laura L. Hochla and an attaché. This was followed by a visit to the Vatican, featuring its expansive galleries and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. The day concluded with a pizza-making workshop at the local Jewish Community Center, located in a building that once housed orphans after World War II.
Shabbat in Rome
Friday began with a visit to the Colosseum and the Arch of Titus, built in 82 CE to mark the Roman victory over Jerusalem and the destruction of the Jewish Temple. We learned about the arch’s history and its symbolism for the Jewish community. For centuries, Jews avoided walking under it as a quiet act of defiance, but after Israel’s establishment in 1948, Holocaust survivors walked through it in a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal. In the Jewish Ghetto, we explored the Tempio Maggiore Synagogue and Jewish Museum, uncovering the community’s history, from its restrictions under Pope Paul IV in 1555 to its liberation in 1849.
Shabbat, a cornerstone of Entwine and Federation experiences, brought everyone together. We joined JDC’s KAHAL Global Campus students for candle lighting, a Roman Shabbat service at the Tempio Maggiore Synagogue, and a lively dinner at a kosher restaurant. Saturday morning offered free time, followed by a walking tour of Roman landmarks like the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Trastevere’s charming streets. We ended Shabbat with a Havdalah ceremony, dinner, and a wine tasting—a perfect close to a powerful day.
The Stumbling Stones of Rome
Our final day in Rome brought us face-to-face with the Pietri d’Inciampo (“Stumbling Stones”), small brass cobblestones placed outside the former homes of Italian Jews. These powerful memorials invite reflection on the 7,680 Italian Jews murdered during the Holocaust, embedding their stories into the fabric of the city. We also learned about Syndrome K, a fictitious disease created by Dr. Giovanni Borromeo to save Jews by convincing Nazis it was highly contagious. His bravery earned him recognition as “Righteous Among the Nations” by Yad Vashem in 2004.
In our final core conversation, Assiyah (taking action), participants had the opportunity to reflect on our shared journey and discuss how they intended to bring the lessons and experiences of the trip into their lives. We concluded our journey with a celebratory dinner featuring delicious Italian cuisine, surrounded by laughter and the warmth of newfound friendships.
Thank you to the incredible group of young adults who joined us on this immersive experience to Italy. We cannot wait to see your continued involvement with Federation to maintain a vibrant and resilient Jewish community.
For questions or to be added to an interest list for future JDC Entwine trip with our San Diego Federation, please contact Julie Gordon, Community Planning Manager at julieg@jewishinsandiego.org
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