Judaism in Florence
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The synagogue not only holds religious services, HEN IN OME UTH S ESTURANT HE REAT YNAGOGUE OF W R ... R ’ R T G S but has its own museum as well. Going to the CHABAD OF TUSCANY Borgo Pinti, 8 Lungotevere de’ Cenci Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 2a FLORENCE museum gives you the opportunity to take your 50121 Firenze FI, Italy 00186 Roma RM, Italy 50121 Firenze FI, Italy Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 6 time and enjoy the beauty of the synagogue. 50121 Firenze FI, Italy If you hop on the train and head an hour and Finding kosher food in Florence is pretty Take in the giant dome, the intricate tiled a half south of Florence, you’ll reach none difficult, but don’t worry! You can find Ruth’s designs, and all the history the synagogue has to other than Rome! When you think of Rome, Restaurant right next to the synagogue. offer. Then, head upstairs and see the museum. your instinct is to picture the monumental Ruth’s is a kosher restaurant that is under It communicates the interesting history of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and of course, the the supervision of the Chief Rabbi of Jewish synagogue and Jewish community in Florence Vatican. However, Rome also has a bustling Community. Not only is the food kosher, it’s through a vast collection of artifacts of the Jewish Ghetto that’s worth the trip. Today you also homemade and delicious! If you get tired Jewish faith. If you don’t know much about can find mostly locals hanging out in the small of pasta and pizza all the time, be sure to stop Judaism before the visit, you’ll learn more about piazzas and chatting while sitting on benches by Ruth’s to grab a falafel, some couscous, or a it through the descriptions offered for each with friends. If you want to learn about the dessert like the apple streusel. This area of the JUDAISM object. If you have prior knowledge, you’re sure history, there’s a free tour of the ghetto you city is also beautiful and more peaceful than the to appreciate the collection that has been saved can download on the Rick Steve’s app. It’ll take city center, so be sure to stroll around and check IN FLORENCE and preserved through the years. you to the Great Synagogue of Rome, a large it all out! and stunning building that overlooks the Tiber River. This art-deco synagogue’s style strongly THE JEWISH MUSEUM contrasts with its Moorish counterpart in When you gaze out at the skyline of Florence, As the capital of the Florence. After you’ve toured the temple, be something that might stand out to you is a Tuscan region, the sure to stop by one of the kosher bakeries. The large green dome. Everyone knows the Duomo! Chabad of Tuscany donut I got at But most people are left pondering as to what resides in Florence. Kosher Cakes building this green dome belongs to. It’s the The directors of bakery was so Great Synagogue of Florence! Known by the the Chabad house good, I went locals as Tempio Maggiore, the synagogue was are Rabbi Levi and back for a created in 1882 and Sonia Wolvovsky who are sure to welcome you second one! A guide to Jewish life serves not only the local with open arms. With weekly Shabbat dinners in Florence and how to Sephardic community and fun activities like challah baking, there’s of Florence, but also always something going on. During my time explore some of Italy’s visitors from all over in Florence, I was even lucky enough to get to hidden treasures. the world. And given make scarves that the Rabbi brought to Israel the grandeur of the and donated to those in need. It’s a wonderful building, reflecting the chance to connect with Jewish people from the Moorish style of Spain, area and around the world and provides a true it is certainly worth a sense of home even thousands of miles away visit. from Philadelphia..