The Jewish community in Rome, one of the oldest in the world, has a rich tapestry of traditions that

have evolved over centuries, even developing its own dialect, known as Giudeo-Romanesco. These

traditions reflect a unique blend of Jewish religious practices and the cultural influences of Italian

society.

Over the years, the community has faced various challenges, including persecution and integration into

broader Italian culture. Despite these challenges, the community has maintained many of its unique

customs while adapting to modern life.

Early Roots

The Roman Jewish community dates back to at least the 2nd century BCE. Historical accounts suggest that Jews were brought to Rome as slaves after the conquest of Jerusalem, while others arrived as merchants and diplomats. According to the Jewish Encyclopedia of 1906, Jewish slaves captured by Rome were either ransomed by other Jews or released due to Roman masters not understanding their religion. They then settled on the right bank of the Tiber, eventually forming a Jewish quarter—which exists to this day.

Discrimination and Tolerance

By the time of Julius Caesar, the Jewish population had established itself, and Caesar granted them certain rights, including the freedom to practice their religion. The Emperor Augustus recognized the community's presence and allowed them to maintain their customs.

However, the tolerance exhibited by Caesar was not universally shared among his successors. Subsequent emperors often held varying views on the Jewish community and acted accordingly. For instance, some emperors enacted policies that restricted Jewish practices or imposed heavy taxes on the Jewish population. Tensions arose periodically through the centuries, often due to religious differences and economic competition, leading to riots and uprisings. Jews at times faced persecution, including forced conversions and expulsion from certain areas. The complexities of these interactions highlight the challenges faced by the Jewish people in navigating their place within the vast and diverse Roman Empire.

Jewish Ghetto

In 1555, Pope Paul IV ordered Jews confined to live and work in a small area along the river, modeled after the Venetian Ghetto was founded in 1516. The ghetto was surrounded by walls and gates that were closed at night. Life in the ghetto was one of devastating poverty, in addition to cramped housing and regular river flooding, which led to poor sanitation. They could not own property or employ Christians. During this period Jews were only allowed to work in one occupation, the picking and reselling of rags, known as the shmatta business. Jewish women were particularly skilled in sewing and developed a particular Roman Jewish sewing style of stitching.

The ghetto became a center for Jewish scholarship and religious life, with synagogues, schools, and communal organizations flourishing despite the restrictions imposed upon them. All Jews were forced to use one synagogue, despite a number of different traditions within the community, including the native Italian Jews, known as the Italkim, as well as Sephardic and Sicilian. Thus the Ghetto's five ancient traditions were all practiced in one building, the Cinque Scole, or Five Schools.

The liberation of the ghetto came in 1870, when the Italian state annexed Rome and abolished the ghetto system. This marked a new era for the Jewish community, allowing them to integrate more fully into Italian society while still preserving their unique cultural identity. The end of the ghetto system enabled Jews to participate in public life, pursue various professions, and contribute to the broader cultural and political landscape of Italy. This transition was not without its challenges, as the community navigated the complexities of assimilation while striving to maintain their distinct traditions.

In October 1943, the Nazis conducted a brutal raid, rounding up approximately 1,000 Jews from the ghetto and deporting them to concentration camps. Many of these individuals were sent to Auschwitz, where the vast majority were murdered upon arrival.

Modern Roman Jewish Community

Today, the Roman Jewish community is a vibrant and integral part of the cultural fabric of Rome. The legacy of the ghetto continues to influence contemporary Jewish life, with many community members actively engaged in preserving their history and traditions. Though small with only 13,500 Jews, the Roman community celebrates its unique heritage through festivals, culinary traditions, and educational initiatives, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. The Jewish Ghetto, once a symbol of oppression, has transformed into a place of remembrance and pride, reflecting the resilience and enduring spirit of the Jewish people in Rome.

History of the Roman Jewish Community