In the Ghetto

The Jewish quarter of Rome is called The Ghetto. It is a very interesting area and we discovered it was about 5 minutes from our B and B. We took in the sights there this morning and had lunch there. After roaming the neighborhood, we took in a Jewish museum. Added to the museum was a tour of the significant Jewish Synagogue of Rome. Our first time inside a Jewish Synagogue. We learned a lot about the symbolism of many of the traditions and objects utilized. The museum gives a great history of the Jews, particularly in Rome.

First things first. Before I could enter the synagogue, I had to don a kippah.(yarmulka)

The center altar. Behind the curtain, in a cupboard the scrolls are kept. They are brought out by devotees, uncovered, rolled out to be read, etc. then they go back in and are protected and ornamented with cloth, a top, etc. an elaborate setup. Pointers are used to read the scrolls so hands never touch them.

The dome (square) is about 120 feet up. It is subtle and pretty.

There is a right and left side for seating wit a balcony on each. Being a traditional Roman synagogue they still separate the men and women in the seating. The ladies get the balcony. Our young guide was recently married in this synagogue.