History

Our community, the Jewish Community of Rome, is one of the oldest in Western Europe and dates back to the II Century BCE. When Jerusalem was under Greek rule Judah Maccabee sent a delegation of Jews to the Roman Senate asking for protection and friendship against the Greek occupation in Judah. According to tradition this delegation was welcomed by Jews already living in Rome. This ancient history has continued up to now, through times in which we were protected and times in which we were merely tolerated. Despite any difficulties, we proudly boast XXII Centuries of uninterrupted presence, keeping our unique traditions, customs and liturgy.