Tiny Travelling Torah

Bat Mitzvah of Chloe A.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

June 9, 2010

The small Torah from which Chloe read (pictured here in Chloe's arms) was inscribed in south central Europe, possibly in Slovenia or Romania in the years prior to 1880. We know this because after 1880, Rabbis defined the exact dimensions of a scroll and no longer accepted the smaller Torah scrolls as kosher.

These smaller scrolls were made for a particular family and for a specific reason. They were used for travel so that wealthy or very observant Jews could carry a Torah with them for study or teaching.

During times of persecution these scrolls became even more important. In times of great oppression advancing armies would persecute Jews, taking their treasures and destroying ritual items. Historians credit the women of this period as the real Torah heroes, because they were the ones given the responsibility of hiding a Torah scroll--perhaps this very scroll--under their coats or beneath their clothing.

The mantle on our traveling Torah tells another story. It is made from a fiber found in the mountains of Calabria, on a hillside near our synagogue, where Alex, Chloe’s older brother, became Bar Mitzvah last year. The mantle was designed and made by local seamstress, Rossella.

The fiber comes from a beautiful yellow-flowering plant called ginestra. The Jews of our area were the ones to discover the special uses for ginestra, and they encouraged the entire community to gather the ginestra branches. Once gathered, the branches were tied with string and placed in a copper pot of boiling water. After an hour or so, the branches were submerged in the river and held down in the flowing water by a little mountain of rocks. Then, the ginestra branches were left to soften in the river for one whole week.

After the soft fibers were stripped out of the branches and dried, the ladies would comb them between a nail-studded board. These fibers were then fed through a spindle and finally woven into a very coarse fabric, which would be used to to make mats, blankets, bags, sacks and coverings of all kinds. 

This is a piece of ginestra from which the fringe on the Torah mantle was made. These very pieces were woven 130 years ago.

Later on, the Jews introduced the locals to the art of cultivating silk worms and spinning a softer, more pliable cloth, but the art of making ginestra fabric continues in the Calabrian hills to this day. 

Pluralistic Judaism

When our sages taught about the destruction of the first and second Temples, they made it clear that these tragedies occurred for vastly different reasons (Talmud, Yoma 9B).  Sexual immorality, wanton murder and idol worship brought about the demise of the first Temple.

The second Temple, however, was destroyed for one reason alone. In Hebrew it is called “sinat chinam,” a phrase that means hatred without cause. No matter that the Jews of the day studied Torah, observed the mitzvot and donated to charitable causes. None of those activities could ameliorate their despicable personal behavior one to another.

Synagogue Ner Tamid del Sud.

The more traditionally observant Jews would slander their fellow Jews for holding differing beliefs, and more “modern” Jews would point the finger at those whose halachic observance was not the same as their own. Jews from other sects were gossiped about and their beliefs and customs ridiculed. Jews embarrassed one another in public. For this the second Temple was destroyed. Yet, because we Jews seem to continue to engage in “sinat chinam,” baseless hatred of one another, the second Temple has yet to be rebuilt.

The number of Jews worldwide is declining, synagogue membership is at a new low and denominational differences that often result in synagogue snobbery has driven many Jews away from traditional observance an belief. 

Yet, in the face of all of these difficulties, it would seem that a new openness might emerge. One might expect that we Jews would set our specific denominational differences aside and widen our embrace of Jews of all stripes and colors. It would seem that the timing couldn’t be better for a Pluralistic approach.

Italian children with Jewish roots celebrate Shavuot in Timpone.

Pluralistic Judaism is based on the Jewish concept of Tarbut HaMachloket, which, in Hebrew means “freedom of thinking and speech,” and includes behaviors which help Jews of all backgrounds live successfully alongside those Jews with whom one might not agree.

Tarbut HaMachloket has roots in ancient times when conflicting views of Judaism were represented by polar opposites, the houses of Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai.  Hillel’s more liberal views often took precedence over Shammai’s more strict interpretations, however the sages emphasized that both views, although sometimes contrary, were valid.

The Seven Fundamentals of Pluralistic Judaism

Pluralistic Judaism offers a practical application of Tarbut HaMalchloket in the following ways: 

Pluralistic Judaism is open and welcoming to Jews of all backgrounds. This means that all Jews who attend a pluralistic synagogue can expect the full participation of women and the hand of Jewish welcome extended to interfaith families, gay and lesbian partners and their children. A pluralistic synagogue respects traditionally observant Jews who are made to feel at home alongside Jews who are new to or returning to synagogue observance. The pluralistic synagogue welcomes B’nei Anusim, Jews from lost or hidden communities, marranos and conversos, who are beginning to discover and embrace their Jewish roots.

Pluralistic Judaism is non-denominational. This means that the Pluralistic synagogue does not subscribe to any particular stream of Judaism, but is open to the thoughts and ideas of each denomination.  Pluralistic Judaism respects each person’s background and ascribes to the philosophy that “labels are for the jelly-jars, not the Jews.”

Interfaith wedding, Cristina and Aaron.

Pluralistic Judaism does not distinguish between those who are born Jewish and those who are Jews-by-Choice.  Those who are born Jewish and those who have chosen Judaism are equal and are treated as such by the pluralistic rabbi and congregation.

Pluralistic Judaism is organizationally independent and is not affiliated with any Jewish organization or umbrella establishment. There is no bureaucracy or hierarchy. This means that each individual pluralistic synagogue organizes services, festivals and life cycle events to meet the needs of the group.

Pluralistic Judaism asks that each synagogue be self-supporting. There are no set dues or fees. Instead the pluralistic synagogue follows in the tradition of Moses when he asked for donations to support the building of the mishkan; “give when your heart is moved.” The rabbi often holds employment outside the synagogue, and serves her/his pluralistic community on an ad hoc basis. The pluralistic synagogue often shares space with an existing community organization or meets in private homes, always paying its own way as it goes.  

Samantha G. carries the Torah on her Bat Mitzvah.

Pluralistic Judaism respects the Jewish traditions surrounding the Hebrew language. This means that services will include common local language of the congregants as well as some Hebrew but no one need be a Hebrew speaker or Hebrew language expert in order to participate. Hebrew transliteration is accepted as a legitimate first step on the road to Hebrew understanding.

Pluralistic Judaism respects Halakah (Jewish law). In the pluralistic synagogue Jewish law is explained and each person makes her/his own choice as to level of observance. Pluralistic Judaism acknowledges that the word “halakah” is based in the Hebrew root, “holech,” which means “to walk.” Thus halakah is a changing phenomenon, implying that Jewish law moves forward and embraces new knowledge.

Pluralistic Judaism – One Synagogue’s Mission

Pluralistic Judaism is dedicated to achieving a balance between Jewish tradition and new ideas so that Judaism becomes and remains relevant to modern life. We subscribe to the joyful aspects of Jewish observance and we dedicate ourselves to maintaining warm relationships with each other and with the larger community. We extend the hand of Jewish welcome to everyone. We support Tikkun Olam, making the world a better place, and we leave individual political beliefs, parties and persuasions at the door. We respect the land of Israel and honor those Jews who live there as well as those who choose to live in the Diaspora. Our pluralistic synagogue, Ner Tamid del Sud in the south of Italy, offers a home to every Jew.

Dalida`: The Extraordinary Singer’s Calabrian Jewish Roots

Dalida` - As a “Bat Anousim” she was “I nostri”  - “one of us.”

Although she was born Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti, when it came time to select a stage name, she chose “Dalida`,” from the Hebrew for “delight.” And, as Dalida` she became one of the world’s most beloved performers, singing and recording in more than ten languages, including Hebrew.

What is Dalida’s Calabrian Jewish connection?  Her parents, Pietro and Giuseppina were born right here in Serrastretta with the surname “Gigliotti,” a local name  recognized as Jewish  from Inquisition times. In addition it was  “nonno Enrico,” Dalida’s grandfather, who professed Algerian Jewish roots – all of which lead to Dalida’s place of honor in the hearts of Calabrian Jews and of B’nei Anousim everywhere.

Dalida’ was born in Egypt after her parents settled there, a move they made so that her father could pursue his career as a concert violinist. Dalida’ spent her early years in Egypt’s bustling Italian Egyptian community, but she lived most of her adult life in France.

Dalida’ career spanned 30 years with a debut in 1956 and a final recording in 1986, just months before her untimely death. Known throughout Europe and Asia for her sultry voice and thoughtful lyrics, Dalida` is credited for bringing the first ethnic fusion hit to the contemporary music scene. “Salma ya Salama,” based on a traditional Egyptian folk song, was translated into French, Italian and German and sung around the world.

American appreciation of Dalida’ soared after her critically acclaimed Broadway-themed show at Carnegie Hall in New York City, but we Serrastrettesi remember her for the concert she brought to her home town in the 1970’s.

Dalida’s performance of Hava Nagila earned her acclaim early in her career. When asked about why she chose a Hebrew melody, Dalida’ told the audience that the melody was in her blood.  

This year the Serrastretta community remembered Dalida’ on the 25^th anniversary of her death. Our local cultural society, “Associazione Dalidà,” offered a concert in an outdoor theatre that bears her name and special museum exhibit at Casa Museo Dalida`.

As the Italian Jewish Cultural Center in Calabria continues to discover and establish our ancient Jewish presence here in the south of Italy, we are honored to claim the beloved Dalida’ as one of our own.

Torah Comes to Sicily

I've carried Torahs--my quiet traveling companions--all across Italy by train and plane. This particular one, however, accompanied me to Palermo, where I presented it to the congregants of Ner Tamid Palermo. Thanks to a generous gift by attorney Domenick Porto, this small Torah scroll and I made our way across the Straight of Messina to Palermo. With the guidance of lay leader, Salvo Parrucca, the Torah will be used for Shabbat and festival services and serves as a benchmark for the rebirth of Jewish study and worship that has been absent publicly for 500 years since Inquisition times. 

Along with my assistant, Salvo, congregants include Vincenzo Li Calzi, who, with his wife, Amalia, opened their home to the dedication ceremony. Canadian guest, Laura Cattari, who traveled to Sicily to discover her Jewish roots joined the Palermo congregants, all of whom send their thanks to Attorney Porto, who, along with me, Professors Enrico Mascaro and Vincenzo Villella serves on the board of "Associazione per la ricerca e lo studio sul gl'ebrei in Calabria e Sicilia," (The Association for the Research and Study of the Jews of Calabria and Sicily). 

Attorney Porto, who also discovered and embraced his Calabria Jewish roots, is president of the Association which has operated since 2005 and supports the work of sinagoga Ner Tamid del Sud, my home base and the first active synagogue in Calabria in 500 years since Inquisition times.

The arrival of this Torah scroll is particularly special because it marks a milestone for Sicilian Anousim. In 2004 when we held the first Passover seder in Piano Battaglia to 2011 when New Tamid Palermo hosted two B'nei Mitzvah ceremonies on the island, we've been fortunate to offer services and festivals every year to so many in Sicily who want to discover and embrace their Jewish roots.

I look forward to more Torah dedications in Italy and elsewhere, to more travels with a beautiful Torah seated next to me as we head to our next destination.

"I'm Italian. Could I be Jewish?"

Why, yes! You could be!

  Current research suggests that, yes, many Italian Americans have Jewish ancestry dating back to the time of the Expulsion from Spain. Through the Italian Jewish Cultural Center of Calabria (IjCCC) and Calabria's first active synagogue in over 500 years, Sinagoga Ner Tamid del Sud, you can find out the latest regarding Italians who say, "I've always felt Jewish."

A little background: "Timpone" is the Italian word for "ridge," and is the name given to the ancient Jewish quarter in Nicastro (the historical center of what is now known as Lamezia Terme, in Calabria, in the south of Italy).

Timpone marks a thriving Jewish presence which began in the 1200's and continued through the 1500's when Italian Jews perfected the silk and indigo trade that characterized their special contribution to the local economy.

Rachele Taverna

At the center of the Quarter, the old synagogue still stands, now transformed into a Catholic Church. But not completely. Historians believe that the window above the entrance was once a Magen David (Star of David) and, as was the custom in Inquisition times, three of the six points of the Star were left intact - an affectation that became an architectural standard throughout the south of Italy and a way of identifying those churches that once were synagogues.

Rachele Taverna, now nearly 100 years old, is one of the oldest residents of Timpone. "Si, nel tempo fa, siamo stati ebrei," ("Yes, in the past we were Jews"). Both her surname and given name attest to her Jewish roots.

Come visit the Italian Jewish Cultural Center of Calabria located within Sinagoga Ner Tamid del Sud (The Eternal Light of the South) the first active synagogue in Calabria and Sicily in 500 years since Inquisition times. It is in this very synagogue that I officiated at the first ever Bat Mitzvah in Italy (where a girl read directly from the Torah scroll) and the first acknowledged Bar Mitzvah in Sicily in 500 years.

Through the IjCCC, and with the help of a terrific staff, I'm committed to helping Italians and Italian-Americans discover and connect with their Jewish roots. For more information on Italian Jewish Roots and how you could begin your own discovery, visit my website.

Ancient Synagogue in Calabria Comes to Light

One small section of the Jewish mosaic.

It was a blustery day in early February, when I set out for Bova Marina, an area not far from the big toe of the famous Italian "boot." I was traveling with my Canadian production crew, assembled to put the finishing touches on a documentary film which will feature the Italian Jewish Cultural Center of Calabria (IJCCC) and our nearly ten year effort to bring the history of Jewish Calabria to light. The film  itself  documents a longer international journey to highlight lost and isolated Jews of Calabria and Sicily and to feature individuals who have begun the journey to uncover their Jewish roots. The van was packed with equipment and people, and a hope to accomplish the day's extensive shot list before the sunlight faded.

Enrico Tromba and Rabbi Barbara

The archeological site has come a long way in four years. Overseen by Professor Enrico Tromba, the park, the painstakingly patient digs, and the noteworthy museum of ancient artifacts all represent years of hard work, as little by little, the ruins of an ancient synagogue have been revealed.

The location of such a archeological find is perhaps unexpected. The remnants of a foundation from long ago lie exposed beneath a piece of Italy's famous "autostrada," so that pieces of what was once a giant mosaic menorah were found in the dirt beneath an overpass. At a quick glance, it might look like organized rubble, nothing announces itself as a protected environment; a closer look, however, proves the existence of something not widely recognized in this region of southern Italy: there are Jewish roots here.

The rain threatened to to dampen our day as much of the necessary film footage required outdoor setups. In the end, the rain was kind, and only fell upon the van as we drove from location to location. Once we arrived to our destination, however, we were greeted with a lovely reminder that with the rain comes great beauty.