Walking in History’s Footsteps: Greek Jewish & Sephardic Young Professionals Discover Jewish Italy

The warm Tuscan sun lit up the terracotta rooftops as our group of young professionals gathered in Florence for the start of an unforgettable journey through Jewish Italy. The city greeted us like an open-air museum—its streets lined with centuries of art, faith, and tradition. Our first steps took us to the Great Synagogue, a jewel of Moorish Revival architecture, its turquoise domes standing proudly against the skyline. We wandered through the shadow of the Duomo, the grand Church of the city, crossed the storied Ponte Vecchio, and savored dishes that blended the richness of Florentine cuisine with the flavors of its fantastic kosher restaurants.

From there, our travels led us west to Pisa and Livorno, two cities where Jewish heritage runs deep. Pisa’s Leaning Tower may draw the crowds, but we were there for a different kind of pilgrimage. In Pisa, we visited the historic Cemetery, with stones dating back to the 15th century. In Livorno, we learned of its centuries-old Sephardic community and prayed at the grave of Rabbi Eliyahu Benamozegh, a towering figure in 19th-century Jewish thought. Standing there, we felt the weight of history—and the continuity of tradition—anchoring us to this place.

Rome awaited us next, its grandeur unmatched. We celebrated Shabbat in the Eternal City, where the Great Synagogue rises beside the Tiber, a beacon for a community that has endured for over two millennia. In the Jewish Museum and Ghetto, we explored stories of resilience through oppression. Just steps away, the Arch of Titus reminded us of the destruction of Jerusalem’s Temple, yet here we were, thousands of years later, affirming that Am Yisrael Chai—the Jewish people live. Between these moments of heritage, we marveled at Rome’s other treasures: the Coliseum’s mighty ruins, the marble columns of the Roman Forum, the striking sculptures of the Trevi Fountain, and the artistic splendor of the Vatican.

Our final chapter unfolded in the vibrant south, in Naples and its surrounding wonders. Guided by local community member Roberto Modiano, we explored the city’s synagogue and learned of the Neapolitan Jewish story. We walked the ancient streets of Pompeii, frozen in time beneath Vesuvius’s ash, then climbed the volcano itself for sweeping views of the Bay of Naples. On Capri, turquoise waters lapped at the island’s cliffs as we swam in the Mediterranean, the sun painting gold on the horizon. Our farewell dinner was a celebration worthy of Italy—complete with live Neapolitan music and the bittersweet joy of new friends parting.

From Florence’s Renaissance elegance to Naples’s sunlit shores, this was more than just a tour. It was a living bridge between past and present, between Jewish communities of centuries ago and a new generation of Sepharadim ready to carry their stories forward. The cities may be ancient, but our connection to them feels as fresh as the day we arrived.