Project SEED at B’nai Israel The Jewish Quarter in Rome

Ellen Wagner

In early July, Bill and I visited the Jewish Quarter in Rome with Laura, a fabulous Jewish guide (Jews Travel Rome info@Jewstravelrome. com). It was fascinating to learn about the history of Roman Jews. Formerly known as the Jewish Ghetto, with its high walls and two gates, much of the area remains as it was in ancient times.

We visited The Jewish Museum, which had an extraordinary collection of Jewish artifacts and tapestries that were handmade from torah covers. Located above the museum, a daily minyan takes place in the Jewish Synagogue. The women are separated from the men and Jews of all persuasions, Orthodox, Conservative and Reform all worship together as Roman Jews. B’nai Mitzvahs and weddings are held regularly in the synagogue.

We sampled “Pizze,” Jewish Pizza – a combination of almond flour, nuts, raisins, and candied fruit – fried and dripping with honey. While delicious, it was very different from American pizza. We purchased pieces of chocolate and cherry cheesecake from The Little Bakery. The cake is covered with a browned crust to hide the cheese because the Jews were forbidden to have and eat cheese. Our guide was instrumental in getting us the cake as the ladies who run the bakery, speaking only Italian, are known to rush a customer in and out.

When in Rome, we highly suggest a visit to the Jewish Quarter to experience the sense of pride Roman Jews have.

Shoshana Fogel

With a few friends in July, I ran a Jewish day camp at B’nai Israel, through Project SEED. The children came to camp every morning with excitement in their eyes.

We took the campers on fun trips and did crafts and had weekly Brachos parties through which we taught the children about thanking Hashem for what they’re eating, parsha skits about the weekly Torah portion, and Kabbalas Shabbos get-togethers every Friday night, when we prayed, played games, told stories, and sang.

We also led weekly women’s events, giving them the chance to get to know each other through activities and food, creating a sense of camaraderie with women from different backgrounds. We got so much positive feedback on the difference we had made in the parents’ and children’s summers. In all my years of attending or working in day camps, this has probably been my most enjoyable, impactful, and unforgettable summer ever!