Calabria’s only Jewish Community continues to serve and grow. Headed by Barbara Aiello, Italy’s first woman rabbi, appointed in 2004, it organizes many religious and cultural events, helping the region to reconnect to its ancient Jewish history. Here’s our interview with Rabbi Aiello concerning the events for the EDJC, the educational programs against antisemitism, and the new edition of Vincenzo Villella’s book The Jews in Calabria.
Jguideeurope: How is the Jewish community you’ve built in Serrastretta evolving lately? Do you perceive a growing interest in the region’s Jewish heritage?
Barbara Aiello: In 2006, in a small study room, Calabria’s first synagogue in 500 years since Inquisition times was born. Following an eight-year “growth spurt,” the synagogue renovated its permanent home and dedicated the space in 2014. Now in 2025 the synagogue continues to thrive as we serve “b’nei anusim,” – Calabrian Jews who continue to discover and embrace their Jewish roots. Congregants come to us from as far north as Naples and as far south as the island of Sicily as now more than 80 southern Italians join us for Shabbaton weekends and Jewish holiday events.
Are you organizing cultural events in 2025-6?
Each year the European Days of Jewish Culture (EDJC) offer synagogues throughout Europe to open their doors and extend the hand of Jewish welcome to their surrounding communities during the months of September and October. Ner Tamid del Sud will continue its participation by offering an Open House complete with a Jewish food tasting experience and a concert of Jewish music.
Interest in genealogical research in Calabria is growing rapidly. Is your community involved in such research?
Professor Vincenzo Villella, who is on our Italian Jewish Cultural Center of Calabria staff, is the author of the book The Jews in Calabria. Following its worldwide success, he is preparing an update that will feature news items and new information on the presence of the Jewish religion and culture in southern Italy. We appeal to persons whose families/ancestors may have Calabrian Jewish roots. We ask local Calabrian administrators, cultural and folk groups, mayors and local scholars to send us clues and news related to Calabria’s hidden Jewish presence. Your readers are free to contribute by contacting us.
Do you feel that such events help fight the rise of antisemitism in Europe?
This year we’ve taken a giant step forward in the fight against the rise of antisemitism that has infected Europe, Italy included. Although the village where the synagogue is located, Serrastretta, has not experienced any antisemitic incidents, our congregation has taken a proactive stand to prevent antisemitic attitudes from taking hold.
Our school-based antisemitism prevention program, “Joyfully Jewish” is now in full swing and includes hands-on experiences for elementary and middle school students to learn about Jewish culture and tradition. In the past year “Joyfully Jewish” has reached 16 schools and touched the lives of more than 1,200 students and teachers.
There’s also a puppet character, Ruben as a child, shares his harrowing experiences of having been smuggled out of the Warsaw Ghetto in a potato sack and how he was saved by righteous Polish citizens. Puppet character Ruben as an adult takes questions from elementary school students about Jewish survival and resilience.