This footage is quite moving — the inauguration of the modern synagogue in Livorno, Italy in 1962.
Designed by the Roman architect Angelo di Castro, the small but striking synagogue stands on the site of the magnificent old synagogue, built in the early 17th century and expanded in the 18th century, which was hit during an Allied bombing raid in World War II and later pulled down.
The new synagogue, built in reinforced concrete, features vertical exterior and interior ribs and two rows of hexagonal windows. The sanctuary focuses on an elaborate carved wooden Ark, originally from Pesaro (it dates from 1708 and is signed by one Angelo Scoccianti dal Massacio).
Today, the Jewish complex in Livorno includes a Jewish museum and other facilities. The monumental 19th century Jewish cemetery reopened last year after renovation.
Access the Livorno Jewish community web site
See panoramic images of the synagogue on synagogues360.org
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2 comments on “Italy: Rare footage, inauguration of Livorno synagogue in 1962”
We were fortunate to visit Livorno last year. The Jewish community salvaged items from the former synagogue and kept them in the basement of the new one. The basement is used for services when the weather is cold, e.g., Pesach, because the new sanctuary with its vaulted ceiling is unheated. Livorno has an active Jewish community. A section of the main market is reserved for a kosher butcher. Within a short walk of the synagogue is the home of Modigliani where you can see his Bar Mitzvah photos. Hope this whets your appetite to visit.
never knew Abba was a Sepharad group! Lovely to see but where were the ladies??