European Day of Jewish Culture in Florence 2025

Celebrating one’s own heritage and embracing other people’s cultures is important in a time of division and disillusionment. Heritage is at the core of the annual European Day of Jewish Culture, on Sunday 14 September, at the Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence (located at Daniela Misul Garden, on Via Farini 6). 

Fostering a sense of Jewish pride amongst community members, as well as teaching outsiders about Jewish cultural identity and faith, is the goal of the day. The hope is that this will be a positive bonding experience, both between those within the Jewish community, and those beyond. Strengthening bridges of human connection, within Florence and wider Europe. 

The day begins with greetings at 10 am, shortly followed by a dialogue (coordinated by journalist Adam Smulevich) with Enrico Fink (President of the Jewish Community of Florence), Rondine the Citadel of Peace with Noam Pupko, and Ida Zatelli of the University of Florence. 

At 12 noon, Francesco Spagnolo presents ‘Print Locally, Read Globally: Jewish Books in Italy and Around the World’. At 12:30 pm, Milka Ventura presents ‘Before and After the Flood: Books from the Historical Library of the Jewish Community of Florence’.

Attendees can then taste an array of traditional Jewish dishes, made by Ruth’s restaurant, in Bagalan bistro, at 1:30 pm, followed by Renzo Funaro’s solemn presentation ‘And the Waters Calmed’, at 3:30 pm. Funaro dives into the rescue process of the Hebrew books of the Rabbinical College of Florence after the devastating flood of 1966.

The first ever novel written in Hebrew, Ahavat Zion, is presented by Luisa Basevi at 4 pm. Finally, a reading-concert (combining literature with music) dedicated to Franz Kafka on the centenary of his death, titled ‘Anatomy of a Hunger’ will be performed by Eleni Molos and the FuturArkestra at 6 pm.

The Jewish Synagogue in Florence was designed by Cavalier David Levi in 1868 and officially opened in 1882. It’s truly a feat of architectural genius, which combines elements of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Arab styles, its turquoise domes stand proud amidst otherwise (largely) Catholic architecture in the city. 

Usually, an entrance fee of €9 is required to visit this jewel, its tall magisterial ceilings, adorned with intricate geometrical patterns and elegant touches of golden trim. But on this special occasion, European Day of Jewish Culture 2025, admission is free. Reservation is required, and you can secure your free ticket by contacting balagancafe@firenzebraica.it.

A day testament to Jewish strength and cultural influence, the European Day of Jewish Culture is certain to be a welcoming environment for all.