History of the Jews in Florence

[2] While the evidence of Jews living in Tuscany in the Roman Era is scant,[3] Benjamin of Tudela recorded finding a Jewish community in Florence when he visited in 1159.

In 1428, the small Jewish community in Florence lent funds to Pope Martin V in exchange for his protection for the local Jews.

For instance, the Medicis protected the Jews of Florence from sermons by fanatical Roman Catholic clergy, such as Bernardino da Feltre and Girolamo Savonarola who both pursued a policy of expulsion.

Fortunately, Jewish money loaned to the Republic of Florence delayed the expulsion until the Medicis returned to power in 1512.

However, once Cosimo de Medici consolidated his power, he began to enact anti-Jewish laws such as special dress codes for the Jews.

At this time, a small Hebrew printing shop began to publish works such as Aaron ben Jacob ha-Kohen's Orot Hayyim.

By 1861, the Jews were given full citizenship and the ghetto was leveled to make room for urban renewal.

Other notable Rabbis of Florence during this era include: Riccardo Pacifici, Zwi Perez Chajes, and Israel Zolli.

However, with the outbreak of World War II and the Nazi invasion of Italy, life for the Jews of Florence quickly deteriorated.

The chief rabbi of Florence said that the event was "a very serious gesture that shows how one can pass from irresponsible words to actions such as this.

"[12] In addition to the Orthodox synagogue, there is also a small progressive Jewish community in Florence, called Shir Hadash.

[13] The Great Synagogue of Florence (Tempio Maggiore) is considered by many historians and architects as a building masterpiece.

Today, the synagogue is still open and regularly provides services to the Jewish community under the Sephardic rite of prayer.

From 1882 until 1964 an Ashkenazi synagogue existed in the Benivieni palace, commemorated by an historic plaque on the facade of the building, now the Hotel Beninieni, #5 Via delle Oche (close to the Duomo).