Rabbi Barbara Aiello
First Jewish Wedding in Calabria in 500 Years!
First Jewish Wedding in
Calabria in 500 Years!
Calabria, characterized by its long sandy
beaches, beautiful palm trees and ancient
ruins, is one of Italy’s best kept secrets.  Part
of those hidden traditions include the fact that
Calabria, the region in the deep south or the
“toe” of Italy’s boot, was once a center of
Jewish thought and culture.  From the ancient
castle of King Frederick II which dates back to
the year 1000, to the excavation of the
synagogue at Bova Marina (4th century CE),
Calabria offers an unusually rich glimpse into
Italy’s Jewish past.  Lamezia Terme and its
centro storico (historic center), Nicastro,
where the old Jewish Quarter (Timpone) still
stands is a perfect setting for a Jewish simcha.
Rabbi Barbara conducts Jewish & Interfaith
Weddings, Commitment Ceremonies, and
Renewal of Vows in Italy, the United States
and will travel around the world. Contact
her for your personalized ceremony.
The lovely garden of an ancient castle
overlooking the old city of Nicastro and the
ancient Jewish Quarter, “Timpone,” was the  
setting selected by Americans Andy and
Lupe to hold their Jewish Interfaith wedding.
Click on photo to view larger image.
Andy escorts his bride Lupe under the
chuppah, the traditional wedding canopy.  
“Mille Grazie,” to chuppah bearers,  Filipe,
Carolina, Anna Maria and Ennio, who, like
nearly 50 percent of the population of
Calabria, are just now discovering and
embracing their Jewish roots.
Click on photo to view larger image.
Rabbi Barbara Aiello officiates at the
wedding ceremony that marks the first
Jewish wedding in Calabria in 500 years,
since Inquisition times. The “simcha”
reunites Calabrians with their heritage,
nearly lost after years of persecution. The
beautiful interfaith ceremony combined
traditions from both Andy and Lupe’s
heritage.  Andy read from a prayer book
brought from Germany by his Lutheran
grandfather, while the Kiddush blessing
featured a wine cup (kos Kiddush) given to
Lupe by her colleagues for her work as
Sisterhood president of her synagogue.
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In Italy it is traditional for the bride and
groom to wrap themselves in the tallit
as they make their wedding vows.
Rabbi Barbara celebrates this
moment as she explains that the tallit
graces their shoulders as a symbol of
God’s loving embrace.
Click on photo to view larger image.
Andy and Lupe pause at the
ancient arch that marks the
entrance to the Jewish
Quarter in Nicastro.  The
Quarter, protected as it was
by King Frederick II who
appreciated the Jewish
presence in the city, stands
as a tribute to the Jews who
settled there in  the year
1000.  Above them is the
plaque that honors the
memory of “the industrious
group of Jews” who lived
there unharmed for nearly
400 years.  
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During a celebratory walk through
“Timpone,” that led Andy and Lupe to the
site of the ancient synagogue (now a
Catholic Church), residents cheered and
threw flowers and rice from their balconies
as the bride and groom passed by.
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Mazel Tov, Auguri and Congratulations
to our newly married couple, whose
appreciation and love of ancient
traditions brought joy and pride to so
many Calabrese who are only now
learning about the depth and beauty of
their Jewish heritage.
Click on photo to view larger image.
© 2007 Rabbi Barbara Aiello, All rights reserved.