Every Jewish family has their own traditions, whether it's family dinners on Shabbat and the High Holidays or eating carrot kugel on Passover. In America, and around the world, these customs spawn from two main Jewish rites: Ashkenazi and Sephardi.
Few people know, however, that there are more than these two rites. Among these other forms of Judaism are the Roman Jews. Europe's oldest surviving community, Roman Jews have their own traditions, food, and history in Italy.
Since the 3rd century B.C.E., Jews have lived in Rome. They originally fled Israel, their homeland, because of overcrowding and trouble with other countries taking over their land. Before Italy was a Christian country, Jews were tolerated, and even friends with rulers such as Julius Caesar. When Christians took over, however, they were discriminated against and persecuted, although no physical violence broke out. Jews were shown they were not wanted because they were taxed more and given much difficulty, dating back to 1310. In 1555, however, a Ghetto was built and Jews were isolated from society. more>>
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