Part of the collection of the Jewish Museum in Ferrara, Italy — which has been closed to the public since an earthquake damaged the building in 2012 — are now on display again.
A selection of Jewish ceremonial art and books from the museum will be exhibited throughout 2015 in three exhibition rooms of the building in Ferrara that is being developed as the site of a National Museum of Italian Jewry and the Shoah (MEIS). The building is a former prison located at via Piangipane 81.
The exhibit is titled “Torah, source of life.” The first room displays ritual objects used in the synagogue; the second focuses on objects used in the home; the third on texts and literature.
According to a description of the exhibit:
The three halls explore different moments in which an individual comes into contact with the Torah: in the synagogue and community through the public readings during prayers; during public and private rituals, reflected here in the ceremonial objects crafted to underscore the importance of the Torah and the holidays; and the space dedicated to the many facets of Jewish texts and thought.
The Ferrara Jewish community’s museum was housed in the 15th century building in the heart of the old Jewish quarter that encompassed two active synagogues. The building was seriously damaged when earthquakes struck northern Italy May 20 and 30, 2012.
The quakes killed at least 24 people, left thousands homeless and caused widespread damage to art and architectural heritage. According to a report released by the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, synagogue buildings in Modena, Mantova, Sabbioneta and Soragna, as well as Ferrara, suffered damage, and tombstones were damaged in three Jewish cemeteries — Ferrara, Cento and Lugo.
The MEIS exhibit has been mounted in collaboration with the Ferrara Jewish community, the city of Ferrara and the Emilia Romagna Regional Directorate for Cultural Heritage and Landscape.
1 comment on “Part of collection of closed Jewish Museum in Ferrara on Display”
I am visiting Ferrara next year 12-16 April 2016 with 18 people ,some of whom are Jewish. . Please advise opening times of your museum for that period, number limits,cost etc Is there any booklet,leaflet on the Jewish community and its history in Ferrara?
Many thanks