Rome has one of the most ancient Jewish diaspora communities which has survived until today without interruption: it’s continuity in history dates back over two thousand years and the community is an integral part of the city’s fabric. It is therefore not surprising if the world of Jewish culture, with its fascinating heritage, has always been specifically studied in Rome. And it is precisely on the state of Judaic Studies in Rome – not only the current situation but also future prospects – that a meeting was held on January 12th at the Pontifical Gregorian University. In the prestigious Senate hall there was a general feeling of expectation, even though some of the people attending had never met before..

The meeting was attended by scholars and researchers in many different fields of Judaic Studies. Professor Joseph Levi gave a short opening reflection on relating with the other, in the context of the war that was taking place at the time. The moderator, Professor Joseph Sievers, then invited the scholars from various Roman institutions – public, Jewish and Church-related – to report on their experience in research and teaching in this field. A picture of different and dynamic activities emerged as well as an awareness that other important institutions, for different reasons not directly represented, may be involved in the future.

The subsequent discussion highlighted the need for exchange of information about the activities and resources available in different institutions. This is for scientific and more educational purposes but also in view of a more general need for sharing information. What better tool, then, than electronic communication? This point was discussed in the second part of the meeting and a suggestion was made that SIDIC and Micaela Vitale of the Italian Jewish Centre “Il Pitigliani” may work together with a view to finding suitable technical solutions. Lastly, a decision was made for this initiative to continue with meetings planned in the different institutions more or less on a yearly basis.

We sincerely hope that Judaic Studies in Rome may further develop and expand.