Welcome to the Jewish cemetery in Via Campagnola, a very important place for the Jewish community. A place intended to preserve not only the mortal remains of women and men who would follow in the centuries to come, but also the testimony of a millenary history, rich in traditions and cultural significance.
The history of this sacred place began in 1527, after the devastation of the previous camp in Via della Gatta.
Initially, the cemetery included only the surrounding area, but given the ever-growing presence of the Jewish community, it was enlarged in 1653 on the initiative of Rabbi Salomone Marini. The former entrance - now closed - is visible on the left side of the walls in Via Campagnola, in front of the entrance to the other two ancient Jewish cemeteries.
Like all sacred grounds, this place holds deep significance for Jewish culture, mainly for two reasons. The first, the fundamental one, is that it is a place clearly separated from the world of the living. Here, in fact, the passing away is celebrated and contemplated. The second is related to its tombstones, many of which hold stories and symbols meant to represent continuity, remembrance and spiritual connection.
Non-Jewish visitors will immediately notice some fundamental differences from Christian cemeteries. The first concerns the gravestones, which are not surrounded by floral tributes, nor do they feature images of the deceased. This absence represents a very precise motivation, linked to the clear separation between the world of the living and that of the dead. Every prayer must in fact be addressed to God as creator, guardian and judge of the souls of the dead, whose mortal remains belong to the past.
As you will notice, stones are placed on each tombstone. This custom has several meanings. The historical one represents continuity with an ancient tradition of covering the burial mounds with stones. The symbolic meaning is linked to the permanence of memory: the stones,
stones, in fact, do not wither and bear witness, through time, to the visitation and tribute to the deceased by those who pay them homage.
While Christian cemeteries often allow various forms of tributes and floral decorations, Jewish cemeteries do not use such manifestations, emphasising simplicity and respect for the memory of the deceased through prayer and remembrance.
Jewish burial practices have been passed down through the centuries, adapting to different geographical locations and cultural contexts, while preserving fundamental religious principles.
For Jewish tradition, the cemetery is a sacred space where the body returns to the earth while the soul continues its journey. Burial is considered a profound act of respect and dignity, reinforcing faith in the imminent resurrection of the dead. Gravestones, often simple and modest, bear inscriptions in Hebrew, commemorating the deceased and sometimes offering words of wisdom or comfort.
Jewish gravestones are often simple, upright monuments, devoid of elaborate carvings or decorations, reflecting humility and equality in death. This place therefore represents a sacred space aimed at preserving a millenary tradition that honours the dead and provides consolation to the living, in a path of testimony and eternal connection between generations.
At the end of the visit, each visitor will be invited to perform a gesture representing purification and symbolising a return to the world of life. It is known as 'Netilàt Yadàyim', which translates as 'washing of hands'. For this reason, a washbasin is placed at the entrance of the cemetery.
The main purpose of this custom is related to the presence of an aura of spiritual impurity, which hovers in the cemetery and remains on the person until they wash their hands.