© 2008 Rabbi Barbara Aiello, All rights reserved.
Rabbi Barbara Aiello
Italian Jewish Roots Conference 2008  •  Sarasota FL  
What We Learned
I'm Italian...Could I be Jewish?
Italian Jewish Roots Conference
  • How can I know for sure that I have Jewish roots?  I have always felt Jewish.  Is
    that enough?

  • Say I discover my Jewish roots.  Can I just walk into a synagogue? Will I be
    accepted as a Jew?  

  • If I convert, am I a “real” Jew?

  • I am interested in discovering my Jewish roots but I’m a bit confused.  I want to
    stay Italian. If I acknowledge my Jewish ancestry will I still be Italian?  How does
    it work to be part of two cultures?  

  • You use the word, “anousim.”  What exactly does anousim mean?

  • How do I respond to comments like, “You can’t be Jewish, you’re Italian!”  or
    “That’s an Italian last name, it can’t be Jewish!”  

  • Speaking of families, I have relatives who don’t want to acknowledge that we
    might have Jewish roots.  They hate it when I bring it up.  What should I do?

  • I have heard that becoming a Messianic Jew or a Jew for Jesus might be the best
    approach for me.  That way I can be a Jew and still celebrate Christmas, etc. What
    do you think?

  • I once told a friend about my Jewish background.  She responded that the Italians
    under Mussolini were awful to the Jews and that I should be ashamed.  How do I
    respond?  

  • I really want to learn more about my Jewish heritage.  Where do I go from here?
Rabbi Barbara Aiello's
  • Jewish superstitions-would like to have heard
    even more!

  • I enjoyed the variety of topics discussed.

  • I found the information presented, techniques
    used and the interaction of all the participants
    very well done.

  • I particularly enjoyed the information on the
    history of Jews in Sicily.

  • Very interesting and eye opening. Great group of
    people!
Some Comments from
the Conference Attendees
Click on Photo Below for
Web Album & Slide Show...
What we talked about
The first annual Italian Jewish Roots Conference was held in February, 2008 in
Sarasota, Florida.  Keynote speakers included DNA specialist Elise Friedman, Jewish
genealogist Kim Sheintal and Rabbis Frank Tamburello and Barbara Aiello.  Along with
40 participants, the majority of whom are actively searching for their Italian Jewish
roots, conference leaders created opportunities for exciting dialogue and exchanges and
addressed many important issues.
CONFERENCE CD
Italian Jewish Roots Conference Proceedings
Presentations... Articles... Italian Jewish
Traditions from Calabria and Sicily
Ways to begin your search for your
Italian Jewish Roots.
Order now for $54 USD ("Triple Chai")
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery
Because You Asked!!!
Bonus Offer
  • Italians searching for their Jewish roots have many avenues to explore... among
    them, genealogy searches, DNA tests and anecdotal histories and stories that
    contain obscure but important Jewish traditions.
Save $18!  50% off the $36
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IjCCC Conference CD.......$54
PLUS
History of the Calabrian Jews
with CD English translation........$36
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Add the landmark publication
"History of the Calabrian Jews"
by Professor Vincenzo Villella