In the 600th anniversary of the first recorded Jewish presence along the River Po in 1424, Turin will serve as the flagship city among 106 Italian locations hosting meetings and initiatives for the upcoming European Day of Jewish Culture. In Italy, the 25th edition of this event, coordinated at the European level by the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ) and nationally by the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI), is scheduled for Sunday, September 15.
\nThis year\u2019s focus is on the family, a core pillar of Judaism and a symbol of continuity. According to a press release from UCEI, the theme will inspire various interpretations across the activities, including “intricate and fascinating family stories” from biblical narratives. It will also examine the role of Jewish families “in history and society,” the Jewish concept of “educating children in the continuity of tradition” while “respecting and enhancing the uniqueness of each individual,” and the biblical and Talmudic idea of the “families of the earth,” which asserts that “every people and every individual is a child of one God and therefore equally deserving of fundamental rights such as equality, freedom, respect, and solidarity.”
\nFor details on the programs in different cities and further thematic insights, visitors are encouraged to visit the event\u2019s website. The site features a reflection by Annie Sacerdoti of the AEPJ board, who notes that the event\u2019s philosophy has remained consistent from its inception: “Promoting a large-scale European event for a predominantly non-Jewish public highlighting the diversity and richness of Jewish cultural and artistic heritage, and its historical significance in the countries where Jewish communities live or have lived.” The aim, “is promoting dialogue, the values of coexistence, and the exchange of ideas and culture,\u201d said Sacerdoti.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"