After a quick stop in the Central Square, we made our way to the Jewish Museum of Padua, built on the site of a synagogue that was destroyed by the Nazis in 1943. There were many beautiful ritual objects and cloths, as well as some books and an illustrated Haggadah.
The highlight of the museum was a video presentation that illustrated the lives of 8 famous Jewish men of Padua. It really gave us insight into the city.
From there we walked to one of the remaining working synagogues of Padua and met with the Rabbi inside the main worship area for a study session on next Shabbat's Torah portion. The sumptuous decorations, carvings, and beautiful wooden panels were a feast for the eyes.
Our last stop in Padua was the Scrovigni Chapel in the Musei Civici Capella degli Scrovegni.
In 1300, a rich nobleman, Enrico Screvigni, commissioned the famous artist Giotto to paint the walls and ceiling of a chapel. Scrovegni dedicated the chapel to the Virgin Mary in the name of his father who had been a famous usurer (money lender at high rates). He hoped to save his father's soul from damnation since the Church prohibited Catholics from money lending. The frescoes have been restored and are amazng. Best part - only 20 people at a time are allowed into the chapel to view the frescoes - just the opposite of our viewing in the Sistine Chapel.
Following a bus ride to Florence, where we will spend the next few nights, we had a quick dinner at a vegetarian Kosher restaurant next door to the magnificent synagogue of Florence.
Tomorrow we are off to a day trip to Sienna.
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