Family is a central value for Jews and Italians alike—doubly so for Italian Jews! So let me tell you who I am by telling you a little bit about my family.
My ancestors came to Rome from Spain, over five hundred years ago. My grandmother ran a licensed souvenir stand in the Vatican (a traditionally Jewish profession!), which she passed on to my father, and my father to me.
You could say that tourism and the city of Rome are in my DNA!
A few years ago, I decided to take this family tradition to another level. Driven by my passion for the city of Rome, its landmarks, art and history, I decided to become a tour guide. I studied hard, taking courses in art history and archaeology, passed the gruelling regional exams—obtaining certification as a licensed tour guide—and immediately began working with some of the largest tour operators in Rome. Now, as an independent guide, I am able to offer my intimate knowledge of the city and its Jewish history (including Talmudic and Midrashic sources) in particular, directly to you. As a professionally trained tour guide and a graduate of the Rome Yeshiva who has deep roots in this city and its ancient Jewish community, I will show you Rome from a truly unique perspective.
And now for the rest of the mishpacha—or famiglia, as we say in Rome: I am married to a fellow Roman Jew, of Ashkenazi heritage (a “mixed” marriage ☺☺), and have two wonderful children, of whom I am immensely proud.
