Today many emotions whirled around as we stepped into a part of history with much tragedy, anguish, and eventually, perseverance.

It was the day Jill toured us around the Jewish ghettos, the day we stepped into the Museo Ebraico di Roma, and my favorite piece of architecture, the Synagogue of Emancipation, or, The Great Synagogue.

Standing in the front, before being cleared for entry, I stood staring at the fragmented pieces of marble and stone, reading the writing and translations, feeling somber suddenly.

Going through the museum, seeing all of the different relics and hearing our guide explain the significance of everything had me holding my breath. It was emotional seeing the pain inflicted on a mass of innocent people, the things that were left behind, the conditions in which these people lived; the story is all it took.

The Jews were forced by Pope Paul IV to the opposite side of the Tiber River, on a four-square-block area, crammed in small apartments, with ankle high flooding every time it rained. These people persevered, never letting circumstances waver their faith.

Entering the Synagogue of Emancipation was a huge testament to that same perseverance. It was built in a remarkable three years and completed in 1904, with the support of an enthusiastic Roman community.

It was by far my favorite building, not only because of its brilliance, inside and out, but because of the story that came behind it. The grandeur of The Great Synagogue really showed the Jewish strength, the voice, and the overcoming of their struggles.

The Jewish ghettos no longer exist, but the history still remains. You can still see where the small buildings would have hosted Jewish families, but you can also see the newer reconstruction surrounding them.

Unfortunately my little brother’s toy matchbox Dodge Challenger didn’t get to have its picture taken inside The Great Synagogue. Pictures were not allowed, and out of respect, the Challenger and I just admired it with our eyes, letting the emotions overcome us more than an image ever could.

Until next time,

Drive safely 🙂

(p.s. guys this is coming at you from two days ago. I have been EXHAUSTED! This jet lag has been real.)