Florence Synagogue Photos

Even though I founded this community in the past few months, the seed was really planted many years ago when I first saw the Florence Synagogue on a trip to Italy. Honestly, I thought it was the most beautiful building I'd ever seen (and I still do). I knew that somehow I wanted to preserve every detail as best I could.

At the time of my first trip there I followed the rules which meant no photography - inside or out. But a couple of months ago I was fortunate to travel to Florence and meet up with my father - Bernard Cooperman - an Italian Jewish historian (and member of this site). With his efforts and the kindness and warmth of the Jewish community of Florence I was given permission to properly photograph the Synagogue in Florence. Over three days I shot over 1200 images. (Hopefully a hundred to two hundred will turn out.)

This album is the first couple of dozen images from the trip. I wanted to get them posted as soon as possible. Even though they only represent the tip of the iceberg in terms of the shots I have, they should give everyone a taste. And unlike many other synagogues on the planet, this one has simply not been photographed this intensively (ever as far as I can tell). Check elsewhere on the net and you will find a bunch of shots of the front of the synagogue and only 1 or 2 (likely) surreptitiously taken of the inside.

I hope you enjoy. My hope is that this site becomes a home for images with this kind of value and impact.