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./ v... Jewish catacombs of Italy need world Jewry’s suport by Kevin Freeman NEW YORK (JTA)—The Jewish catacombs of Italy, which are to leave the custody of the Vatican and become the responsibility of the Italian government, has placed the Italian Jewish community on the brink of an historical cultural victory—which might turn out to be a pyrrhic victory unless there is sufficient support from world Jewry. This is the message Tullia Zevi, president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, brought here in a speech to the Jewish Museum and in a later interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. The meeting at the museum marked the beginning of the Italian Jewish Heritage Foundation of America. “This is our common roots, because, after all, the roots of American Jewry are in Europe,” Zevi said in an interview in a New York cafe. “Your roots are our roots and we want to be the custodian of our common roots with your help.” Zevi specifically is seeking financial support and archaeological expertise to aid in Italian Jewry’s maintenance of the catacombs. There are about a dozen major Jewish catacombs—underground burial networks going back to the first century BCE and spanning^be.f next five—known to have existed in Italy. Archaeological explorations dating back to the 1600s testify to their existence in Rome, Sicily, Sardinia and the southern region of Apulia—especially Venosa and Bari. Scholars estimate that in I mperial Rome, underground labyrinths were lined with up to 100,000 tombs. The tombs provide priceless infor mation on the daily lives of Jews in the earliest European diaspora. “We are your past, you are the great present,” said Zevi. Since Italy’s reunification in 1870, and more formally since the 1929 Concordant between the Italian government and the Holy See, some Jewish and Christian catacombs in Italy have been under the control of the Vatican’s Pontifical Commis sion for Sacred Art. In February 1984, the secretaries of the state of Italy and of the Vatican signed a revised version of the Concordat under which the Holy See agreed to relinquish its management of all “non-Christian” catacombs. Though Italy’s 35,000 Jews had long and anxiously awaited this move, they now fear that lack of funds and archaeological know how might well impede the restora tion, further exploration and, above all, conservation of the catacombs. “We are gratified by our victory, but we fear that this victory, unless we find the help of our fellow Jews in the United States and Canada, may turn into a defeat because we may find ourselves with something we can’t take care of because we don’t have the means and the know-how.” Zevi said. According to Zevi, in the first century CE perhaps seven percent of the Roman Empire’s total popula tion was Jewish, and Rome alone had about 40,000 to 60,000 Jews and 13 synagogues. The epigraphs in the catacombs about 75 percent in Greek, most of the rest in Latin and a small number in Hebrew reveal the wide range of arts and professions of early Italian Jews: from the artists, actors and scribes to lawyers, bankers, physicians, merchants and sailors—as well as their family, social and religious community. Most of the Jewish catacombs were plundered in the long centuries before the Vatican authorities took over their supervision, and their treasures still surface at private auctions. These thefts stopped with Torah thouahfs Life Adapted from the works of Rabbi Menachem M Schnecrson, the l.ubavitcher Rebbe, by Rabbi Vossi New. C'habad of Georgia What is the view of Chassidut concerning an after-life? Death is not cessation of life, hence the term “after-life” is not a proper expression. But rather, one’s spiritual life takes on new dimensions or is elevated to a higher plane. I his is logical and follows from the principles of science which you consider to be the absolute truth. In science, the principle of the conservation of matter states that nothing physical can be annihi lated. This table or a piece of iron can be cut up or e\en burned, but in no case could the matter of the table or the iron be destroyed. It simply takes on a new shape So likewise, in spiritual life, our Rabbi Schneerson thoughts, feelings, etc., can never be destroyed, but can change their form or elevate themselves to a higher plane. (Same questioner) Is the after life of a soul, personal or imper sonal'.’ In conjunction with what we said before, the table is not des troyed when it is burned, it merely takes on a new form. Once again, therefore, the term “after-life” is inappropriate. Rather, it is a con tinuation of life. Until 120 life is carried on at one level, and at 121. 122. 123, it is carried on at another level, and thus we go higher and higher in the realm of spirit. There is nothing metaphysical or mysti cal about this if you accept the truth (of science). the Vatican take over in 1929. Zevi also spoke at the Jewish Museum for the need to preserve Jewish libraries and archives, as well as synagogues in small towns in Italy. Some of these synagogues are located where once flourishing Jewish communities no longer exist. “There, conservation poses a problem,” said Zevi. “In a number of cases we were able to apply a formula which is proving satisfactory: the synagogue is sold to the municipality for a symbolic sum. so that funds can be allocated for its restoration. In exchange, we are assured that the Jewish character w ill be maintained, and that it be used only for cultural activities of a high standard, such as lectures and concerts,” Zevi told the Jewish Museum gathering. For example, she cited the city of Pitigliano, once described as “the little Jerusalem,” according to Zevi, where an agreement was recently signed with the municipality for the restoration of a synagogue destroyed by a landslide 25 years ago, and of the old Passover oven nearby. In an effort to rescue at least some of the books, documents and other archival materials, an old car repair shop near Rome’s main synagogue has been purchased for a proposed Italian National Jewish Library and Heritage Center. About $350,000 has been allocated already by Rome’s regional and provincial authorities for restoration of the building. Zevi estimated that about $3 million is need for the Library and Heritage Center. Buying? Selling? I work, work, work to make you happy! Mike Slotin Residential Specialist • International Referral Network • Home Protectors Plan • Native Atlantan Ontui)f 21 231-2121 KACH ATLANTA Organizational meeting Monday, April 7,1986 8 p.m. Conference Rm., AJCC Peachtree Learn About Kach View Rabbi Meir Kahane’s presen tation to the National Press Club Kach Atlanta is an organization dedicated to the promotion of Jewish values and activities in accordance with the ideals of the Kach Party in Israel and its leader, Rabbi Meir Kahane. We urge everyone in the Atlanta community that is interested in learning about or advancing the authentic Jewish experience to come to the Organizational Meeting. It is important that a communitywide support group be developed. We will be electing officers and board members of Kach Atlanta. Promote identity, strength and know ledge-help carry forth the history and tradition of our people into the future. For more information please call Barney Cortell: 321-4156 Sleep Late On Sunday. There’s no need to rush — the Sheraton Brunch is waiting for you. The coffee is hot, the food is delicious, and the hour is civilized. The nicest Sundays start with brunch at Monty’s in the Sheraton Century Center Hotel. Hours: 10:00 am to 2:30 pm S 0 Sunday Brunch Redeem this coupon for 2 for the price of 1 Offer Expires -i/2’’/86 Not valid on 3 30 86 Making Sunday Rrunch a tradition in Atlanta Adults $12.95 Children under 12 $7.95 Children under 5 Free Sheraton Century Center Hotel ?000 CENTURY BOULEVARD N E ATLANTA GEORGIA 404/325-0000 For Reservations call: 325-0000 PAGE 11 THE SOUTHERN ISRAELITE March 28, 1986