A life behind the scenes at the Jewish cemetery

Ferrara's Jewish cemetery can be glimpsed from the very beginning of Via delle Vigne, in the background, stretched out on the horizon line. Behind the massive iron gate lies a pleasant and peaceful place. Flowering meadows, intertwined branches among simple and delicate tombstones, or the majestic ones, solemn, monumental: the Jewish cemetery is an hidden treasure that often tends to intimidate the visitor who arrives in front of the gate without being able to either glimpse or imagine the view inside. If we also consider that sign hanging on the door closest to the entrance: 'To visit the Jewish cemetery, ring the caretaker's bell': it almost seems as if you are visiting some relative's house, perhaps even disturbing them, but this is not the case - Ferrara's word. Until recently, this role was held by Mara Pazzi, who for more than thirty years guarded the entrance to the Jewish cemetery. More than thirty years taking care of one of the most beautiful corners of our city, always a little behind the scenes. Shy and reserved, but with many stories to tell Mara was not of Jewish origin but came to live in this house, together with her husband, when the family of the previous caretaker decided to move in.

When they arrived, Mara and her husband found the 'old' caretaker's house in an uncomfortable condition: rats, abandoned glass bottles here and there, but above all mould. Mara recounted how she and her husband found the strength to go beyond first impressions, just as we did before the closed gate of the Jewish cemetery. The couple moved here after major maintenance work, right next to the cemetery to guard it and allow those who wished to visit it to do so.

Mara got to known and formed noble relationships with members of the Jewish community of today and of the past. She recalled with words of affection Avv. Paolo Ravenna, a composed and patient man, so transparent in his elegant reactions; and the anecdote of her first meeting with Giorgio Bassani, when she shyly asked him if he knew the famous writer... only to realise that it was indeed him, with his blue eyes and sincere kindness. Many photos, a few little secrets revealed, a few confidences to cherish, too many fond memories, Mara had the good fortune and the ability to surround herself with friends during the years of her service to the community, and she recounts this with pride and emotion. 

Interrupting the green expanse is an imposing building that has an ancient flavor, looking like a temple: it is the mortuary. the interior of the building softens its external exuberance, bringing us back to the relaxed minimalism of the rest of the Jewish cemetery. 

This island frozen between time and space, between the city and the forest, leaning against the este walls, is a hidden treasure in the city that is revealed to the visually keen eyes of those who feed their curiosity. Among the luckiest curious people in town are our school children, often taken on field trips to this pivotal place of Jewish culture, chock-full of history.