Synagogue in Florence

The Synagogue we visited on Monday in Florence was something that absolutely was like no other experience I have ever had being a Jew. The synagogue's interior almost visually resembled the exact structure of that of a church. Being that we have learned about Judaism in the Renaissance period especially in Florence, we now know that Judaism stemmed from Christianity which is highly reflected by the appearance of the synagogue we visited. The seating was just like that of a Church not all facing the front of the structure, like what we are used to seeing in America. In addition, the artwork resembled that of a church with its detailed paintings and color scheme as well as the fact that the bema was placed in the front which is different. Professor Cooperman noted that a difference he experienced when he sat through a service in the synagogue was that the acoustics was something he was not used to. He claimed that it was hard to hear in such a large structure, which took away from his experience which isn't an issue in a synagogue in the U.S. Overall, the experience of being in a synagogue in Florence is different than any other that I have been previously used to in the U.S. due to its structure and powerful visual interior setting that resembled what we are used to seeing in a cathedral, is what set itself apart from all others I have seen.