Leon Modena Midrash Project
We cannot emphasize enough that your presence is truly the greatest gift we could ask for.
If you feel moved to contribute, we've partnered with Save Venice on a meaningful project to restore the historic Leon Modena Midrash within the Ghetto Vecchio—a cherished space historically dedicated to Jewish scholarship and culture.
The Midrash
Located in the heart of the Venetian Ghetto on Calle di Ghetto Vecchio, the Leon Modena Midrash was originally established as a Beth Midrash—a house of study—where Rabbi Leon Modena welcomed students from all walks of life, many of whom were supported by local charitable institutions.
The Scholar
A towering figure in Venetian Jewry, Rabbi Leon Modena (1571–1648) was a scholar, preacher, poet, and advocate for Jewish-Christian dialogue.
His influential work, Historia de’ Riti Hebraici, offered one of the earliest comparative accounts of Jewish customs for non-Jewish audiences and helped defend the integrity of Jewish tradition during a time of religious tension.
The Restoration
Behind its modest wooden door and iron-grilled windows lies a space of deep historical and cultural importance—once a vibrant center of Jewish learning that shaped generations of rabbis, cantors, and communal leaders across Europe.
In later years, the room was repurposed as a commercial shop, with modern alterations obscuring its original features.
Today, a comprehensive restoration seeks to uncover the historic brickwork, Istrian stone, and wooden beams—and to return the space not just to its architectural roots, but also to its historical role at the center of the community.
We have partnered with Save Venice, the leading American 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, to help bring this project to life.
Founded in response to the catastrophic November 1966 floods that severely damaged Venice’s artistic heritage, Save Venice was originally part of UNESCO’s broader efforts, and known as the Venice Committee of the International Fund for Monuments.
Save Venice became an independent, charitable organization in 1971, and it has since funded the restoration of over 2,000 works of art in churches, synagogues, scuole, museums, and public sites throughout the city and Venetian lagoon. Over 60 active restorations are currently underway across 23 sites in Venice and the Veneto.