In the heart of Carpentras, France, lies the oldest active synagogue in the country, a testament to centuries of Jewish heritage. Gérard Hazan, an 80-year-old retired postman and community member, passionately guides visitors through this historic site, sharing stories of the Jewish community’s resilience since their expulsion from France in 1306. the synagogue, which has served as a vital community hub since 1367, features an underground labyrinth, a ritual immersion bath, and a beautifully adorned prayer room, showcasing the unique blend of Jewish and Christian architectural influences. Despite its unassuming facade,the synagogue remains a vibrant symbol of Jewish life in Provence,attracting tourists eager to learn about its rich history and cultural importance.In the heart of Carpentras, a small but resilient Jewish community continues to thrive, with local resident Gilberte Lévy, 78, serving as its unofficial historian. Over a glass of lemon syrup at Bistrot A la Bon’ Heur, Lévy reflects on her family’s deep roots in the region, tracing their presence back to Roman times. Carpentras, known for its vibrant Berlingots sweets, has a rich history marked by the struggles of its Jewish population, who faced discrimination and were confined to a ghetto for centuries. It wasn’t until 1791, when the Comtat Vénaissin joined the French republic, that Jews gained equal rights. Despite the challenges, Lévy expresses her enduring love for France, highlighting the community’s resilience through past adversities, including the Nazi occupation, which saw many deported from Vaucluse. Today, Lévy’s commitment to preserving her heritage remains strong, as she balances her identity with the evolving landscape of her hometown.In the heart of Carpentras, a small yet resilient Jewish community continues to thrive, blending rich Provençal traditions with their cultural heritage. Despite the challenges of dwindling numbers and the absence of kosher products, local residents like Gilberte Lévy keep their culinary customs alive, preparing beloved dishes for family gatherings. The community,now predominantly composed of North African immigrants,has fostered a spirit of coexistence,with Lévy noting the absence of anti-Semitic incidents in contrast to larger cities.As the last of the Peasant Jews in the area,Lévy reflects on the historical significance of their presence,emphasizing that Carpentras remains a cherished home despite its complex past and evolving demographics. This enduring legacy highlights the importance of cultural preservation and interfaith harmony in contemporary France.
Exploring the Rich Heritage of the Oldest Synagogue in France: A Q&A with Gérard Hazan and Gilberte Lévy
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today,Gérard Hazan and Gilberte Lévy. As local residents of Carpentras, can you share why the Synagogue of Carpentras holds such a significant place in both Jewish heritage and the local community?
Gérard Hazan: Thank you for having us! The Synagogue of Carpentras, built in 1367, is the oldest active synagogue in France and a beacon of Jewish life in Provence. It symbolizes centuries of resilience, especially since our community faced severe oppression after the expulsion of Jews from France in 1306. As I guide visitors through this historic site, I emphasize its Baroque-style interior, the underground labyrinth, and the ritual immersion bath, which reflect the intricate history of our people and the unique architectural blend of Jewish and Christian influences. It is indeed a place where history and spirituality coexist, celebrating our enduring traditions.
Gilberte Lévy: Indeed, the synagogue is not just a worship place; it is a vibrant community hub that attracts tourists and locals alike. this building has witnessed the hardships we faced, particularly during the ghettoization and World War II when many were deported. Despite these adversities, our community remains committed to preserving our heritage, blending rich Provençal traditions with Jewish culture.
Time.news editor: You both mentioned the challenges faced by the Jewish community over the centuries. How has the community adapted through these trials, and what does it look like today?
Gilberte Lévy: After the Comtat Vénaissin joined the French Republic in 1791, we finally gained equal rights, which substantially changed our status. Today, while our numbers have dwindled, the local jewish community continues to thrive. Ther is a strong commitment to maintaining our culinary customs and celebrating our festivals, despite the absence of kosher products. It’s heartwarming to see families gather and prepare traditional dishes, keeping our culinary heritage alive.
Gérard Hazan: Plus,we have experienced a demographic shift. Our community now includes many North African immigrants, which has fostered a spirit of coexistence. Unlike larger cities, Carpentras has seen little anti-Semitism recently, allowing us to live in harmony and continue sharing our cultural practices with other local communities.
time.news editor: That’s truly inspiring. Can you elaborate on the contributions made by both of you to preserve this rich history?
Gilberte Lévy: As the unofficial historian of our community, I feel it’s my duty to preserve our stories, ensuring they are passed down through generations. I frequently enough share my family history, which dates back to Roman times, highlighting our deep roots in this region and the resilience we’ve shown throughout various historical challenges.
Gérard hazan: I take pride in sharing our community’s history with visitors. Each tour I give is not only about the synagogue itself but also about the stories that shaped our community. These narratives teach us the importance of cultural preservation, reminding visitors of what our ancestors endured and how they persisted.
Time.news editor: This dedication to heritage is vital. What can modern communities learn from the Jewish community in Carpentras regarding resilience and cultural preservation?
Gilberte Lévy: Modern communities can learn the importance of understanding and embracing their histories. We’ve witnessed both joy and hardship, and through these experiences, we’ve developed a strong sense of identity. It’s crucial to honor our past while adapting to the changes around us.
Gérard Hazan: Also, fostering interfaith dialog is essential. Our experiences highlight the importance of coexistence and respect for diversity.By sharing our stories and traditions, we build bridges and create a more harmonious future.
Time.news Editor: Thank you,Gérard and Gilberte,for sharing your invaluable insights into the synagogue and the enduring spirit of the Carpentras Jewish community. Your dedication to preserving this heritage provides a powerful lesson for all of us.
Gérard Hazan: Thank you for allowing us to share our story.
Gilberte Lévy: Indeed, this dialogue is vital for the future of cultural preservation. Thank you!