G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Rabbi Barbara Aiello’s journey from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the southern Italian village of Serrastretta is a testament to destiny, perseverance, and faith. Born into an Italian-American family, Aiello’s early exposure to her father’s stories about Calabria sparked a deep connection to her ancestral homeland. Her first visit to the village in 1975 left a lasting impression, planting the seed of a future she would eventually embrace. Decades later, she returned to Italy, not just as a visitor but as a pioneer—becoming the country’s first female rabbi and establishing Calabria’s only synagogue.
Aiello’s path to religious leadership was unconventional. Initially pursuing a career as a teacher and puppeteer, she harbored a lifelong dream of becoming a rabbi. However, the absence of female rabbis during her formative years made this aspiration seem unattainable. A pivotal conversation with another rabbi at age 42 challenged her perspective, pushing her to enroll in seminary. At 47, she embarked on rigorous theological studies and was ordained four years later by the Reform movement, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Her professional journey took her to synagogues in Florida and the Virgin Islands before an unexpected opportunity led her to Milan in 2004. There, she became Italy’s first progressive rabbi, breaking gender barriers in a country where Orthodox Judaism remains dominant. Despite linguistic and cultural challenges, Aiello persevered, refining her Italian language skills and adapting to the differences between American and European Jewish communities.
Two years later, fate led her to Serrastretta, where she founded a synagogue with the support of a benefactor. Her presence revitalized Jewish identity in Calabria, a region with deep historical ties to Judaism. By integrating into the local community, Aiello fostered interfaith dialogue, working closely with the Catholic parish priest to promote religious harmony. Her efforts have helped reconnect Italians with their Jewish heritage, many of whom have discovered Sephardic ancestry.
In addition to her religious leadership, Aiello found personal fulfillment in Serrastretta. She married Enrico, her second cousin, a connection her father had predicted decades earlier. Their union further strengthened her ties to the village, where she has built a close-knit community. Over the years, Aiello has embraced the slower pace of life in southern Italy, appreciating its emphasis on family, tradition, and simple joys.
Despite her deep roots in Italy, challenges remain. Bureaucratic hurdles, particularly regarding bloodline citizenship, have been an ongoing struggle as she seeks to secure Italian nationality for her daughter. Additionally, healthcare concerns weigh on her mind. As a two-time cancer survivor, Aiello acknowledges the limitations of southern Italy’s medical system, occasionally returning to the U.S. for specialized care. While Medicare’s efficiency is an advantage, her heart remains in Serrastretta.
Aiello’s story is one of resilience, faith, and cultural revival. As Italy’s first female rabbi, she has reshaped Jewish life in Calabria while honoring her heritage. Whether leading religious services or engaging in interfaith initiatives, her impact continues to inspire. Though challenges persist, Aiello remains devoted to her mission, proving that destiny, determination, and faith can turn a lifelong dream into reality.
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