Professor Spedaliere Lecture Series: The Italian Moses and the Jews of San Nicandro

During the turbulent and repressive years of Fascist Italy, the centuries-old southern Italian Roman Catholic community of San Nicandro Garganico underwent an incredible mass conversion to Judaism. Descended from local gentile families that had established themselves in the Puglia region over 500 years ago, these new-born Jews were led by Donato Manduzio, an illiterate peasant who first learned how to read and write in the course of his Great War experience. This crippled World War I veteran - inspired by his personal study of the Old Testament and religions - abandoned the traditional tenets of the Catholic faith to fully embrace biblically prescribed Jewish practices. Claiming to have been charged with a divine mission, Donato succeeded in convincing his paesani to follow his lead and formally convert to Orthodox Judaism. This they did and more!  In 1949, one year after the death of their spiritual guide, the Jewish community of San Nicandro abandoned Italy and immigrated to their religious homeland in the Terra Santa: the newly established state of Israel.

Come enlighten your mind and spirit in this study of a singularly fascinating mystic who through education, illumination and determination realized the religious rebirth of his people in a cold, corrupt and chaotic world. This is the story of Italy’s modern Moses.

Must register in advance and prepay. Members $15, Non-Members $25