The Romaniote Jews: The Ancient Jewish Community of Greece
An introduction to the Romaniotes, the ancient Greek-speaking Jewish community and one of the oldest in Europe.
- The Romaniotes are Europe's oldest Jewish community, distinct from both Sephardic and Ashkenazi traditions.
- Their roots stretch back to Hellenistic and Byzantine times, with historical communities across Greece and the Balkans.
- Active Romaniote synagogues can still be visited today in locations such as Ioannina and Chalkis.
For Israeli travelers and history enthusiasts, visiting sites like Ioannina offers a direct connection to this unique heritage. It is recommended to explore the historic Kexila Kedosha Yashan Synagogue in Ioannina and other landmarks that preserve the deep history of Greek Jewry.
Who Are the Romaniote Jews?
The Romaniotes are a Greek-speaking Jewish community and one of the oldest in existence, predating both Sephardic and Ashkenazi groups in the region. Their historical language was Yevanic, a dialect of Greek containing Hebrew and Aramaic elements, though today's descendants speak Modern Greek or the languages of their adopted countries. Their name derives from Rhomania, referring to the Eastern Roman Empire.
Ancient Roots and History
Documented Jewish presence in Greece dates back over 2,300 years to the era of Alexander the Great. During the Byzantine period, Romaniote communities flourished in cities such as Thebes, Corinth, and Thessaloniki, engaging in crafts, silk production, and commerce. Following the Ottoman conquest, they maintained a prominent role until later waves of Sephardic and Ashkenazi migration integrated or reshaped the local Jewish demographics.
Heritage Today
Most Greek Jews perished in the Holocaust during World War II, and survivors largely emigrated to Israel, the United States, and Western Europe. Despite these losses, functioning Romaniote synagogues remain preserved in places like Chalkis—representing the oldest continuous Jewish congregation on European soil—as well as in Ioannina, Veria, Athens, and Israel. In Ioannina's historic Kastro district, the Kehila Kedosha Yashan Synagogue stands as a testament to centuries of Romaniote life.
Visiting Romaniote heritage
In Athens the Romaniote Etz Haim synagogue stands opposite Beth Shalom: synagogues in Athens. In Chania, Crete, the island's Romaniote Etz Hayyim synagogue survives: Chabad of Crete and Etz Hayyim.
