Umberto Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art, Jewish art museum in Jerusalem, Israel

The Umberto Nahon Museum houses a collection of religious artworks, objects, and ceremonial items that document the heritage of Italian Jewish communities. The exhibition spans from the Renaissance to modern times and shows paintings, carvings, and decorative crafts from various Italian cities.

The museum opened in 1983 in the Old Hospice of the Schmidt compound, built in 1885. Its collection began with objects Umberto Nahon brought from Italy from 1950 onward, after abandoned synagogues fell into decay. The Conegliano Veneto synagogue, built in 1701, was transferred to Israel in 1952 and is now used for prayers according to the Roman rite.

The collection shows how Italian Jewish communities expressed their faith through beautiful objects and ritual items over many centuries. These works reflect the distinct traditions of different Italian regions, from Venice to Sicily.

The museum occupies the Old Hospice at Rechov Hillel 25, the western building of the Mitcham Schmidt complex in the western new city, not the Old City. Its Italian synagogue, the Tempio Italiano, is on the first floor and holds services on Shabbat and festivals following the Roman rite. A restoration workshop on site repairs synagogue furniture and wooden and textile art from across Israel.

The synagogue of Conegliano Veneto, built in 1701, was moved to Israel whole in 1952 and is still used for prayers on Shabbat and holidays according to the Roman rite. Its ark is older than the rest of the furnishings and commemorates Rabbi Natan Ottolenghi, head of the Conegliano yeshiva, who died around 1652.