Whispers from the Catacombs: Discovering Jewish Culture Under Ancient Rome

Beneath the streets of Ancient Rome, in the tunnels and crypts of the catacombs, Jews expressed their heritage and faith through unique cultural artifacts, using the artistic tools of their time to connect with their surroundings. In this class, we’ll examine a range of catacomb artifacts that reveal Jewish identity—from inscriptions and symbols to intricate artwork. We’ll also explore how the discovery, identification, and preservation of these artifacts have shaped our understanding of the Jewish community in Ancient Rome.

Born and raised in Boston, Jessica Dello Russo went on to earn her doctorate in Archaeology from the Vatican's Institute for Christian Archaeology in 2022. She is the author of "A Jewish Archaeology: The Christian Discovery of Jewish Catacombs in Rome" (Brill, 2025), the book chapter, "Growing the Global Audience for the Jewish Catacombs of Italy" (UniOr Press, 2025), and other studies focused on the catacombs of Rome. Copies of many of these publications are available on the International Catacomb Society's website (www.catacombsociety.org).

Who are these classes for?

Our classes are for everyone—whether you’re brand new to the topic or have been engaging with it for years, we encourage participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels. Unless otherwise noted, no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Not sure if a class is for you? Email us at Learning@Lehr.haus!

Why are there tickets at different prices?

Our tickets utilize a Pay-What-You-Can model so attendees can pay a range of prices based on what they are able to pay to allow for greater accessibility. Please select the price point that feels right for you.

Can I eat during class?

While we do not serve food in the study, you are welcome to order and enjoy drinks during class and join us for a meal before or after class. We highly recommend making a reservation if you know you'll be dining with us. Visit www.lehr.haus/reservation to check availability and book a table.