MEIS FERRARA - GIARDINO DELLE DOMANDE

In the Garden of Questions grow the laurel, myrtle, thyme, lavender and the handsome, that is, the aromatic plants used for havdalah, the prayer that is recited at the end of the Shabbat, to symbolically mark the passage from a public holiday and to rest to weekday. These essences are planted and arranged in such a way as to draw an itinerary – of path and cognitive – that, through explanatory panels, helps to understand the rules of kasherut, that is, the Jewish legislation on nutrition, with particular reference meat, milk, fish and eggs. Each of these four types of food is associated with a different access point to a small labyrinth, where visitors proceed by answering some questions about the use of these elements in Jewish cuisine. In the event of a mistake, you have to go back, but an explanation of the correct rules allows you to get back on the right track. With a playful and interactive approach, the Garden brings the public closer to Jewish culture through its smells and flavors, satisfies certain rather widespread curiosities – for example, because Jews do not eat pork – and makes people reflect on the differences, but also on the many similarities, with other traditions. The Garden, in which an olive tree has also been planted – one of seven biblical species along with fig, pomegranate, vine, wheat, barley and date – is modular, with low ecological impact and covers an area of thirty-two square meters, partially covered. It is an original and unique project in Italy.