The Italian Nusach^[a][b] is the ancient prayer rite (nusach) of the indigenous Italian Jews (Italkim) on the Italian peninsula who are not of Ashkenazi or Sephardic origin.

History

The Italian nusach has been considered an offspring of the ancient Palestinian minhag and it has similarities with the nusach of the Romaniote Jews of Greece and the Balkans. However, the documents discovered in Cairo Geniza reveal that the influence of Minhag Eretz Israel on Benè Romì is less extensive than believed.^[1]

Unique features of the Nusach

• On Friday nights, the Maariv Aravim and Emet VeEmunah blessings are recited using a special text for the Sabbath.
• Psalm 20 is not recited in between Ashrei and Uva letzion. Instead, it is recited as part of long Tachanun.
• On weekdays, the Torah is returned in between Ashrei and Uva letzion.
• Aleinu is never recited at Mincha.
• The words 'le'eila le'eila' are recited in every Kaddish.
• Kol Nidrei (Kol Nedarim) is recited in Hebrew, rather than in Aramaic.
• The 'Ve-hasieinu' prayer is recited in the prayers of Rosh Hashanah.
• Kedushah opens in all prayers (including Shacharit and Mincha) with the "Keter" form.