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Touro Synagogue, Newport

Photo © Wally Gobetz. View all images in our Touro Synagogue Photo Gallery.
Photo © dbking.
Photo © Wally Gobetz.
Photo © Wally Gobetz.

Among the many historic colonial buildings in Rhode Island is Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in America. It still serves an active congregation. Founded in 1763, this little synagogue's history is representative of the religious tolerance that has always characterized Rhode Island. It is also an architectural gem, designed by America's greatest 18th-century architect.

History

Newport's Jewish congregation was formed in the spring of 1658, when a party of 15 Jewish families arrived from the Caribbean, possibly Barbados or Curacao. They were fleeing religious persecution, just as their ancestors had done from Spain and Portugal.

They received a warm welcome in religiously tolerant Newport. And a few years later (1663), the royal charter of Rhode Island formalized the established local practice that everyone has "full liberty in religious concernments." Newport's Jews thrived in the trade business and for over a century held services and ceremonies in each other's homes.

Finally, in 1759, the growing community built a synagogue. They named it after Isaac Touro, a prominent member of the congregation. The building was designed by Peter Harrison (1716-75), who is regarded by many as the finest architect in 18th-century America - he also designed King's Chapel in Boston and Christ Church in Cambridge, Mass.

Harrison was an Anglican and had never seen a synagogue in his life, so the congregation showed him sketches of the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam. The new synagogue was dedicated on the first night of Hanukkah in December 1763.

What to See

The Georgian-style architecture of Touro Synagogue has a simple appearance but is highly symbolic. It is situated at an angle so that the congregation faces east to Jerusalem. Inside, the furnishings revolve around the number twelve, representing the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Touro Synagogue's architecture influenced Thomas Jefferson's design of Monticello and the University of Virginia.


Quick Facts on Touro Synagogue

Site Information
Names:Congregation Jeshuat Israel; Touro Synagogue; Touro Synagogue, Newport
City:Newport
State:Rhode Island
Country:USA
cat:Synagogues
faith:Judaism; Orthodox
feat:Oldest
style:Georgian
Dates:1763
Status:active
Visitor and Contact Information
Address:85 Touro Street, Newport, Rhode Island, USA
Coordinates:41.489437° N, 71.311950° W  (view on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:Jul-Aug: Sun-Fri 10am-5pm (tours every half hour) Limited hours rest of the year
Cost:Free
Phone:(401) 847-4794
Email:contact form
Website:www.tourosynagogue.org
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of Touro Synagogue

Below is a location map and aerial view of Touro Synagogue. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

  1. Jana Reiss, The Spiritual Traveler: Boston and New England (HiddenSpring, 2002), 245-46.
  2. Touro Synagogue - official website
  3. Touro Synagogue - Fodor's New England

More Information

Article Info

Title:Touro Synagogue, Newport
Author:Holly Hayes
Last updated:10/16/2009
Permalink:www.sacred-destinations.com/usa/newport-touro-synagogue
Link code:<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/usa/newport-touro-synagogue">Touro Synagogue, Newport</a>