Touro Synagogue
From Freepedia
The Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island is the oldest Jewish house of worship in North America. It was built in 1759 for the Jeshuat Israel congregation in Newport. The spiritual leader at the time was the Reverend Isaac de Touro from Amsterdam.
The Jeshuat Israel congregation itself dates back to 1658, when Jewish families arrived from Spain, Portugal, and the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam (New York City). Today, it remains a functioning Sephardic Orthodox synagogue.
The synagogue, designed by architect Peter Harrison, is a National Historic Site and considered to be one of the most architecturally distinguished buildings of 18th century America. There is a trap door under the tebáh (bimah) which is believed to have been used while the synagogue was a stop on the Underground Railroad.
George Washington wrote a famous letter to the Jewish community of the Touro Synagogue that read in part: :"...the Government of the United States...gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance...May the children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy."
This letter is widely considered an important early step in the establishment of religious freedom in the U.S.
New Orleans
Touro Synagogue is also the name of a Reform synagogue in New Orleans, named after Judah Touro, Isaac's son. The New Orleans Touro Synagogue is the second oldest synagogue in the United States.
External links
- Touro Synagogue (Newport RI)
- Touro Synagogue (New Orleans)
- Touro Synagogue (New Orleans) — photo
- Touro Synagogue (New Orleans) — photo
