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Visiting the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, America's Oldest Jewish House of Worship By
Arnie Greenberg (The interior of the Toro Synagogue, looking up at the Ten Commandments from the center bimah, where the Torah is read. Photo courtesy Touro Synagogue Society) I have recently returned from a visit to Rhodes, where I spent a morning in Asia Minor's oldest synagogue. Yesterday, I returned from Newport, Rhode Island, where I had occasion to visit the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States whose origins go back to the Colonial era. While the two synagogues have similarities, I was impressed with the differences. In Rhodes, the synagogue is hidden away on a quiet, narrow street. In downtown Newport, the synagogue is an impressive structure in full public view, standing on a magnificent lot with grass all around. Stately, Yet with a Simple Brick Facade As stately as it looks, its simple brick façade opens into a large, well-maintained, two-story room with a central Bima, typical of traditional Spanish and Portuguese classical synagogues. There are also similarities here and in the Sephardic synagogue built in Amsterdam in the late 17th century.
(Looking down on the bimah area of the synagogue. Photo courtesy Touro Synagogue Society) Newport at that time was mostly Protestant and Catholic and the largest city in Rhode Island. Ships brought sugar and molasses from the West Indies to manufacture rum. The architect Peter Harrison considered his work on the Touro Synagogue a labor of love and charged no fee for his services. Having emigrated from England, he was exceptionally capable and interested in the good of mankind. Hs other credits included the Redwood Library and the Brick Market, but the Touro Synagogue was the least altered and so we can see it as it once was. Isaac Touro Cajoles Harrison Isaac Touro, whose family came from Portugal by way of Amsterdam and for whom Touro Street was named, worked with Harrison, cajoling him to take on the job under his guidance, so that Jewish tradition could be upheld in Rhode Island. The building is beautifully maintained and boasts brick imported from England. Its position on the street is angled, so that the ark faces east towards Jerusalem, as is a tradition. Inside, the main synagogue is decorated with a beautiful candelabra donated in the 1760's.
(The simple facade of the historic Touro Synagogue) The first Jews to arrive in Newport probably came from Curacao in the West Indies. Though this point is open to debate, it does make sense since there was great trade between West Indian Points and Newport. The first Jews were probably Marranos looking for land where they were free to worship and live in freedom as Jews. George Washington Pledges Religious Freedom George Washington, who in a letter promised no bigotry, sanctions or persecution, later guaranteed this. Governor Roger Williams also gave assurances of religious freedom. The new nation was bent upon protecting religious freedom for all faiths. More recently, the Touro Synagogue was named a National Historic Site and became one of the 20 odd properties in the collection of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Torah on display is over 500 years old and made of deerskin, a gift from Amsterdam. The eternal light was also a gift. The synagogue can be easily reached from the harbor area of Newport at 85 Touro Street. You can call for information at (401) 847-4794. Email at info@tourosynagogue.org. A
short tour is available with historical explanation, in addition to a small gift
shop. During the summer months the synagogue is open from 10-5 p.m. For other
times and dates, call ahead. Tours are every 30 minutes, but unfortunately there
is no wheelchair access.
(The entrance to the adjoining cemetary) I was immediately taken with the pride and professionalism of the staff, who fielded questions admirably and made everyone aware of the admirable heritage in a city filled with churches of many denominations. The National Trust provides leadership. education and advocacy. Its regional offices are in Washington. Visit www.nationaltrust.org or call (800) 944-6847. On a more personal note, I think it's admirable that these two synagogues are considered important enough to have the assurance of survival. A visit to either is mandatory if you are in either place. The Touro Synagogue is still thriving, with over 600 Jewish families using it for recreation, learning and worship, a fact that struck me so profoundly.
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