Speaking about the Touro Synagogue, President John F. Kennedy said “It is not only the oldest Synagogue in America but also one of the oldest symbols of liberty. No better tradition exists than the history of Touro Synagogue’s great contribution to the goals of freedom and justice for all.”

Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the United States. For over 200 years it has nestled atop a hill on a quiet street in Newport, Rhode Island. The synagogue has an important place in American history; when it was dedicated on December 2, 1763, it exemplified religious freedom for all Americans. In 1790 George Washington wrote a letter to the Touro congregation, which said, “happily the government of the United States…gives to bigotry no sanction…to persecution no assistance.”

In 1658, a group of 15 Jewish families, seeking religious freedom and a promised a haven from religious persecution, freedom to bury their dead according to their customs, and freedom from civil government involvement in spiritual matters, joined Roger Williams in Newport, Rhode Island. A century later, Isaac Touro, a Dutch Jew, arose to become the community’s first spiritual leader. The following year, land was purchased and architect Peter Harrison designed Touro Synagogue along elegant Georgian lines. Touro Synagogue became Mr. Harrison’s most reputed work. The Synagogue is placed in an angle on the property, so that the Ark is facing Jerusalem, in keeping with the Sephardic tradition. Mr. Touro undoubtedly influenced the style of the structure, as seen by the Spanish-Portuguese lines. Indoors, twelve Ionic columns, each carved from a single tree, support the balcony above. Elegant, arched paned glass windows adorn the walls and lovely brass chandeliers drop from the ceiling. Above the Ark on the east wall is a hand-painted mural depicting the Ten Commandments in Hebrew. The early congregation of the Touro Synagogue, was comprised of Sephardic Spanish and Portuguese Jews.

Sadly, in 1776 during the Revolutionary War, Newport was attacked and largely destroyed. Most of the Jewish community left. Touro Synagogue was subsequently used as a hospital. After the war, the synagogue was used as a meetinghouse for local government and was visited by George Washington in 1781.

There is a legend that the trapdoor in the bimah was used as a stop for the Underground Railroad. To date, this has not been confirmed.

The Synagogue re-opened in 1883 with the influx of Eastern European Jews and Ashkenazim.

Touro Synagogue continues to serve its community with a vibrant Orthodox congregation. In addition, approximately 30,000 visitors come to Touro Synagogue per year, to enjoy its stunning architecture, decor and to learn about its historical significance.

Touro Synagogue was declared a National Historic Site in 1946. In 2001, it was further was honored by becoming the first religious edifice of 21 properties to be granted the National Trust for Historic Preservation.