Touro Synagogue

Touro Synagogue, dedicated in 1763 and designated a National Historic Site in 1946, is the oldest synagogue in the United States. It is a structure of exquisite beauty and design, steeped in history and ideals and considered one of the most architecturally distinguished buildings of 18th century America. In 1790, President George Washington set the standard for religious freedom in America by declaring in a letter "To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport," that the new nation would give "to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance." Tours include a half hour seated presentation in Touro Synagogue and two floors of interactive exhibits in the Loeb Visitors Center. Due to the pandemic, our program has been modified from previous seasons. While both Touro Synagogue and the Loeb Visitor Center buildings will remain closed, our program will run outdoors through Patriots Park with guides presenting the history of Touro Synagogue to visitors. The Touro Synagogue grounds are open to the public, Sunday through Friday, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm (weather permitting). Tours will be running every half-hour starting at 11 am with the last tour running at 1:30 pm. Synagogue history presentations will be given outdoors and will be limited to a maximum of 15 people at a time. Entry fees are waived but donations are gratefully accepted Join us for Shabbat Services and Holiday services at Touro Synagogue, the oldest standing synagogue in the United States! Congregation Ahavath Israel, the congregation in residence at Touro, has its roots in Newport dating back to 1915. It is a warm, welcoming local Newport Congregation rooted in Torah tradition, committed to halacha, and inspired by the historic legacy of religious freedom and Jewish perseverance that Touro represents.