Touro Synagogue

The Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the United States and the only synagogue that was preserved from the colonial era. It is located in Newport, Rhode Iceland, United States.

History

In 1658, came the first Jewish settlers to Newport, Rhode Iceland. About 15 families came from Barbados, where already decades before a Jewish community was born. These came originally from Spain and Portugal. 1677 a Jewish cemetery in Newport was built.

Colonial

Beginning of the 18th century, won the community importance. 1758 the construction of a new synagogue was decided. The plans of the synagogue were carried out by the recognized British architect Peter Harrison. The construction of the synagogue began in 1759, m 1762, the synagogue was completed.

After the Declaration of Independence in 1776

Because the American Revolution Newport Be Lost in importance, which had a similar prosperity as Boston and New York before, and it sank the number of members of the Jewish community. As a result, the community was finally too small to operate the synagogue can. Finally, managers were forced to dissolve the Synagogue and the Orthodox Jewish community Shearith Israel in New York to pass the Torah scrolls. Was used the synagogue only on important holidays and funerals. It was not until 1850 that the synagogue was occasionally used again. In particular, by immigrants from Eastern Europe, the Jewish community could be revived and finally re-opened the synagogue in 1883.