Touro Synagogue, the handsome Federal building a half block up Touro Street from Washington Square (map), was named for a 19th-century benefactor, Abraham Touro, son of the rabbi who presided at the synagogue's dedication.

Designed by Peter Harrison (it resembles his King's Chapel in Boston) and built in 1763, the temple was the spiritual center of Jeshuat Israel, an Orthodox Sephardic congregation.

The synagogue and congregation prospered along with Newport, but after the British occupation of the town during the Revolutionary War, prosperity fled Newport and few of its erstwhile citizens returned.

In the late 19th century Newport came to life again. The temple reopened in 1883, and has been used for services ever since.

	Loeb Visitors Center

Extensive and painstaking renovation work has been completed, and the synagogue, along with the impressive Ambassador John L Loeb Jr Visitors Center next door, is again open to visitors.

The Visitors Center impressive exhibits tell the story of the synagogue in the context of Newport's history of religious tolerance and equality. You can see a copy of George Washington's historic letter on religious freedom to the congregation, written while he was president in 1790, on the occasion of his visit to Newport with Thomas Jefferson.

Touro Synagogue
85 Touro Street (map)
Newport RI 02840-2969
Tel: 401-847-4794

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