Touro Synagogue National Historic Site Ahavath Israel

07/01/2026

06/30/2026

TOURO SYNAGOGUE CELEBRATES RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Open House 10am–4pm

Join us as we celebrate religious liberty in Newport, RI. Touro Synagogue, which was dedicated on December 2, 1763, will be open to the public for this special day. Rhode Island has had religious freedom since it was first settled in 1636. George Washington wrote a letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport Rhode Island that makes an important statement about religious freedom.

Docent Aaron Ginsburg will be on hand to answer your questions.

Donations gratefully appreciated.
More info on tours and services: https://www.thetourosynagogue.org/
We look forward to seeing you at 72 Touro St, Newport, RI!
List of other participants: https://newporthistory.org/event/independence-week-religious-freedom-day/

06/22/2026

https://www.npr.org/2026/06/22/nx-s1-5836664/soaked-into-the-wood-a-visit-to-the-birthplace-of-religious-liberty Nice article about Religious Liberty with a focues on Rhode Island including Touro Synagogue

Religious liberty was one of the founding pursuits of America. Rhode Island was founded on the idea that the intermingling of religion and government damages both church and state.

05/29/2026

https://religionnews.com/2026/05/28/these-houses-of-worship-are-older-than-america-how-they-outlasted-wars-schisms-and-lawsuits/

(RNS) — Only about 1% of houses of worship in the U.S. today existed in 1776. Here are four that predate the revolution — and still hold services.

12/14/2025

Warm up with a tour. More information at https://www.thetourosynagogue.org/visit-touro-synagogue/

09/02/2025

Ahavath Israel is the resident congregation at Touro Synagogue, the oldest standing synagogue in the United States. The synagogue was dedicated on December 2, 1763. Designed by Peter Harrison, it an architectural masterpiece. Working with Congregation Shearith Israel, owner of Touro Synagogue, we welcome you to join us for Shabbat and Holiday Services year round. During scheduled tours tours, you will learn about the history of the synagogue and about the people who created and cared for it and a thorough description of the interior. George Washington wrote an important letter about religious freedom to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport. Visit our website for more information and to register for a tour. https://www.thetourosynagogue.org