Newport, Rhode Island was founded in 1638.The first Jewish settlers may have arrived by 1658. In 1677, land for a cemetery was purchased. For more history, visit our history page.
In 1759 the growing Jewish community hired a religious leader, Isaac Touro, and built a synagogue, now called Touro Synagogue.
As a result of the Revolutionary war Newport declined. From the early 19th, there were no Jews in Newport Touro Synagogogue became the property of Congregation Shearith Israel from New York City. By the 1880s enough Jews were in Newport to hold regular services and Shearith Israel reopened the synaogogue and sent a series of Rabbis.
The growing Jewish community Newport Jewish community and Shearith Israel were out of sync. After a 1903 sit-in, Newport Congregation Jeshuat Israel rented Touro Synagogue. That arrangement lasted until 2025. After years of wrangling, in April 2025, Congregatition Ahavath Israel became the tenant at Touro Synagogue,
Jeshuat Israel services are in the Levi Gale house, across the street from Touro Synagogue. A liberal synagogue, Temple Shalom, makes its home in nearby Middletown. There is also a reform Havurah. Visit our synagogue page for information about each congregation.
This website is a creation of Aaron Ginsburg, who grew up in Newport and lives in nearby Massachusetts. If you have any questions about this site, send a message.
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