Newport, Rhode Island was founded in 1639.The first Jewish settlers in approximately 1677, land for a cemetery was purchased. For more history, visit our history page.
For information about visiting or praying at Touro Synagogue, go here.
In 1759 the growing Jewish community hired a religious leader, Isaac Touro, and built a synagogue, completed in 1763, now called Touro Synagogue.
Newport declined after the Revolutionary war. From the early 19th century, there were no Jews in Newport Touro Synagogogue became transferred to New York City's Congregation Shearith Israel. By the 1880s enough Jews were in Newport for Shearith Israel reopened the synagogue and have regular services.
The growing Jewish community Newport Jewish community and Shearith Israel were out of sync. After a 1903 sit-in, Newport's Congregation Jeshuat Israel rented Touro Synagogue. That arrangement lasted until 2025. After years of wrangling, in April 2025, Congregation Ahavath Israel became the tenant at Touro Synagogue and welcomes holds Orthodox services every Friday night and Saturday morning and on all Jewish holidays.
There is something magical about praying in a synagogue that dates from 1763. Tours of the synagogue (registration required) discuss the people, the history, and the building.
Go to TSF Newport for information about history and walking tours and about interactive visits at the Loeb Center.
Congregation Jeshuat Israel's Orthodox 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.
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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