Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Tours of Touro Synagogue, the oldest Jewish temple in the country, will resume this summer after a brief hiatus caused by financial pressures that led to the elimination of the Touro Foundation's professional staff over the winter.

"As Rhode Island and the nation endure a challenging economy that has placed great demands on the operations of all historic museums and attractions, Touro Synagogue Foundation has reached back to our historical roots of utilizing a dedicated volunteer staff of tour guides who will ensure the public has access to and historical information about Touro Synagogue," Keith W. Stokes, foundation chairman, said in a statement.

The Newport synagogue, built in 1759 and dedicated in 1763, serves Congregation Jeshuat Israel, which was first established in Newport in1658. Tours give visitors the opportunity to learn first-hand the synagogue's history and the central role it played in the establishment of religious freedom and toleration in America.

Beginning May 3, tours will be available to the general public from noon to 2 pm. Sundays through Friday. From July 1 through July 31, hours will be expanded to 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And from August 1 to September 6, the hours will be further expanded to 10 a.m. to 4 pm. Group tours may also be scheduled. No tours will be offered on Saturdays.

"The Congregation is pleased to share our historic building with the general public so they can tour and experience the remarkable history of one of America's most important religious structures," Bea Ross, co-president of Congregation Jeshuat Israel, said in a statement.

 Tags  historic temple Newport Newport RI

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