Tuesdays at Touro Synagogue

225 years ago, on the morning of August 17th, 1790 George Washington arrived in Newport, Rhode Isl and. Washington’s commitment to religious liberty, the involvement of people in the new democracy, and the campaign for the Bill of Rights all came together that day in August. The result is the Letter to the Hebrew Congregations of Newport, a profound statement of the values that made America, and more specifically Rhode Isl and, an example of religious freedom and tolerance. Quoting the Bible’s Old Testament, Washington writes, “every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.” This letter, in addition to many other exhibits and information are available at Newport’s Touro Synagogue. And not only is Touro walking distance from us here on Bowen’s Wharf, our own Pilot House sells tickets tour tickets every day, (Synagogue is closed Saturdays).

If you’re intrigued to learn even more about the religious tolerance and the “lively experiment” that is Newport, Rhode Isl and our Pilot House also sells tickets to the Four Faiths walking tour, which brings to life Newport’s historic houses of worship. These tours run every Tuesday (August 4th, 11th, etc) and start at Touro Synagogue at 12:00 pm. Share in four fascinating stories from Newport’s days as a cradle of religious freedom in 1639 to the Kennedy wedding in 1953.nYou will experience these four faiths at four beautiful buildings by four remarkable architects, each a National Historic L andmark. In addition to Touro Synagogue you will have the opportunity to explore the Newport Congregational Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, and ending at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (site of the Kennedy wedding, referenced in our earlier blog posting). So whether you have a whole weekend, or even just a Tuesday afternoon, there’s lots of history to explore here in Newport and we are proud to provide the tickets and information to make your trip most enjoyable.