You might know Newport, Rhode Island, for its plethora of beautiful and historic mansions, many of which overlook the Atlantic coast. Maybe you know that the city hosted the first U.S. Open Tournaments for both tennis and golf, or that during the 17th and 18th centuries it was one of the richest ports in the American colonies. For me, however, Newport has always been synonymous with my grandparents and our culture, as Jews with close ties to Touro Synagogue.
On 16 December 1962, my grandparents, Seyna (Bazarsky) and Stephen Green were married at Touro Synagogue by Rabbi Dr. Theodore Lewis. The same rabbi went on to preside over my own father’s bris and bar mitzvah.
Even before my grandparents were married, my grandmother and her family attended services at Touro. My great-grandfather was also on the board, helping to maintain the congregation and the historic building, which was listed on the Register of National Historic Places in 1945. Even now, with so much of my family no longer living in Newport, we still have connections to this beautiful and historic place. I decided to learn more about Touro Synagogue and the Jews who made it what it is today.
Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the United States. Its construction began on 1 August 1759 with the laying of the six cornerstones, and was completed and dedicated on 2 December 1763. The architect, Peter Harrison, also designed the rebuilt King’s Chapel in Boston in 1749.
During the American Revolution, many members of Touro’s congregation were patriots, supporting independence both financially and through military service. The congregation was forced to abandon Newport, along with their synagogue, when the city was taken by the British army on 8 December 1776. After the war ended, the community returned to rededicate and consecrate the synagogue.
Touro Synagogue was famously visited by George Washington in 1790, along with delegates from the Continental Congress. In response to the congregation’s letter of welcome, Washington wrote to assure them that the new government would not be tolerant of bigotry, and that all those of differing beliefs would be protected. He wrote that under his leadership as President, their right to religious freedom would be kept safe, and that, “… the Government of the United States… gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance…”2
Washington’s letter would later serve as the basis for the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which affirms the right of citizens to practice any religion without fear of persecution. I am thrilled to know that the seeds of this important legislation were planted in Newport, Rhode Island, at the same synagogue where my ancestors worshipped.
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Notes
1 Newport Daily News; “Seyna Bazarsky, Stephen M. Green; 17 December 1962.
2 “From George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, 18 August 1790”. National Archives. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-06-02-0135