Driving Tour of Jewish History: From the 1690s to Today!

Join local Jewish Charlestonian and educator Ronnie, for a tour tracing more than 300 years of Jewish life in Charleston, once home to the largest Jewish community in the United States. From Sephardic arrivals in the 1690s to Ashkenazi immigrants in the 1800s, we explore how Jewish history is woven into the fabric of the city. Visit “Little Jerusalem” and two of America’s oldest synagogues, one the birthplace of Reform Judaism and oldest in continuous use, the other the nation’s oldest active Orthodox Ashkenazi congregation — along with the site of the first Jewish-owned pharmacy, a brothel once run by a Jewish woman, and historic homes tied to merchants and civic leaders. Along the way, we examine the vital role of African Americans in Charleston’s Jewish story and the complex legacy of Jewish involvement in the slave economy and the Civil War. More than a history tour, this is an exploration of identity, resilience, and continuity in the American South.

- Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim — oldest synagogue in continuous use in the U.S. & birthplace of American Reform Judaism - Grace Peixotto’s former brothel - Dr. Jacob de la Motta’s pharmacy — first Jewish-owned pharmacy in the U.S. - Hebrew Orphan Society building - Four Corners of the Law — City Hall, Old Statehouse, Federal Courthouse & St. Michael’s Church - Church Street — inspiration for Porgy & Bess - The Battery - Rainbow Row - Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon - Former bank built by Sephardic builder David Lopez - Dock Street Theatre - French Huguenot Church - Jenkins Orphanage — birthplace of “The Charleston” dance - Home of the Pollitzer sisters — leaders in women’s suffrage - Avery Normal Institute, first secondary school for African Americans - Medical University of South Carolina — Baruch Auditorium, Sabin Street - Little Jerusalem - Brith Sholom Beth Israel (BSBI) — oldest Ashkenazi Orthodox synagogue in continuous use in the U.S. - Historic Ashkenazi merchant shops - Holocaust Memorial