Though Charleston’s Jewish history, dating back to the late 17th century, is becoming better known to academics, most people are unaware of the basic facts. How many know, for example, that 200 years ago Charleston boasted the largest Jewish population on the North American continent, and that Carolina claims many firsts in Jewish history—the first […]
Click to view the Pocket Guide to Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim and Charleston Jewish History This publication is the work of many hands. We express our sincere appreciation to the following individuals: William A. Rosenthall, OBM, Rabbi Emeritus; Anthony D. Holz, Rabbi Emeritus; Solomon Breibart, OBM, Historian and recipient of Order of Jewish Palmetto by […]
90 Hasell StreetCharleston, SC History The history of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim is a heritage in which all American Jews can take pride. It is a story of faith, devotion, and perseverance in the American tradition of freedomof worship. Charleston was founded in 1670, and the earliest known reference to a Jew in the English […]
Founded July 15, 1801Charleston, SC “This Society was founded in 1801. Its object is explained in the following preamble to its constitution: ” Whereas, at a meeting of Israelites held in Charleston on the 15th day of July, 1801, it was resolved that a Hebrew Society should be formed, for the purpose of relieving widows, […]
The Oldest Jewish Charitable Society in the United States Founded June 25, 1784 Charleston, SC The Hebrew Benevolent Society Charleston, South Carolina 225th Anniversary November 21, 2009 Francis Marion Hotel Charleston, SC Click here to see the program The Seal of the Hebrew Benevolent Society of Charleston 1784 Click here to read booklet from 225th Anniversary […]
Synagogue Emanu-El at 605 Windsor DriveCharleston, SC 29407 Charleston’s Synagogue Emanu-El celebrated its 60th anniversary on November 11, 2007, with a huge gala in the newly refurbished Zucker Social Hall. A sold-out crowd enjoyed an evening of magnificent décor, marvelous food, and exciting entertainment. The event commemorated six decades of congregational life, and also culminated […]
Charleston Jewry: 320 Years and Counting Charleston, South Carolina, was one of a handful of port cities where the early years of American Jewish history were played out. Jewish immigrants began arriving in the colonial capital as early as the 1690s, drawn by the promise of economic opportunity and the town’s reputation for religious freedom. As […]
182 Rutledge AveCharleston, SC 29403 In the year 1854 a small group of Jews met in Charleston, South Carolina for worship according to the Ashkenazi ritual of Orthodox Judaism and called themselves Berith Shalome. Just a few blocks away from its present site, the foundations were laid for what is today the oldest Orthodox Shul […]