Rabbi Mandel introduces himself and indicates that he will be the viewer’s guide to Touro Synagogue.
Isaac Touro remembers the Spanish-Portuguese Synagogue and Amsterdam and instructs Peter Harrison, a Christian, in the proper way to design a Sephardic Synagogue.
Visibility on top of hill reflects security of Newport’s Jews.
The first Torah at Touro Synagogue came from Amsterdam.
The origins of the trap door.
They came to Newport because of its reputation of being tolerant toward minority religions.
Originally, the male congregants sat only on benches along the walls of the main floor with no seats in between. Women sat in upstairs gallery.
Symbolically visible to incoming ships. Shows willingness of Newport to accept Jews.
Rabbi Mandel explains that the synagogue faces east.
This seems a bit confusing since the back of the building faces East to Jerusalem. The front door faces West. Once inside the worshipers look at the hechal are looking East.
The raised seating on the ground floor was for the lay leaders of the congregation and is still occupied by them today when they attend services. United States Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy occupied the seat of honor on their visits.
Newport’s Jews had family and business connections all over the world. Several Newport Jews became wealthy from participation in overseas trading. One, Aaron Lopez became known as the Merchant Prince of Newport. He donated a beautiful chandelier to grace the building.
Shearith Israel in New York, Bevis Marks in London
Bevis Marks sends charity boxes
Bevis Marks sends a clock
Harrison a Christian who had never built a synagogue. He modeled Touro after the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam, but blended in features common to New England Protestant houses of worship. Twelve pillars for the Twelve Tribes.
Women’s Balcony and Classroom Also, windows on both levels to allow light
Was added at the time when Touro was used as a public courthouse and was inactive as a synagogue.
