The first synagogue of Savannah was founded in 1733 by 43 Jews, mostly of Portuguese origin, who had just arrived in Georgia. They called their congregation Mickve Israel, which means Hope of Israel, and today it stands as the third oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. Two of its founders, Abraham Minis and Benjamin Sheftall, still have descendants who are active participants in the congregation today.

The Jewish congregation at its inception held its services in various members’ homes, and eventually moved to a more permanent location at Liberty and Whitaker Streets. After a wave of German Jewish immigration in the mid 1800s, the congregation needed to move to larger quarters. A new location was found on Monterey Square, and a new structure was built, and this is where Mickve Israel is proudly perched today. The magnificent synagogue was designed by a world renowned architect named Henry G. Harrison, in pure neo-Gothic style of the Victorian era.

In July 2008, this congregation will celebrate its 275th anniversary since its establishment and the arrival of the first Jewish settlers to Georgia.

Tours of the sanctuary are offered during the week from 10am to 1pm and then from 2pm to 4pm. They last about 30-45 minutes, at a donation of $3. Services are held every Saturday morning at 11am. This is a Reform congregation.

If you would like to find out more information about the first Jewish synagogue in Savannah, read more at this site:

http://www.mickveisrael.org/index.htm

Join us for The Great Slow Travel Gathering - Savannah, Georgia - April 4 to 6, 2008.