Under the "what a small world" category, Thom and I were surprised to find that a college alum, Rabbi Arnold Belzer, serves as rabbi for the Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah, www.mickveisrael.org which is the third oldest Jewish congregation in America. Some of you fans of This Old House (PBS) may remember host Norm Abram touring the Gothic style synagogue several programs back when they worked on their Savannah project and talking with Rabbi Belzer.
When we mentioned we would be visitng Savannah, Rabbi Belzer graciously offered to personally conduct a guided tour Friday, April 4 at 11:00AM and invited anyone in our group to come along if interested.
The tour would be about 30-40 minutes.

If anyone is interested, please just reply so we can give Rabbi Arnold a heads-up as to how many to expect.
The synagogue is located in the beautiful Historic District on Monterey Square (Bull Street on the corners of Gordon and Wayne).

What a generous offer and a great opportunity for those going to Savannah.

Actually Teaberry did a countdown post on this wonderful synagogue last September which you can find here.

joywriter,

I have planned to stop by Congregation Mickve Israel while we are in Savannah, but I already have a conflict with that Friday morning time. Darn! I would really like to take the tour with Rabbi Belzer. As we are coming to Savannah on Tuesday, I had intended to stop by on Wednesday or Thursday. Do you know whether someone can just come in? As it is a functioning synogogue, I'm assuming it will be open on weekdays.

Ann

Hi Ann,

From their website, www.mickveisrael.org
the congregation seems most happy to provide tours. They are especially excited about celebrating their 275 anniversary coming soon.

"We have tours of our historic sanctuary and museum during the week from 10 am through 1 pm and again from 2 pm through 4 pm (last tour given 30 minute before end of session.) We are closed on Jewish holidays and some federal holidays, you can check our calendar or if you are still in doubt about a date, double check with us. (We would not want you to be disappointed!)

Touring our facility usually takes between thirty to forty-five minutes, but you may wish to allow extra time for our Judaica Shop. We charge an admission fee of $3 per person, which is a real bargain.

If you have a group that would like a tour, please make arrangements in advance. Just send us an email about when you want to come & we will get back in touch with you."

We'll see you soon in Savannah!
Nancy