The historic Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, has been closed to public tours by its New York-based owner, Congregation Shearith Israel. The closure comes during peak tourist season and follows an intensifying legal battle with the former tenant, Congregation Jeshuat Israel. The dispute centers on religious artifacts, financial management, and control of the synagogue, which has welcomed visitors for nearly eight decades.
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Longstanding Tours Halted by Landlord
Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States, is no longer open for guided tours. Congregation Shearith Israel, the Manhattan-based owner of the property, has denied access to the Touro Synagogue Foundation, which has hosted tours for 78 years. The Foundation says it was prepared to continue its educational work inside the synagogue but was blocked from doing so.
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Presentations Continue Nearby
Although access to the synagogue itself is now restricted, the Touro Synagogue Foundation is continuing its historical presentations. Visitors can now attend tours at the nearby Loeb Visitors Center and, when weather allows, in Patriots’ Park, which overlooks the synagogue building. These presentations will focus on the synagogue’s history, colonial Jewish life, and religious freedom.
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Landlord Cites Lawsuit as Reason
Congregation Shearith Israel says the decision to bar tours stems from ongoing legal concerns. The Foundation is closely linked to Congregation Jeshuat Israel, the former tenant and current defendant in a lawsuit filed by Shearith Israel. The landlord alleges that Congregation Jeshuat Israel removed valuable Torah scrolls and other religious artifacts from the synagogue after being evicted.
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Court Battle Over Artifacts and Funds
The closure follows a recent lawsuit filed by Shearith Israel claiming that Congregation Jeshuat Israel misappropriated funds intended for building maintenance and removed sacred items from the holy ark. The lawsuit seeks the return of 11 identified ritual objects and aims to prevent their sale or disposal. Jeshuat Israel has denied the allegations, calling them inaccurate and misleading.
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Eviction Upheld by State Supreme Court
In April, the Rhode Island Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that allowed Shearith Israel to evict Congregation Jeshuat Israel from the property. This ruling marked a turning point in the long-standing conflict between the two congregations, which has involved disputes over ownership, rights to artifacts, and control of religious operations at the synagogue.
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Local Congregation Responds
Michael Pimental, co-president of Congregation Jeshuat Israel, expressed disappointment at the decision to close the synagogue to public tours. He noted that his family has worshipped at Touro Synagogue for five generations and criticized the New York congregation for limiting public access to a historic religious site that holds national significance.
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Visitors Still Welcome at Exhibit Center
While entry to the synagogue building is no longer allowed, visitors can still explore two floors of exhibits at the Loeb Visitors Center. The interactive displays offer insights into Newport’s Jewish community during the colonial era and the development of religious freedom in America. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
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Virtual Tours Remain Available
For those unable to visit in person, a 360-degree virtual tour of Touro Synagogue is available online at tourosynagogue.org. The virtual experience was created by the Touro Synagogue Foundation with support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It provides a detailed look inside the historic structure and highlights its architectural and historical significance.
