14 August 2007

Touro Synagogue celebrates Washington Letter

The Touro Synagogue Foundation, in Newport, Rhode Island, will celebrate the 60th annual reading of George Washignton's historic letter, "To the Hebrew Congregation at Newport," on Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19.

Activities celebrate and commemorate George Washington’s famous letter, written a year before the Bill of Rights was ratified, providing an unequivocal guarantee that the new country would be a safe haven for religious minorities.

Shabbat morning services begin at 8.45 a.m. Saturday, followed by a 2 p.m. lecture, “Viewing Colonial Newport Through the Prism of Jewish History,” presented by Stephen Kaplan, followed by a choice of three guided walking tours. A gala reception will take place that evening.

The letter reading will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Touro Synagogue, with the keynote address by Brown University president Ruth Simmons.

For details, including reservations and fees, click here.

No comments:

Post a Comment