Today in History–December 2–the Library of Congress features the Touro Synagogue, dedicated on this date in 1763. Named for the first officiating rabbi, Isaac Touro, the first synagogue in the U.S. was built in Newport, Rhode Island. Learn more about the Touro Synagogue and Newport's Jewish community by visiting the Today in History section as well as the links below. First Jewish Synagogue Was Dedicated in the United States from America's Library Touro Synagogue images & architectural … [Read more...]
Today in History: Rhode Island
February 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–February 5–the Library of Congress features Rhode Island, whose founder, Roger Williams, arrived in America on this day in 1631. Find out more about this defender of religious liberty and the state he founded by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about Roger Williams and the culture and history of the 13th state through a review of primary sources. Roger Williams primary source set Rhode Island stories from America’s … [Read more...]
Today in History: Religious Freedom
August 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–August 17–the Library of Congress features a letter dated August 17, 1790 that George Washington penned to Moses Seixas, a prominent Jewish leader in Rhode Island, that articulated Washington’s belief in religious freedom and the first presidential affirmation of the free and equal status of Jewish-American citizens. "All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class … [Read more...]
British soldiers shot into a crowd of colonists. Check out our 