George Washington visited the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, on August 18, 1790. Built in 1763, it remains the oldest standing synagogue building in the United States. Following his visit, Washington responded to the Newport Jewish community with a historic letter affirming religious liberty in the United States. Here is an excerpt:
“May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the goodwill of the other inhabitants, while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.”
