Touro Synagogue Coloring Page

A path leads across the grounds of Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island. Simple trees frame the brick building, which has stood for more than 250 years. Inside is a place of worship with an important story about religious freedom in America.

A synagogue is a place where Jewish people gather to pray and take part in community life. Newport’s Jewish community built this synagogue, and it was dedicated in 1763. It is the oldest surviving synagogue building in the United States. The architect, Peter Harrison, designed its brick exterior and a graceful interior with tall columns. A central platform holds a reading desk used during services.

The synagogue was named for Isaac Touro, a religious leader who served the congregation in its early years. Newport was a busy port, and its Jewish residents were part of a community that included people of different backgrounds and beliefs.

In 1790, George Washington visited Newport as president. Moses Seixas, a leader of the Jewish congregation, wrote to welcome him and expressed hope for a country where people could practice their religion freely. Washington replied that the United States government would give “to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” His words promised that the government would not support prejudice or mistreatment based on religion.

That promise was important, although religious freedom was not always fully protected for everyone in practice. Today, Touro Synagogue remains an active place of worship as well as a historic site. Its grounds and building connect visitors with a community’s long history and an idea that Americans continue to work to uphold.