The Story of the Jews of Newport
- Subtitle: Two and a Half Centuries of Judaism, 1658-1908
- Author: Morris Aaron Gutstein
- Publisher: Block Publishing Co., 1936 – 393 pp.
- LOC Permalink: http://lccn.loc.gov/37001024
- Availability: out of print and very expensive; recommend finding in a library
Review
The story of Congregation Yeshuat Israel is actually the story of two wholly separate entities: a Sephardic group that flourished from 1658-1792 and built what is now the oldest surviving synagogue structure in the US, and an Ashkenazic group that has existed in one form or another since the synagogue reopened in 1883. Although he was the spiritual leader of the modern community, Rabbi Gutstein focused primarily on the Sephardic congregation in this book, which is the first monographic attempt at exploring the history of Newport's Jews.
Because of its age, the text is methodologically dated. Nevertheless, it is a font of information about Newport's lay and professional leaders, their extensive relationships with gentile society, and the construction of the now-famous synagogue and school. Rabbi Gutstein highlights the centrality of Newport in colonial life before the Revolution, which might well have eclipsed New York had Rhode Island not been the first target of England's retribution in 1776. It was in this cosmopolitan environment that America's second Jewish community was born, and readers will find the book to be an enjoyable experience that leaves them hungry for more.
Because of its age, the text is methodologically dated. Nevertheless, it is a font of information about Newport's lay and professional leaders, their extensive relationships with gentile society, and the construction of the now-famous synagogue and school. Rabbi Gutstein highlights the centrality of Newport in colonial life before the Revolution, which might well have eclipsed New York had Rhode Island not been the first target of England's retribution in 1776. It was in this cosmopolitan environment that America's second Jewish community was born, and readers will find the book to be an enjoyable experience that leaves them hungry for more.
Contents
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The dim beginnings
Dawn Progress From Inquisition to freedom The synagogue A glimpse at Jewish Life Visitors The Jew in the community Uproar, dispersion and decline Evacuation and revival The close of a colorful chapter Noble memories Reconsecration Adjustment Immortality |
19
28 48 58 79 111 146 157 173 191 214 228 256 268 281 |
Appendices:
The will of Abraham Touro Bequests of Judah Touro The inscriptions on the tombstones in the old cemetery Extract from the will of Jacob Rodrigues Rivera Extract from the will of Moses Levy Deed of trust of conveying synagogue to Shearith Israel Extract from the will of Moses Seixas List of rabbis, cantors, and shochetim since 1883 List of presidents and other officers since 1893 The Congregation Jeshuat Israel community center The Touro funds Notes Glossary Bibliography Index |
291 293 295 321 322 323 324 325 326 328 329 339 377 383 387 |