Congregation Mickve Israel

In 1733, a ship named «The William and Sarah» left London, sailed across the ocean to the new world, and landed in Savannah, GA.
It carried 41 Jews who were welcomed and settled in a city of religious tolerance.
This was the beginning of the Congregation Mickve Israel. Surprisingly, Savannah is home to America’s third oldest synagogue, following New York City and Newport, RI.
The synagogue is still operating today and it contains a wonderful museum to share the story of those 41 pioneers.

This Jewish Congregation dates back to 1630’s and is the 2^nd oldest in the USA. Tours are available, but we walked in after the tour times and «Pepi» (the tour guide) gave us a look at the sanctuary. The stain glass windows are superb and the history of the congregation is remarkable. I was surprised to find it so interesting.

We were happy to find this synagogue on one of the stops of our hop-​on-​hop-​off trolly tour. As luck would have it, we made it in time to catch one of their tours. It was interesting and informative, and a stop we are happy we made. You will notice how the building really looks like a church, but no, it never was one. Friendly and knowledgable tour guides keep the tour interesting, and are more than happy to answer questions.

The Congregation Mickve Israel was the first synagogue I have ever visited. It is only a short walking distance from the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. We found it to be rather interesting. Here we were as Baptists, in a Jewish synagogue, with a Methodist tour guide. Even with the diversity of the religious beliefs represented, we all could appreciate the beauty and charm the synagogue offers.
The tour guide was pleasant and informative, and eager to answer our questions. She explained the significance and uniqueness of the Torah schrolls, and allowed us to view inside the ark where they are carefully covered and kept. I read that a Sefer Torah, written entirely in Hebrew, contains 304,805 letters, all of which must be duplicated precisely by a trained scribe, and can take as long as approximately one and a half years to complete.
This was a wonderful cultural and educational experience for us. The sanctuary tour is free to the public. There is a $ 5.00 fee to tour the museum upstairs.

Beautiful Synagogue. I think its done in a neo gothic style architecture. I drove right past it a few times before I found it. One of the oldest congregations in the US.
I loved that friday night shabbat services were held outside in the summertime. Rabbi Belzer and the Congregation were so friendly and welcoming.
Oh and every year they hold a Jewish Food Festival in Forsyth Park. Shalom y’all!