summer 2004 newsletter - Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina

PAGE 14JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH CAROLINACharleston boasts one of the oldest Jewish communitiesin America. Just 40 years after a boatload of refugees fromRecife, Brazil, sailed into the port of New Amsterdam, Jewsbegan making their presence felt in the young colony of Carolina.In 1697, four Jewish men secured the rights of citizenship; in1749, Charles Town’s Jews founded Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim;and by 1800, the port city counted more Jews than any placeelse in the United States.This landmark conference commemorates both the 350thanniversary of Jewish settlement in America, and the 150thanniversary of Charleston’s Orthodox congregation Brith SholomBeth Israel. The weekend also marks the 10th anniversary of thefounding of the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina. TheSouthern Jewish Historical Society and JHSSC have put togetheran extraordinary array of scholarly and social events. Charlestonis proud of the close working relationship among its synagoguesand rabbis. KKBE, BSBI, and Emanu-El are all participating inthe programs. Offerings include tours of Charleston andSavannah, lectures and panel discussions featuring prominentscholars, Shabbat services, book signings, and a gala musicalconcert. The weekend will conclude on Sunday with a rededicationof BSBI, and a community block party at Marion Square.RELIGIOUS HARMONYA CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITYmarion square parksunday, october 31, 20041:30 - 5:00pmfree and open to the publicFEATURING:LAMA LO!, THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTONGOSPEL CHOIR, NA FIDLIERI,JEWISH CHORAL SOCIETY, CHARLESTONCHILDREN’S CHORUS, ARTS AND CRAFTS,FOOD VENDORS, CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIESAND MUCH MORE.CO-SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF CHARLESTONAND THE YASCHIK/ARNOLD JEWISH STUDIES PROGRAM AT THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTONARTWORK COURTESY OF BEA AARONSON