Charleston’s Jewish History

For over 130 years, Charleston had the largest Jewish population of any city in what is now the United States, even more than New York.

Jewish life in Charleston began in the 1690s, when Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal arrived via London, Amsterdam, and the Caribbean. Drawn by the promise of religious freedom and economic opportunity, they quickly became part of the city’s civic and commercial fabric. In 1749, they established Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE), today the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the United States. KKBE is also recognized as the birthplace of American Reform Judaism, where congregants began advocating for changes such as the inclusion of women in religious services. Like their non-Jewish neighbors, many early Jewish Charlestonians participated in and benefited from the institution of slavery — and later supported the Confederacy during the Civil War.

In the 1800s, waves of Ashkenazi Jews from Central and Eastern Europe added new layers to Charleston’s Jewish community, bringing with them diverse traditions and perspectives that enriched the city’s religious and cultural life. Jewish Charlestonians became merchants, educators, and public officials. Charleston was a beacon of light and hope for Jewish communities around the world.

Most of Charleston’s 19th-century Jewish life was centered in a neighborhood known as “Little Jerusalem,” where Jewish families lived, worshipped, and built lasting institutions. This area was home to Brith Sholom Beth Israel (BSBI), the oldest Ashkenazi Orthodox synagogue in continuous use in the United States, and bustled with Jewish-owned businesses well into the 20th century. Today, the streets of Little Jerusalem still echo with the legacy of a Jewish community that played a defining role in shaping both Charleston and American Jewish history.

See some of the top Jewish historical sites in Charleston here, or browse our Signature, Classic, or Custom Tours to see the sites where history unfolded.

Select photos of KKBE courtesy of Steven Hyatt and Chris & Cami Photography, LLC.