Jewish Roots: The Synagogue & Cemetery Tour

At-A-Glance

Duration - 3 hrs

Price - $375 for 1 or 2 people (+$50 for each additional guest, up to 7 total)

Schedule - Custom based on site availability. Give us a call or hit the “Request a Tour” button above to start planning.

Included in your visit:

  • Local insights into Charleston’s layered history — with a spotlight on Jewish life, legacy, and landmarks woven throughout the tour.

  • Private tour and entry to Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE), the oldest continuously used synagogue in the U.S. and the birthplace of American Reform Judaism.

  • Private tour and entry to the historic Coming Street Cemetery, the oldest Jewish burial ground in the South.

  • Concise driving tour highlighting historic Sephardic & Ashkenazi Jewish sites downtown

  • Complimentary transportation throughout in a premium SUV, including pickup and drop-off at your downtown Charleston hotel.*

  • Cold bottled water and light refreshments

  • With every tour, you help us give back — a portion of our profits supports Charleston’s local Jewish community

Want to learn more about the sites visited on this tour? See here.

Synagogue Note: This tour includes KKBE synagogue by default, with the option to substitute with Brith Sholom Beth Israel (BSBI), the oldest Ashkenazi Orthodox synagogue in continuous use in the U.S. and cornerstone of “Little Jerusalem.”

Tour Overview

This private tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Charleston’s historic downtown, where you’ll ride in comfort as your licensed, certified guide sets the stage with rich storytelling en route.

First, you’ll explore the sanctuary of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim — the oldest continuously used synagogue in the United States and the birthplace of American Reform Judaism. We’ll walk through its stunning architecture and uncover the legacy of Charleston’s founding Sephardic Jewish community — as well as the vibrant, welcoming congregation that continues to thrive there today.

Next, we’ll visit the Coming Street Cemetery, the oldest Jewish burial ground in the South, where gravestones from the 1700s tell the stories of rabbis, patriots, and early settlers who helped shape Charleston’s Jewish identity.

Throughout the experience, you'll see historic Sephardic & Ashkenazi Jewish sites downtown, as well as hear intriguing stories that connect Jewish Charleston to the broader American narrative — stories of resilience, reform, and reinvention, including the contributions of Jewish African Americans and the complex, often uncomfortable truths about Jewish participation in both slavery and the Civil War.

This is a meaningful, immersive journey through history, guided at your pace and curated just for you. Cold bottled water, thoughtful extras, and deep local insight are all included to ensure a seamless, elevated experience.

Tour Note:

The cemetery terrain includes uneven ground and some narrow pathways. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. While cold bottled water is provided, guests visiting in warmer months may wish to bring additional hydration or sun protection. Tours operate rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. In cases of severe or unsafe weather, we will contact you to reschedule or issue a refund.

Vehicle Note:

This private tour is conducted in a premium SUV with one front passenger seat and two bench-style rows in the back. It’s most comfortable for up to 4 adults, but can accommodate up to 7 guests total (ideal for families with children). Please contact us if you have questions about seating or group size. See our fleet here.

Cancellation Policy:

We understand plans change. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour are fully refundable. Within 24 hours, tours are nonrefundable.

*Not sure if your hotel qualifies for pickup and dropoff? Please reach out with any questions — we're happy to help confirm.

Looking to enhance your experience? Consider adding a visit to the Jewish Heritage Collection at the College of Charleston—home to original documents, photographs, and oral histories that bring Charleston’s Jewish history to life.

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