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Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas: A Living Treasure

Discover a historic synagogue in St. Thomas with sand floors, rich history, and beautiful architecture, a testament to Caribbean Jewish heritage.

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The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, nestled in Charlotte Amalie, is a historic synagogue and a testament to the enduring Jewish presence in the Caribbean. Founded in 1796, the synagogue boasts a unique blend of Caribbean materials and architectural styles, including a sand floor reminiscent of Spanish Conversos seeking refuge during the Inquisition.

A brief summary to Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas

  • Monday 10 am-2 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-2 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-2 pm
  • Friday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Check the synagogue's hours before visiting, as it operates on a limited weekday schedule.
  • Tours are free, but donations are encouraged to support the synagogue's preservation.
  • Dress modestly when visiting this sacred space.
  • Explore the Weibel Museum in the back foyer to learn about the history of the St. Thomas Jewish community.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Hebrew Congregation is located two blocks north of Main Street in Charlotte Amalie, up a hill on Crystal Gade, also known as "Synagogue Hill". From Main Street, walk north, away from the waterfront, for a few minutes. All shopkeepers on Main Street can provide directions. There is no parking immediately in front of the synagogue.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near the Hebrew Congregation, including routes 101, 102, 201, 301, and 401. The nearest bus stop is Veterans Dve. / Forte Strade (U.S. Coast Guard), an 8-minute walk away. From the bus stop, walk along Veteran's Drive and turn onto Krystal Gade to reach the synagogue.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout St. Thomas. From the cruise ship docks, a taxi ride to the synagogue takes approximately 15-20 minutes. A taxi from Charlotte Amalie to St. Thomas costs $13-$16. Specify that you wish to be dropped off at the door of the Synagogue, as some drivers may drop passengers off at the bottom of the hill.

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Discover more about Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas

The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, also known as Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Hasadim (Blessing and Peace and Acts of Piety), stands as a beacon of Jewish history and resilience in the heart of Charlotte Amalie. Founded in 1796 by Jews of Spanish and Portuguese descent, the congregation is one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere and the oldest in continuous use under the American flag. The synagogue's architecture is a captivating blend of Caribbean materials, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival styles, and traditional Jewish features. Built in 1833, its walls are constructed from rubble masonry, using a mortar of sand, limestone, and molasses, which symbolizes the sweetness of Torah. The interior is adorned with locally sourced mahogany pews, an Ark crowned with stone tablets, and Baccarat crystal candelabra. Perhaps the most distinctive feature is its sand floor, a poignant reminder of the Spanish Conversos who muffled their prayers in basement synagogues during the Inquisition. Visitors can explore the Weibel Memorial Museum, located in the back foyer, which showcases the rich history of the St. Thomas Jewish community. The synagogue offers tours and welcomes visitors to experience its unique atmosphere and learn about its fascinating past. The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas has been an active member of the Union for Reform Judaism since 1947. The synagogue miraculously survived a devastating hurricane, though the social hall and rabbi's home were destroyed. Today, it stands as a National Historic Landmark, a testament to the enduring spirit of Judaism in the Caribbean.

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