I didn't know that!

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue, Charleston, SC  -  2013

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

Charleston is sometimes called "The Holy City" because of it's number of large, old churches. The city's skyline is literally dominated by steeples. We visited several of these houses of worship, including one Jewish synagogue, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, which means Holy Congregation House of God.

This congregation is the fourth oldest Jewish congregation in the United States after New York, Newport, and Savannah. The current building, built in 1840, is the oldest synagogue building in continuous use in the United States. This congregation is also the birthplace of Reform Judaism in this country.

The Greek Revival architecture of this building makes it fit right in with the other great houses of worship in Charleston. On our visit here last year, my camera was attracted by the beauty of the building, but while roaming around outside taking pictures, we were invited to come inside and take a tour.  It was my first visit inside a Jewish synagogue, and we were fascinated by the history of the Jews in Charleston, and this magnificent building. If you are spending some time in Charleston, KKBE is definitely worth a visit.