st. thomas synagogue

I learned so much from Diane about the history of the Jewish religion in the Carribean. The walk up the hill is intimidating but well worth it. The Synagoue is interesting with the sand floor but hearing Diane tell you about the sand floor and everything that has happened is a must if you have an extra hour on the island.

One of the oldest synagogues in the western hemisphere. A reminder that Charlotte Amalie is so much more than cruise ships and jewelry stores. It was a lively multicultural port city.

This synagogue was open which is a rarity in these strange political times we live in. The symbolic sand on the floor was most remarkable, the view outside is wonderful. Just walking to the synagogue is Worth a visit in itself. The hillside is more like a norwegian walk in Bergen, but the heat is different!

The Synagogue hadn't been on our must-do list, but we had some time to kill so we took a walk to see it. It was a little hard to find (we came from a different direction and missed the signs apparently), and also up a big hill, but well worth it. It is beautiful.

This is one of the oldest synagogues in the western hemisphere , something to be seen. It has a very unusual characteristics, it has a sand floor !

If your into History, be sure to stop here. Its an up-hill walk to get here, but its down hill when leaving. It made me feel Peaceful and relaxed. Good place to set and think about your life.

This is the second oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, and it was well worth the visit. The floor is sand, and the warmth and charm of the sanctuary are immediately apparent. There historical information is quite interesting. I highly recommend taking the time to visit and learn and the history of the Jews in St. Thomas.

Meaning the Congregation of Blessing, Peace and Loving Deeds, the congregation was founded in 1796 and is the oldest Hebrew congregation in the United States and the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere. The current synagogue building, located on Crystal Gade, two blocks north of Main Street and one block west of Raadets Gade, built in 1833 and restored in 2000, is open to visitors Mon –Fri from 9am to 4pm. Inside, key items of interest include a domed ceiling, beautiful chandeliers, mahogany pews and sand floors. When we stopped in, a Bar Mitzvah for a young man from Chicago was just beginning; the Rabbi welcomed the visitors to stay as she explained the history of the congregation, how it was founded by Sephardic Jews and the floor was covered in sand as part of their tradition dating back to the Spanish Inquisition when they covered the floor with sand to muffle the sounds of dancing and celebration to avoid detection. Adjacent to the synagogue is the free (donations welcome) Weibel Museum, also open Mon – Fri from 9am to 4pm, which displays items from the long history of the small St Thomas Jewish community. If you are on a walking tour of historic Charlotte Amalie, you probably arrived here from either Main Street or the St Thomas Reformed Church. To continue the walking tour from the synagogue, return to Main Street and turn right, heading west, to Market Square and the last official stop of the walking tour.

This synagogue, the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere,is situated high on a hill overlooking Charlotte Amalie. Interesting historical artifacts.

The synagogue and all of its exhibits really told the history of the Jewish community in St. Thomas. But the best part was the talk by the cantor that really brought the history to life-not to be missed. The walk up Synagogue hill is worth it!

It was a delight to visit. The sanctuary is lovely and there is a little museum in the back. The gift shop is a must to check out. There are some neat items made in St Thomas as well as items made by artisans from around the world.

it is the oldest synagogue in Usa, i believe, floor covered in sand ,just like it was one time, like it should be, lot of thing change , but still it is suggested to visit.

I attended a service at the synagogue. It is very historic interesting with a sand floor. The people were warm and inviting. We were invited to an after service get-together. I returned several times to show visiting friends. worth the walk up the hill!!

This is a historical site which will be of interest to all visitors to Charlotte Amalie whether you are Jewish or not. It is the second oldest Synagogue in the Western Hemisphere (after Curacao) founded over 300 years ago.Still in use by the over 70 Jewish families living in St Thomas, it is beautifully kept and a calm oasis just a short walk up from the Main town street. There is usually one member of the community to show you around and give some personal explanations and there is additionally a small museum at the rear of the Synagogue which houses a well set out history of Jewish settlement in St Thomas.Ask for the Holy Ark to be opened for you and see the absolutely beautiful Torah Scrolls. Three of these scrolls date back over 200 years and one was written in 1771. There is also a scroll recovered from Czechoslovakia after the 2nd world war still bearing its Nazi reference number.If your Cruise ship docks in Charlotte Amalie, it will be worth your time to divert from your shopping to walk up the short street to see this interesting attraction.Entrance is free but a small donation was appreciated. There is an adjoining shop which sells some interesting gift items, some of which are made on the island.

Our whole visit took less than 30 minutes. It took longer for us to find the place (there is a VERY steep road) than our actual visit. Very small gift shop with pricey souvenirs. Lots of nooks and crannies with steps that may not be suitable for visitors who use canes or who have difficulty walking. No guide was available although passengers from a cruise ship and other tourists stopped by. You are on your own to walk through the synagogue and read the displays.