Rhode Island Council for the Humanities

Faith, Family & Freedom: Lives of Early Jews in Colonial Rhode Island

This presentation offers participants the opportunity to better understand the founding principle of 'Religious Freedom' in early Rhode Island, but from the perspective of Jewish merchants and families arriving as early as 1658. While Jews were tolerated as a minority religious group in Rhode Island, there were significant social and political restrictions that would not be changed until well after the American Revolution and through a historic proclamation of religious liberty and visit by President George Washington to Newport's Hebrew Congregation in 1790. Participants will also learn how Colonial Jews would greatly influence Newport's economic, civic and religious well-being.

Keith Stokes is the Executive Director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce and is a national advisor representing Rhode Island with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He is also Vice President for the Board of Directors of the Society of Friends of Touro Synagogue

Mr. Stokes is a descendant of Newport's early African American and Jewish families.