N
Gary Weinstein Jewish tour
This tour was a highlight while visiting Charleston. Gary is so knowledgeable about the impact of the Jewish community in Charleston. We learned so much and loved seeing that part of town. Highly recommend it!
Jewish History Private Walking Tour of Charleston
+3 photos
Description
Charleston History. Jewish Soul. Charleston was home to the largest Jewish community in the U.S. until the 1820s — even surpassing New York. Experience iconic landmarks and hidden gems on a private tour that weaves Jewish heritage into the broader story of Charleston. We will explore a fascinating stretch of Charleston’s historic core, visiting homes once owned by Jewish merchants, including a steamship magnate and a successful clothier, as well as the site of America’s first Jewish-owned pharmacy. You’ll also see the Hebrew Orphan Society building and stroll past the colorful facades of Rainbow Row. As we walk, we’ll reflect on the vital role of African Americans in Charleston’s Jewish story and the complex legacy of Jewish involvement in both the city’s slave economy and the Civil War. This is more than a history tour—it’s a meaningful exploration of Jewish identity, community, and continuity in Charleston, led with insight, care, and a storyteller’s heart.
Tour Options
Itinerary
See the Farmers & Exchange Bank Building, Charleston best example of Moorish Revival architecture, built by prominent Sephardic Jewish Charlestonian David Lopez
Learn about Dock Street Theater, once owned by Milton Pearlstine, and pass by the Sasportas Tenements, once owned by prominent French-Jewish privateer and Revolutionary War soldier Abraham Sasportas
Hear the story of Francis Salvador, the first Jewish person to die in the American Revolution (also known as the "Paul Revere of the South")
See Dr. Jacob de la Motta's former pharmacy, which became the first Jewish-owned pharmacy in the U.S, as well as the Hebrew Orphan Society, the oldest incorporated Jewish charity in the U.S.
Hear the stories of business magnate and Confederate Moses Cohen Mordecai, as well as pass the home of Isaac Harby, one of the leaders of the American Reform Judaism movement
Highlights
Government Fees
What's included
Included
Government Fees
Traveller Ratings
5.0
8 reviews
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(8)
B
Don't miss this Fantastic tour! Gary was so personable and easily understood in his presentation!
We did the 2 hour Footsteps Tour and it was fantastic. Gary was insanely knowledgeable, fun, and an engaging guide. The history is remarkable and Gary nailed it. Ronnie was very responsive and accomodating in making sure we could get on the schedule. They were both professional and all around great guys! Thank you so much CJT I will be back!
9
Terrific Tour of Jewish Charleston
Ronnie Ludwin did a magnificent job touring my wife and I around Charleston. The tour included both driving and walking around. I had no idea of the rich Jewish history of Charleston - which continues to this day! If I could give this review six stars I would.
D
Fantastic Walking Tour and Guide
Ronnie was the ideal tour guide! Knowledgeable, friendly and flexible. We had a three hour customized walking tour and it was the highlight of our trip!
Q
Do not miss this gem of a tour!
I took Ronnie’s Jewish walking tour in Charleston and it was truly exceptional. I learned more than I ever imagined — layers of history I didn’t even know I didn’t know. His knowledge, detail, and storytelling are on another level. I could’ve spent hours more listening to him. This was one of the most unexpectedly moving and fascinating experiences I’ve had in Charleston. Do not miss this tour.
J
A Much Worthwhile Experience
I visited Charleston recently after not having visited there since 1989 and was very glad I connected with Ronnie of Charleston Jewish Tours for a walking tour of the city. I already knew a bit about Charleston’s synagogues and Civil War history, but had no idea of the extent of Jewish history, heritage and culture - not to mention American history - existing there. Ronnie greatly impressed me with his knowledge, speaking skills and presentation and how well he fielded any and all questions. His clearly has done much research on the city’s American and Jewish history which was evident throughout the tour. He had no need for notes or prepared scripts as I have experienced with other tour guides. He covered lots of bases including local history, recent history, the synagogues, the churches, the cemeteries, architecture, local eateries, etc. You name it! I now have family and friends living in the Charleston area, and when I next visit them I will definitely plan another tour with Ronnie, perhaps one of his driving tours. I highly recommend Charleston Jewish Tours.
4
Great tour of Jewish Charleston
Right from the beginning Ronnie delivered a very well organized, informative, tour of Jewish Charleston. He started on time which I appreciated and we learned a great deal about the city and its history. Along the way, Ronnie pointed out architecture, restaurants and so much more. I highly recommend his tours.
J
Charlestons Jewish History
Ronnie was very engaging and so knowledgeable for such a new guide and new tour company. I’m a docent at KKBE and still learned things I didn’t know. He covered a lot of Charleston’s history, answered everyone’s questions, and was concerned with everyone’s well being due to the heat. I highly recommend taking this tour.
1 people found this helpful
