By Roni Fishkin

It’ s easy to think of Jewish travel as something that requires a passport – a heritage trip to Poland, a visit to Israel, or a journey through the great synagogues of Europe.

But sometimes, meaningful Jewish travel is found much closer to home. Just a few hours from Charlotte, Savannah, GA, offers a rich and often overlooked chapter of American Jewish history – one that blends Southern charm with a powerful story of religious freedom, resilience, and community. A Community That Helped Shape a City

Savannah’ s Jewish roots stretch back to 1733, when a group of 42 Jewish immigrants arrived just months after General James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia. Their presence helped establish one of the earliest Jewish communities in North America.

At the heart of that legacy is Congregation Mickve Israel, the third oldest Jewish congregation in the United States and the first in the state of Georgia.

Enter the striking Gothic-style synagogue – named one of the“ 15 Most Beautiful Synagogues in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler – and you immediately feel the weight of history. The Reform synagogue is not just a stunning building; it’ s a living testament to centuries

of Jewish life in the South. A museum houses treasured possessions, among them a Torah scroll brought by those original settlers, a powerful reminder that Jewish identity in America has deep and enduring roots.

Docent-led tours are an excellent way to visit. The experience lasts approximately 45 minutes and can be booked in advance at mickveisrael. org. More Than History – A Living Jewish Presence

What makes Savannah especially compelling is that its Jewish story isn’ t frozen in time.

Today, the city remains home to an active Jewish community, with multiple congregations, cultural organizations, and a calendar of events that reflect both tradition and contemporary life. It is a place where Jewish life has continued uninterrupted for nearly three centuries.

And, while Savannah isn’ t really known for a traditional Jewish food scene, the city’ s culinary culture reflects the same blending of histories that defines its Jewish community. Southern cuisine – shaped by generations of diverse influences – offers its own kind of storytelling.

For a classic Savannah experience, a meal at The Grey delivers elevated Southern cuisine inside a restored 1938 Art Deco Greyhound bus terminal. Dinner at Elizabeth’ s on 37th feels more intimate, a place where tradition

and refinement meet with quiet confidence. Or head to Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, where communal tables and shared dishes create the kind of easy conversation that feels instantly familiar to anyone who has gathered around a holiday table. For brunch, The Collins Quarter is not to be missed. Beyond the Jewish Experience

Of course, Savannah has many charms separate from its Jewish roots. Visitors enjoy spending time wandering the city’ s historic district. The area is known for its 22 leafy squares draped in Spanish moss. A stroll through Forsyth Park offers one of Savannah’ s most iconic views, while River Street provides a lively waterfront lined with shops, galleries, and river views.

History lovers may also want to explore Bonaventure Cemetery

, known for its haunting beauty and intricate sculptures – a place that, like much of Savannah, invites reflection on the layers of stories that came before. Planning Your Visit

Savannah is an easy long weekend trip from Charlotte, making it an ideal starting point for those interested in exploring Jewish travel closer to home.

The city boasts many great choices for accommodations, including Perry Lane – a boutique luxury hotel with a rooftop pool and bar. The Hotel Bardo, a Victorian-style mansion overlooking Forsyth Park, is another great option. Many other hotels are a short stroll from this part of town and the river. Airbnbs are also plentiful throughout the city. A few companies offer Jewish-themed tours throughout

the city. They can range from a walking tour lasting two to three hours to a multiday immersive experience for individuals and groups. Finding Jewish Connections Everywhere

One of the things I hope to explore in this column is how Jewish experiences can be woven into almost any itinerary – sometimes in obvious ways and sometimes in more unexpected ones.

Savannah is a perfect example. You don’ t need to travel across the globe to feel connected to Jewish history, culture, and community. Sometimes, those connections are waiting just a short drive away – and in places that surprise you.

Roni Fishkin, a 30-year veteran of the travel industry with Mann Travels, Frosch and Chase Travel, has visited more than 60 countries. You can contact her at roni. fishkin @ me. com.