Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine APRIL 2019 | Page 670

St . Thomas
Synagogue
One of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere, a tile-covered sandy fl oor
will greet you upon entry. The sand symbolizes the desert across which the Israelites
fl ed after they left Egypt. Getting there is a steep up-hill climb from downtown Charlotte
Amalie, roughly fi ve minutes, and an interesting date with history awaits at the top
of Synagogue Hill. A Rabbi will be the history teacher and you will be enthralled by
the lesson he gives, which includes information on when fi rst synagogue was built in
1803, the signifi cance of the ark and other stories about the historical building. There
are some artifacts here also such as a Menorah from the year 1100 and a Torah from
the year 1600. A gift shop is also on site. This is surely a worth-while place to visit.
It is open to visitors:
Monday-Thursday: 9am-4pm
Friday: 9am-3pm
Entry is free but donations are welcomed.
Click here to learn more.
Visit the USVI
www.visitusvi.com
Photo Credit: Kate J.