TSF Newport
TSF Newport will continue to teach and promote religious diversity, equality, and the American history of the separation of church and state. By focusing on education, we hope that people of all ages can learn about the richness of this country’s religious heritage, thereby fostering dialogue and understanding among individuals of diverse backgrounds and faiths.
Touro Synagogue
Genesis of Religious Freedom in America
In 1663, King Charles II of England granted a Royal Charter for the colony of Rhode Island. This charter which the King called “a lively experiment,” took twelve years to obtain but ultimately gave the colonists the official right to pray freely and self-govern. Rhode Island was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams on the principle of “soul liberty” – the right not only to choose your own religious beliefs but to openly practice those beliefs (or to not practice religion at all) without interference. Elsewhere in colonial America, minority religious practices were discouraged and frequently banned, and attendance at “official” church services was often mandatory.
In his 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, President George Washington stated that religious freedom was an inherent natural right. Rhode Island’s history of “liberty of conscience” or freedom of religion and Touro Synagogue standing as a symbol of religious freedom for all Americans reflect two fundamental tenets of American democracy: the separation of church and state and the right of individuals to practice (or not practice) their religion.
TSF Newport
Originally known as The Society of Friends of Touro Synagogue, then Touro Synagogue Foundation, and now TSF Newport, the organization was established in 1948 following the designation of Touro Synagogue as a National Historic Site. TSF Newport is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to promoting and teaching religious diversity, equality, and the American history of the separation of church and state.
TSF Newport advances understanding of the nation’s religious heritage by offering history presentations, guided tours, and educational programs for all ages. Through collaborations with the George Washington Institute for Religious Freedom, the National Park Service, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Foundation seeks to foster meaningful dialogue and understanding among people of diverse backgrounds and faiths.
The George Washington Letter Reading
Every summer, on the third Sunday in August, TSF Newport hosts the George Washington Letter Reading, an event honoring our nation’s heritage of religious freedom. George Washington’s 1790 letter to “To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island,” was written during his first trip to the state as President and affirmed the new national government’s commitment to the free exercise of religious choice.
The 2026 Letter Reading will take place on August 16.
Slom Scholarship Guidelines & Application
The Aaron and Rita Slom Scholarship Fund for Freedom and Diversity was created in March of 2003 in honor of Aaron and Rita Slom’s 50th wedding anniversary by their friends and family. The fund provides a minimum of two college scholarships for high school seniors. Those interested in applying must submit an interpretive written work focusing on the George Washington Letter in context with the present time. Learn more.
Annual Meeting
The 2026 Annual Meeting of the Touro Synagogue Foundation will take place on August 16.
