Georgia has one of the oldest continuous Jewish communities in the United States, with Jewish settlers arriving in Savannah in 1733, just months after the colony was founded. Today, visitors can explore centuries of Jewish life woven into the state’s culture.
📍 Key Cities & Sites
Savannah
- Congregation Mickve Israel (1733)
- One of the oldest Jewish congregations in America and the only Gothic-style synagogue in the U.S. (built in 1878). The sanctuary tour includes a small museum with rare historical Judaica.
- Jewish Archives at the Georgia Historical Society
- Holds documents from Georgia’s Jewish history, including family records, photographs, and artifacts.
- Historic District Walking Tours
- Some local tours highlight Jewish merchants, settlers, and their role in Savannah’s growth.
Atlanta
- The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum
- Features exhibits on Jewish life in the South, Holocaust education, and rotating cultural shows.
- The Temple (Hebrew Benevolent Congregation)
- Founded in 1867, this Reform synagogue is a landmark of civil rights history and Jewish life in Atlanta.
- Marcus Jewish Community Center
- A hub for Jewish cultural and community events.
- Kosher Dining
- Atlanta offers several kosher restaurants, bakeries, and markets (like Pita Grille and Kosher Gourmet).
Augusta
Congregation Children of Israel
Congregation Children of Israel
- Established in 1845, one of Georgia’s historic Reform congregations.
- Augusta Jewish Museum (in development)
- Housed in a former synagogue, with plans to highlight Jewish history in Augusta and the South.
Columbus
- Congregation Shearith Israel (est. 1854)
- A Reform congregation with deep roots in the community.
🗺️ Jewish Heritage Trails
- Savannah Jewish Walking Tour – Guided experiences through the historic district focusing on Jewish merchants, homes, and civic contributions.
- Southern Jewish Experience – Regional tours sometimes include Georgia stops along with neighboring states.
✡️ Annual Events & Festivals
- Atlanta Jewish Film Festival – The largest Jewish film festival in the world.
- Jewish Food & Culture Festivals – Hosted in Atlanta, Savannah, and other cities, featuring traditional foods, music, and community life.
🍽️ Food & Culture
- Kosher Options: Available mostly in Atlanta, with some in Savannah.
- Southern-Jewish Fusion: Expect to find Jewish delis serving Southern twists on bagels, brisket, and fried chicken.
🧭 Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) for Savannah’s azalea blooms and Atlanta festivals, or fall (September–November) for pleasant weather and cultural events.
- Shabbat Services: Many synagogues welcome visitors; it’s best to contact in advance.
- Research Beforehand: Smaller towns may have historic synagogues no longer in active use, but worth visiting for heritage.