Southern Expedition – The Jews of the South

Arrive in Charleston, SC, where you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the historic Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) Synagogue. Begin your journey with a guided tour and orientation as our expert introduces you to Charleston's vibrant Jewish history and unique Southern charm. In the afternoon, continue on a panoramic coach tour through Charleston's cobblestone streets, historic districts, secret gardens, and stately homes. Discover iconic landmarks, antebellum architecture, and Revolutionary and Civil War heritage. Evening at leisure or enjoy a relaxed stroll along King Street and the Charleston City Market.

Begin the day with a visit to the Coming Street Cemetery, the oldest and largest Jewish cemetery in the South. Learn about the Jewish families who shaped Charleston during colonial and antebellum times. Continue to the Nathaniel Russell House, where a docent from the Historic Charleston Foundation will walk us through this elegant 19th-century mansion and the lives of its former residents—both free and enslaved. In the afternoon, explore the College of Charleston, home to the Pearlstine/Lipov Center for Southern Jewish Culture. Professors and curators will share rare documents and insights from the Jewish Heritage Collection at Addlestone Library. Evening activity: USS Yorktown Ghost Tour – Board the famed WWII aircraft carrier for a thrilling nighttime tour blending history, heroism, and haunting legends.

Early morning departure by luxury coach to Savannah, Georgia, for a day filled with rich Jewish and Southern heritage. Highlights include: Old Savannah Trolley Tour – A narrated citywide tour through Savannah's historic squares and cobblestone lanes; Guided visit to Congregation Mickve Israel – The third-oldest Jewish congregation in America, featuring the oldest Torah scrolls in the U.S. and priceless artifacts; Delicious Kosher lunch and dinner in Savannah; Scenic stroll along Savannah's River Street, where historic cotton warehouses now house shops, galleries, and waterfront views. In the late afternoon, travel to Beaufort, SC for a brief walking tour and visit to Beth Israel Synagogue (built 1908), followed by free time to browse local boutiques before returning to Charleston in the evening.

Start the day with a visit to Hobcaw Barony, a 17,500-acre estate once owned by Jewish financier Bernard Baruch. Learn about Belle Baruch's vision for ecological preservation and enjoy a kosher picnic lunch on the scenic grounds. Next, explore Boone Hall Plantation, one of the country's oldest working farms. Walk the breathtaking Avenue of Oaks, and tour preserved slave dwellings while learning about the Gullah culture and the site's complex past. Evening activity: "The Sound of Charleston" Concert – Enjoy a stirring live performance featuring spirituals, gospel, Civil War anthems, jazz, and selections from Gershwin.

Our final morning begins with a visit to Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue, Charleston's active Orthodox shul, for a closing reflection and group wrap-up. Afterward, transfer to Charleston International Airport for departure flights.