Give me that old time religion

Marker from Synagogue in Charleston.You can't take God out of the pledge and still be welcomed in the south.  God's buildings are everywhere.  Churches in every denomination, and synagogues also.  The oldest synagogues and congregations are in Savannah and in Charleston--and they are active, thriving, and have spawned additional temples nearby and across town.  That old joke about two Jews, and three synagogues applies here.  There's the temple you belong to, and the temples you would never belong to.

Savannah has reform, in continuous prayerful congregation since 1733 when a group of 43 Jews, primarily Sephardic, arrived about a ship from England.  They were able to remain in Savannah, which didn't allow slaves, Papists, or Jews, because a doctor was among them, the doctor who was responsible for saving the colonists who were dying in vast numbers from cholera and dysentery.  Charleston was more welcoming and Jewish merchants thrived, as did profiteers who sold goods to both sides during the Civil War and became millionaires, even then.  

In Charleston, the synagogue existed along with a myriad of Protestant churches and church of England, but Papists weren't welcomed.  The Jewish congregation purchased a large piece of land directly across the street from the synagogue and donated it to the Catholics for their church.  The two religious edifices continue to exist facing one another on Hassell Street (Pronounced Hazel Street).  I wondered if the Jews hadn't helped the Catholics simply so they wouldn't be the only underdogs in Charleston.  With a Catholic Church in plain site, there were plenty of scapegoats to deflect the racism. Pretty clever if you ask me.

A landmark of Charleston is Hyman's Seafood--a must stop in any Charleston tour.  What I didn't know, is that Hyman's Seafood is also known as Aaron's Deli, two menus, same family ownership.  Great grandfather W. M. Karesh, a Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe, began as a wholesaler in 1890.  He sold underwear and other "schmatas".  Wolf Maier Karesh's son-in-law, Herman Hyman took over in 1924, passed the wholesale business to his son who sold wholesale dry goods until 1986--same location close to Charleston's harbor.  Herman lives above the current location on the 3rd floor. The name and mission changed when the area underwent some remodeling and grandsons Eli and Aaron Hyman opened Hyman's Seafood and Aaron's Deli.  Today, the fifth generation, Brad (we met him today when he came by to see how we were enjoying the meal, we were) operates the restaurants which serve even a Glatt Kosher meal (prepared and sealed by Chabad with all proceeds going to Chabad).  Six cousins work at the restaurant and one or more are always in attendance.  There are two floors of dining tables in this casual atmosphere, a line of sauces and batter for sale, and the most amazing hush puppies this Northerner has ever eaten--and they just keep coming.

For me, what I've been touched by is that being Jewish doesn't seem to be an after thought.  So many of us are not affiliated, but here, in smaller population centers, the old time religions still resonate.  Savannah's reform temple hosts two deer skin Torahs from the 12th century which are held in great regard and on continual display in cases close to the silver belt of names of young adults confirmed each year engraved in silver and added to the belt since 1935.  There's tradition here, in the synagogues, and certainly in the First African church we visited on Thursday.  

Hyman's Seafood/Aaron's Deli  Continued commitment to Israel 

The south may not appear so sophisticated, although there are theaters with current Broadway touring companies, art museums with extensive, well archived exhibits, and homes in every price range from mobile to mansion.   (BTY plenty of Charleston water front homes in the $4 million dollar range for sale, check your Wall Street Journal real estate section.)

Our politicians need to be sensitive to the commitment of millions to their Churches and Temples, to including God in their lives 24/7.  Instead of pushing a very liberal agenda, we need to engage in conversation and bring folks along, even those who might now believe that alternative lifestyles are immoral.  Beliefs can change, but not by imposing those changes, by inviting discussion, by taking baby steps with hands open, not fisted.

Our thanks to dear friend George Bowen who has welcomed us to his beautiful Savannah home by the tide water.  Thank you George.    Your hospitality has been so warm, we may just have to come back, y'hear.    

PS  I broke down and bought a t-shirt:   Shalom Y'all      How could I resist.