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The Incredible, Unknown Story of Judah Touro
Touro Law Center in New York. Photo: Wiki Commons.
There are synagogues, streets, a hospital, and a major Jewish university system named after Judah Touro. His name is associated with the highest level of charity for both Jewish and secular institutions. But few people know his remarkable life story.
Judah Touro was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on June 16, 1775, to Chazan Isaac Touro and Reyna Hays.
His father, Chazan Isaac Touro, was born in Amsterdam in 1738. He migrated to the New World in 1758 at the age of 20. In 1760, Chazan Touro was appointed as the spiritual leader of Yeshuat Yisrael in Newport, one of the first Portuguese Sephardic congregations in the American colonies.
Under the leadership of Chazan Touro, Yeshuat Yisrael constructed a new synagogue building, which today is the oldest synagogue building in the United States with daily services. (It is the second oldest synagogue after Congregation Shearith Israel, the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, in New York City.) Chazan Touro was a close friend of leading Colonial academic and the future President of Yale College, Ezra Stiles.
Shortly after the outbreak of the American Revolution, Newport was taken by the British, and the Jewish supporters of the revolution fled. The synagogue closed, and Chazan Touro ran with his family to Kingston, Jamaica. He died there on December 8, 1783. Subsequently, Judah’s mother returned to the United States with her children, welcomed by her brother, Moses Michael Hays, who had helped found Boston’s first bank. She died in 1787, and Hays became the guardian of the Touro children. He raised them and later trained them in his business.
At the age of 22, Judah Touro successfully oversaw the sale of a valuable shipment to the Mediterranean, indicative of his early financial and business acumen.
Starting Anew in New Orleans
In 1801, Touro left for New Orleans, located in the French territory of Louisiana, which was then a small town of approximately 10,000 inhabitants and home to only a handful of Jews. Some conjecture that he moved because he had asked his uncle for permission to marry his daughter, Catherine Hays, but his uncle did not agree. Touro never married, but his move to New Orleans brought with it tremendous financial success.
Through hard work, frugal living, and conservative investments, Touro became one of New Orleans’ wealthiest men. Commenting on the small apartment he lived in, he observed, “I have saved a fortune by strict economy, while others had spent one by their liberal expenditures.”
He was confident New Orleans would grow and invested in properties that he bought for cash, on which he built buildings and then collected rent. The Louisiana Purchase encouraged the region’s growth, and he continued to prosper.
In the War of 1812, he volunteered with the Louisiana Militia under Andrew Jackson. He was seriously wounded during the Battle of New Orleans and was left for dead. A Christian friend and fellow soldier, Rezin Shepherd, found him and saved his life. Touro and Shepherd would remain close for the rest of their lives.
Little Connection to Judaism
Touro’s name will always be remembered as one of the foremost in American Jewish philanthropy. However, what is not well known is that until he was almost 70, he had little connection to Judaism or to the Jewish community. He had inherited traditions from his parents, but the connection was so weak that his charity was overwhelmingly directed to non-Jewish and even Christian causes.
There are records of charity he gave for churches, almshouses, an infirmary for sailors suffering from yellow fever, and for the relief of victims of a large fire in Mobile, Alabama.
He donated generously to American causes and funded the purchase of the Old Stone Mill in Newport, so that the historic landmark could be given to the town. In 1840, Touro gave $10,000 to complete the Bunker Hill Monument, which had been floundering for years. In fact, there is a fascinating poem by America’s great orator, Daniel Webster, at the dedication ceremonies in 1843, thanking Touro and Amos Lawrence for their funding of this monument:
Amos and Judah—venerated names
Patriarch and prophet press their equal claims.
Like generous coursers running “neck to neck,”
Each aids the work by giving it a check,
Christian and Jews, they carry out one plan,
For though of different faith, each is in heart a Man.
One of Judah Touro’s few Jewish donations from his early years was $20,000 (approximately $1 million in today’s currency) given to the Jewish Hospital in New York City, now known as Mount Sinai Hospital.
The Power of Caring
In 1840, Gershom Kursheedt arrived in New Orleans from New York. This seemingly innocuous event would result in Judah Touro, then in his early 70s, becoming an observant Jew later in life, a very rare occurrence in those days.
Gershom Kursheedt was born in 1817 in Richmond, Virginia to a distinguished rabbinical family. His father was Rabbi Israel Baer Kursheedt, and his mother, Sarah Abigail, was the daughter of Rabbi Gershom Mendes Seixas, the renowned spiritual leader of Congregation Shearith Israel in New York for fifty years. Gershom’s father had studied in the yeshiva of Rabbi Nosson Adler and was possibly the first Ashkenazi Torah Scholar to come to America.
Young Gershom was known for his passion for Jewish learning and Jewish causes. He was a student of Rabbi Isaac Lesser, one of the most renowned Jewish leaders in colonial America.
Kursheedt had moved to New Orleans to work in his uncle’s retail business. He was horrified at the lack of Jewish observance by Jews there. Intent on changing things, he managed to persuade Touro to fund a new synagogue that would be built on the Torah values of Touro’s parents. Touro agreed to purchase a building, which was then renovated into a synagogue that could seat 470 people.
Step by step, Touro became more invested in the synagogue and, as a result, more invested in his own Judaism. With the encouragement of Kursheedt and Rabbi Leeser, Touro agreed to pay the salary of Rabbi Moses Nathan to serve as the shul’s rabbi. After the shul’s dedication in 1849, Touro began to attend prayer services regularly. He also built a school next to the shul in 1851.
Incredibly, within a few years, Judah Touro became a completely observant Jew. Testimony to his Sabbath observance is seen in a letter he wrote, thanking local firemen for their valiant help in rescuing one of his properties from a fire. He ends the letter by saying, “Saturday, on which the fire occurred, being my Sabbath, has prevented me from sending this until this morning.”
A Battle of Wills
A few years later, in 1853, Touro fell ill and asked his two friends, Rezin Shephard, who had saved his life during the War of 1812, and Gershom Kursheedt, who had reconnected him to his Judaism, to come to his bedside to discuss his will.
He wanted to distribute the majority of his assets to charity and sought their help in deciding the donations. One can only imagine the diplomatic tug of war as each tried to advocate on behalf of the causes they believed in!
In fact, after Touro’s death, Kursheedt wrote to Rabbi Leeser, “If you knew how I had to work to get that will made … you would pity me … [There were] arguments, changes, and counter-changes in the sums for institutions, till my heart sickened.”
In the final will, Touro bequeathed $500,000 to institutions around the country, which is worth tens of millions today. Touro’s bequests were, at that time, the largest ever left by an American citizen to charitable institutions.
One beneficiary was the Touro Synagogue of Newport, which reopened and was renamed in honor of both Judah Touro and his father, Chazzan Isaac Touro. Touro donated funds to every existing traditional synagogue in the United States. Many hospitals, orphanages, shelters for the poor, asylums, libraries, and schools received funds. (Touro University, built almost 200 years after Touro lived, was named in memory of Judah Touro and his father, Isaac Touro, as they exemplified the vision that Touro University was looking to create with their educational institutions.)
Touro earmarked $50,000 for poor Jews in what is now Israel, and assigned Kursheedt co-executor with Sir Moses Montefiore of this bequest. Kursheedt traveled to England to meet with Montefiore, and the two traveled to Jerusalem to determine how best to use the Touro bequest. Initially, they had planned to use the funds to build a hospital, but upon returning to Israel in 1857, they discovered that the Rothschild family had already constructed one. They decided to build housing for the poor of Jerusalem. The cluster of houses became the first Jewish neighborhood outside the old city walls, known as Mishkenot Sha’ananim.
Montefiore later wrote a letter to Kursheedt saying, “It must be a great happiness to you to know that with your great influence with the late Mr. Touro… you have been the means to directing the eyes and hearts of many of our Brethren toward the Holy Land and contributing to the welfare of our coreligionists now dwelling in that land of our Fathers.”
Montefiore was absolutely correct. Since it was Touro’s will, it was also Kursheedt’s will. It was Kursheedt who brought Judah Touro back to Judaism and, as a result, towards Jewish philanthropy.
Touro left the residuary estate, valued at almost half a million dollars, to his old friend, Rezin Shepherd.
Judah Touro died two weeks after writing his will in New Orleans on January 18, 1854 (18 Tevet).
His body was taken to Newport, where he was buried in the old Jewish cemetery alongside other family members.
Touro’s return to Jewish observance after he was over 70 is an inspiring testament to the possibility of change at any age. It is also testimony to the everlasting impact of an individual who was upset about assimilation and cared enough about his fellow Jews to do something about it. Both Judah Touro’s and Gershom Kursheedt’s eternal legacies continue to live on.
Rabbi Menachem Levine is the CEO of JDBY-YTT, the largest Jewish school in the Midwest. He served as Rabbi of Congregation Am Echad in San Jose, CA from 2007 – 2020. He is a popular speaker and has written for numerous publications. Rabbi Levine’s personal website is https://thinktorah.org. A version of this article was first published at https://aish.com/the-unknown-story-of-judah-touro/
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Israel Says France ‘Rewarding Terror’ After Macron Announces Plan to Recognize Palestinian State
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference in Paris, France, June 12, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
France intends to recognize a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday, drawing an immediate rebuke from Israel.
Macron, who announced the decision on X, published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France’s intention to press ahead with Palestinian recognition and work to convincing other partners to follow suit.
“True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” Macron said.
“I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September.”
France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities, will become the first major Western country to recognize a Palestinian state, potentially giving greater momentum to a movement so far dominated by smaller nations that are generally more critical of Israel.
The announcement sparked anger from Israel and is likely to get a tough response from Washington.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Macron’s decision, saying that such a move “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy.”
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel,” Netanyahu said in a post on X.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the move as “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism,” adding that Israel would not allow the establishment of a “Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned Macron’s “absurd and unserious” decision that Paris will formally recognize a Palestinian state.
“The French president’s pretension to conjure a permanent settlement in our land with a mere breath is absurd and unserious,” Saar said in a statement posted on X. “A Palestinian state would be a Hamas state — just as the [Israeli] withdrawal from the Gaza Strip 20 years ago led to Hamas’s takeover there.”
Macron “cannot provide security for Israel,” Sa’ar added.
“Israel’s attempt to base its security on Palestinian promises to fight terror failed entirely in the Oslo process,” he continued, referring to the 1990s peace initiative between Israel and the Palestinians that sought a two-state solution. “Israel will no longer gamble with its security and its future.”
In a diplomatic cable in June, the United States said it opposed any steps that would unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state even saying it could go against US foreign policy interests and draw consequences.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Macron had been leaning towards recognizing a Palestinian state for months as part of a bid to keep the idea of a two-state solution alive despite the pressure not to do so.
French officials initially weighed up the move ahead of a United Nations conference, which France and Saudi Arabia had planned to co-host in June to lay out the parameters for a roadmap to a Palestinian state, while ensuring Israel‘s security.
The conference was postponed under US pressure and after the 12-day Israel-Iran air war began, during which regional airspace was closed, making it hard for representatives of some Arab states to attend.
It was rescheduled and downgraded to a ministerial event on July 28-29 with a second event taking place with heads of state and government on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September.
CREATING MOMENTUM
The decision to make the announcement ahead of next week’s conference aimed to give the French team at the United Nations a framework to work with other countries who are also considering recognizing a Palestinian state or still have misgivings in doing so.
Diplomats say Macron has faced resistance from allies such as Britain and Canada over his push for the recognition of a Palestinian state. Some 40 foreign ministers will be in New York next week.
Israeli officials have spent months lobbying to prevent what some have described as “a nuclear bomb” for bilateral relations.
The idea that France, one of Israel‘s closest allies and a G7 member, could recognize a Palestinian state, would certainly infuriate Netanyahu.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Israel‘s warnings to France have ranged from scaling back intelligence sharing to complicating Paris’ regional initiatives – even hinting at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank.
Thanking France, the Palestinian Authority’s Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said on X that Macron’s decision reflected “France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state.”
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Ukraine Declares Rabbi Nachman’s Tomb a National Heritage Site Ahead of Annual Uman Pilgrimage
Orthodox Jewish pilgrims dance outside the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov during celebrations marking Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, in Uman, Ukraine, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Oct. 2, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Ukrainian authorities have declared the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov a national heritage site, ahead of the annual pilgrimage that draws thousands of Jewish worshippers to Uman to honor the 18th-century founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced the decision on Wednesday during Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s visit to Kyiv — a move that underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations.
“I want to thank you for recognizing the site in Uman, the resting place of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, as a heritage site,” Saar said during a joint press conference.
“Both Ukraine and Israel are going through difficult times, but our countries are strong, and the friendship between us is steadfast. We will continue to deepen it and support one another,” the top Israeli diplomat said.
“I thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to building a better future for our children. And I invite you and hope to soon host you in Jerusalem, our eternal capital,” he continued.
Uman, a city in central Ukraine, has long been a major pilgrimage destination, drawing tens of thousands of observant Jews — primarily Haredim — who travel to visit the tomb of Rabbi Nachman, the revered founder of the Breslover Hasidim.
Once home to a thriving Jewish community, Uman saw its residents devastated under Nazi occupation in 1941, with thousands murdered and 17,000 deported.
The local Jewish cemetery was destroyed during this time, including Rabbi Nachman’s grave, which was later recovered and relocated.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, several Orthodox Jewish families have returned to Uman.
Each year, an annual pilgrimage takes place around Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, drawing thousands to the tomb of Rabbi Nachman, who died in 1810. This year’s event is set to occur from Sept. 22 to Sept. 24.
Since 2020, Ukrainian officials have advised against making the pilgrimage — initially due to COVID-19 restrictions and later because of the ongoing war with Russia.
The pilgrimage faced major disruptions after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to the suspension of many commercial flights. Since then, regional tensions in the Middle East — including the war in Gaza in 2023 and escalating conflicts with Iran in 2024 — have further complicated travel.
Last year, approximately 30,000 Israelis traveled to Uman for their annual celebration at the tomb, despite official warnings urging travelers to avoid the area.
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US, Israel Recall Negotiators From Gaza Ceasefire Talks, Witkoff Says ‘Selfish’ Hamas Not Showing Good Faith
Explosions send smoke into the air in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, July 17, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Israel and the United States both recalled their negotiators from Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar on Thursday, with US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff saying that Hamas has not been acting in good faith and “clearly shows a lack of desire” to reach a deal despite weeks of mediated discussions with the Palestinian terrorist group.
“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff posted on X/Twitter. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza.”
Witkoff’s statement came as Israeli officials also confirmed pulling its negotiating team from Doha for consultations, accusing Hamas of altering the terms of a potential ceasefire agreement just as talks appeared to be gaining momentum. The announcement also came amid mounting international concern over deteriorating conditions in Gaza, where the UN and multiple aid agencies have warned of a worsening hunger crisis. However, negotiations have stalled over what Israeli officials described as Hamas’s new and unrealistic demands concerning prisoner releases and terms for a permanent ceasefire.
“In light of the response conveyed by Hamas this morning, it has been decided to return the negotiating team for additional consultations in Israel,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. “We appreciate the efforts by the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, and the efforts of envoy Witkoff, to achieve a breakthrough in the negotiations.”
Hamas has demanded that Israel release 200 Palestinian terrorists serving life sentences for killing Israelis and another 2,000 Palestinians who were detained in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of and massacre across southern Israel, according to Axios reporter Barak Ravid. In exchange, Hamas would turn over 10 living hostages to Israel.
According to Ravid and Israeli journalist Amit Segal, Hamas specifically requested the release of 20 murderers for each living hostage, in addition to the 2,000 detainees.
Hamas’s new demands were part of its response following an earlier ceasefire proposal, accepted by Israel, which included the release of 125 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,200 Palestinians arrested by the Israeli military in Gaza after Oct. 7.
The terrorist group, which has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades, also reportedly demanded that Israeli forces withdraw to smaller areas of territory in the enclave than previously discussed as part of the ceasefire and that UN agencies and international organizations should provide aid to the war-torn area rather than the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. In addition, Hamas demanded guarantees that Israel would not resume fighting after the 60-day ceasefire, a condition the Jewish state has opposed.
Hamas is still holding 50 hostages, including 49 of the 251 abducted by Hamas-led Palestinian terrorists during the Oct. 7 atrocities that started the ongoing war. The terrorist group, which has not yet commented on the US and Israeli decisions to pull out their negotiating teams, has repeatedly insisted that any ceasefire must lead to a permanent end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Israel has said all hostages must be freed and Hamas can’t retain control of neighboring Gaza when the fighting stops.
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