Beaufort SC, October 25, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort community is set to celebrate 115 years of its Jewish heritage with special events this weekend at the historic Beth Israel Synagogue. Marking the anniversary of the charter granted in 1905, the events include presentations by historians and a community discussion on the current state of the Jewish community in South Carolina. Attendees can enjoy refreshments and lunch while reflecting on the contributions of Jewish families in the area across generations.
Beaufort Celebrates 115 Years of Jewish Community with ‘L’Dor V’Dor’ Events This Weekend
The public is invited to join the celebration of 115 years of the Jewish community in Beaufort with two special events this weekend. The festivities commemorate a historic charter granted to local Jewish families in 1905 by the state of South Carolina, which allowed for the establishment of the Beth Israel Synagogue located at 401 Scott St.
Completed in 1908, the synagogue remains an important landmark in the community, serving its congregation of 85 families. Worship services, led by a part-time rabbi, are held every other Friday and Saturday, providing a space for spiritual reflection and community bonding.
The anniversary will be marked by a two-part program entitled L’Dor V’Dor, which translates to “generation to generation.” The first event is scheduled for Friday, October 24, at 7 p.m., featuring presentations from local historians. Linda Neidich Hoffman, a member of the congregation and representative of the Beaufort County Historical Society, will talk about the five notable families involved in acquiring the charter: Lipsitz, Schein, Mark, Levin, and Keyserling. Additionally, Larry Rowland, a professor emeritus from the University of South Carolina Beaufort, will discuss the broader history of the Jewish community in the region. Attendees will be treated to heavy appetizers and desserts during the evening program.
The celebration continues on Saturday, October 25, with a second event starting at noon. Tair Giudice, the CEO of the Charleston Jewish Federation, will lead a discussion titled “Where are we now?,” which will examine the current state of the Jewish community in South Carolina. A lunch will be provided for participants. Prior to this program, services at the synagogue will commence at 10 a.m., offering participants an opportunity for worship and reflection.
This celebration not only highlights the rich history and contributions of the Jewish community in Beaufort but also fosters connections between generations, ensuring that the legacy continues to thrive. Community members and those interested in learning more about the Jewish heritage in Beaufort are encouraged to attend these significant events.
Event Details
- First Event: Friday, October 24, at 7 p.m.
- Second Event: Saturday, October 25, at noon
- Location: Beth Israel Synagogue, 401 Scott St, Beaufort, SC
- Worship Services: Saturday at 10 a.m.
Background Context
Beaufort has been home to a vibrant Jewish community since the early 1900s, when five families sought to formalize their place in the local fabric through a charter. The Beth Israel Synagogue stands as a testament to their commitment and continues to serve as a cornerstone for Jewish life in the area today.
FAQ
What events are being held to celebrate the Jewish community in Beaufort?
Two events are being held: the first on Friday, October 24, at 7 p.m., and the second on Saturday, October 25, at noon.
What significant historical event is being commemorated?
The commemoration marks 115 years since local Jewish families received a charter from the state of South Carolina in 1905 to establish the Beth Israel Synagogue.
Who will be speaking at the events?
Linda Neidich Hoffman will speak about the families involved in acquiring the charter, and Larry Rowland will discuss the history of the Jewish community in the area. On Saturday, Tair Giudice will speak about the current state of the Jewish community in South Carolina.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Celebration Duration | 115 years |
| Key Historical Year | 1905 |
| Synagogue Established | 1908 |
| Number of Families in Congregation | 85 families |
| Event Dates | October 24-25, 2023 |
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Celebrating Beaufort’s Jewish Community
- Wikipedia: Jewish Communities in the United States
- WJCL: Investigation into Seabrook Shooting
- Google Search: Beaufort Jewish Community
- Post and Courier: Doug Emhoff at Chabad
- Google Scholar: Jewish Communities History South Carolina
- Times of Israel: Town and Synagogue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jewish History in South Carolina
- AOL: Coroner Identifies Beaufort Incident
- Google News: Jewish Celebration Beaufort
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
