In 1790, then-President George Washington wrote a letter addressed “To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport” that, though written more than two centuries ago, contains themes that are still essential today. As has been the tradition for three-quarters of a century, the letters are read in full as part of a public ceremony on the third Sunday in August, taking place inside the Touro Synagogue, a National Trust Historic Site, which was designated a National Landmark in 1946. Read article