Take a Step Back into Georgia's History with a Tour of Congregation Mickve Israel
As the third oldest Jewish congregation in America and the first synagogue built in Georgia, Congregation Mickve Israel has a rich and unique history. Your guided tour of the synagogue will begin in our magnificent sanctuary where an experienced, enthusiastic docent will take you on your journey into Mickve Israel’s unique past. In our award-winning Lawrence & Nancy Gutstein Museum, you will find artifacts, documents, and other historical items that tell Congregation Mickve Israel’s fascinating story. There are items going back to the founding of Savannah and Congregation Mickve Israel in 1733, the American Revolution, the Civil War, the founding of the Girl Scouts of America as well as congratulatory letters from many presidents
(including George Washington) and a 15th Century Torah (the first five books of the Bible), the oldest Torah in North America.
Congregation Mickve Israel was named one of the “15 Most Beautiful Synagogues in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler and rated among the “15 BEST Things to Do in Savannah” by Trip Advisor. In 2016, our museum won the Coastal Museums Association’s “Excellence in Exhibition Award.” Every year, over 10,000 people from around the world come to take a guided tour of our synagogue.
Whether you are coming to Savannah on your own, or you are traveling with friends and family, we invite you to visit this special place. Tours last approximately 45 minutes, but we recommend allowing extra time for browsing and visiting our Judaica & Gift Shop.
Museum and Gift Shop Hours and Ticket Information
Tours take place Monday through Friday: 10 am, 11 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm; Closed for Lunch 12:00pm-1:15pm
To reserve a tour with us, please visit our "Book Your Tour" web page.
Our Docent-guided tours last approximately 45 minutes and include guided access to the Sanctuary and the Museum.
Ticket Information
$14.00 for Adults, $5.00 for Children under 12 yrs.
Tickets are purchased at the gift shop when you arrive at the synagogue after you Book Your Tour. Tour funds are used for the upkeep and maintenance of our historic sanctuary.
Current Covid protocols: Masks are optional.
Special or Group Tours:
Mickve Israel is happy to host group tours. However, in order to tailor our tours for your group, we require advance arrangements.
Group Leaders should contact us at least 2 weeks before desired tour date by emailing Deanna Sorrells for reservations.or calling the temple at (912) 233-1547.
Please provide us with the following information: the name of your group, the number of guests, an age range and what brings you to Mickve Israel. Special rates are available for all LOCAL school groups and all girl/boy Scout groups.
Closures
Our museum is closed to the public every Saturday and Sunday (excluding Super Museum Sunday). It is also closed in observance of all public holidays, including Jewish holidays when services are being held in the sanctuary.
Follow our Instagram to stay up to date on any closures or changes in our normal schedule!
If you have questions about our hours, your visit, or our services, please call the temple at (912)-233-1547
Directions & Parking
Congregation Mickve Israel’s physical address is 20 East Gordon Street, but the entrance for tours is at 20 Wayne Street. Please note that our facility does not have a parking garage or lot so you must use on-street parking. There is ample on-street parking around Monterey Square and other nearby streets. Parking rates are generally $1.00 per hour, payable at parking meters (coins), parking payment kiosks (cash or credit card), or the “Park Savannah” app (info here: https://www.savannahga.gov/2340/ParkSavannah), which makes paying for parking while you visit Savannah very easy.
