On April 9–12, 2026, Emanu El explored Charleston, South Carolina, a city known for its rich history, Southern hospitality and coastal charm.
The tour group, led by Rabbi Pam Silk, took a memorable journey through Charleston’s Jewish history, interwoven with Black and Gullah heritage, including meaningful learning, immersive cultural experiences, and unique access to some of Charleston’s most storied sites.
Jews arrived in Charleston as early as 1695, and the city uniquely reflects both Sephardic and Ashkenazi heritage. From centuries-old synagogues and colonial-era cemeteries, to an exploration of the complex role of Jews in slavery and the Civil War and African American contributions to Jewish life, to private archives and a unique Shabbat experience, this trip offered it all.
Dates: April 9-12, 2026
Cost: $2,590 per person for double occupancy and $3,140 per person for single occupant. Includes hotels, meals (except for one dinner), luxury bus, admission fees, guide and tips. Airfare and travel insurance not included.
Terms: Non-refundable deposit is $500 per person due at time of registration. Final payment is due no later than February 1, 2026. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for Emanu El Houston members. Interested non-members will be placed on a wait list. The trip can accommodate up to 30 participants and requires a minimum of 14. If more than 20 travelers join, everyone will enjoy a reduced trip cost. If we have not reached our maximum of 30 participants by January 16, 2026, those on the waitlist will be offered a spot on the trip.
Ronnie Ludwin – Tour Educator/Leader
Ronnie has extensive experience leading multi-day Jewish heritage and outdoor educational programs from Alaska to Israel. As a Charleston local and certified city tour guide, he brings deep knowledge of the city and its stories. Ronnie will be leading the group, adding context, hidden history, and a fun, personal touch that makes the experience memorable.
Gary Weinstein – Tour Coordinator
Gary has spent his career as a Jewish communal professional, including 14 years as President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, leading over 100 trips to Israel, Europe, North Africa, and South America. On this tour, he provides expert logistical support, ensuring everything runs smoothly and guests have an enjoyable, seamless experience.
Al Miller – Black and Gullah History Guide
Al is a respected lecturer, author, and community historian who has dedicated decades to preserving and sharing Black and Gullah culture in Charleston. He is also a longtime performing artist, bringing music and storytelling together for an immersive and lively experience.
Max Daniel, PhD – Jewish Heritage Collection
Dr. Daniel is a public historian and coordinator of the Jewish Heritage Collection at the College of Charleston’s Special Collections. He also teaches in the Jewish Studies program. His work focuses on Sephardi and Mizrahi history, American Jewish life, race and ethnicity, and Jewish languages, bringing rich scholarly insight to our behind-the-scenes archive visit.
Dale Rosengarten, PhD – Georgetown Scholar Guide
Dr. Rosengarten is the founding director of the Jewish Heritage Collection at the College of Charleston and previously worked with the McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina. She developed the acclaimed traveling exhibition A Portion of the People: Three Hundred Years of Southern Jewish Life and co-edited the book by the same name, a cornerstone of Southern Jewish history scholarship. Her expertise will illuminate Georgetown’s unique Jewish story.
The cost of the trip will be $2,590 for double occupancy and $3,140 per person for single occupant. Payments are due as follows:
Please note that the trip can accommodate up to 30 participants and requires a minimum of 14. If more than 20 travelers join, everyone will enjoy a reduced trip cost — so invite your friends to come along!
The total cost includes hotel, all meals (except one dinner), luxury bus, admission fees, guides, tips, and snacks/water on the bus. Airfare is not included.
We encourage everyone to bring a reusable water bottle so that we minimize both the environmental impact and the cost of purchasing bottled water.
Each participant is responsible for making their own travel arrangements to/from Charleston.
ARRIVAL: Please try to arrive no later than 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9. A brief welcome and introductory program will begin at 9:00 p.m. at the hotel.
DEPARTURE: Please make sure your flight departs Charleston International Airport (CHS) no earlier than 4:30 p.m.
The walking tour of downtown Charleston is approximately 1.5 miles (we estimate 2 hours at a leisurely pace). We will be standing for long periods at other locations, including Fort Sumter (1 hour) and during the Temple Beth Elohim and Cemetery Tour (1 hour). Overall, this itinerary is rated as “light” (a 2 on 1 – 5 scale). The primary risk is tripping on uneven roads and getting on/off bus.
The following dietary needs or allergies can be accommodated:
There is no dress code or requirements.
We recommend comfortable outdoor clothes and sturdy shoes for walking.
Temperatures in April can be warm or cold, so check the weather before packing.
For restaurants and Shabbat, ‘smart casual’ is recommended, i.e., pants and collared shirts for men and a dress or blouse with skirt/pants for women.
