The Oldest City’s Oldest Synagogue

First Congregation Sons of Israel has been worshipping in the same synagogue continuously since it was inaugurated 102 years ago.  That makes it the oldest in Florida, and the object of great celebration.  This book traces the origins of the congregation and the beautiful building in downtown St. Augustine, a city that venerates its history, dating back to 1565.  The synagogue founders arrived in Florida near the end of the 19th century, fleeing poverty and persecution in Eastern Europe.  In St. Augustine they found a city growing rapidly with the advent of a new railroad and luxury hotels built by mega-developer Henry Flagler.  The rest, as they say, is history.