Touro, Abraham, 1777-1822

Abraham Touro was from a family of wealthy merchants, famous philanthropists, and prominent Jewish community leaders in the early history of the United States. His father, Rabbi Isaac Touro (1737-1783), was the leader of the Jewish community in Newport, R.I. As an adult, Abraham lived in Medford, Massachusetts. Abraham and his brother Judah became businessmen and philanthropists, donating to many public works, monuments, hospitals and colleges, as well as funding the upkeep of the synagogue, which was renamed after Abraham Touro. After Abraham’s death in 1822, monies he had given for the synagogue were held in in trust by the state of Rhode Island for the upkeep of Touro Synagogue.