Beginning in 1818, exactly two centuries ago, many of the West’s first breakaway synagogues were founded. Different motivations guided these moves, including tradition, reform, custom, and location. However, all sparked controversy and division, and each impacted their original local Spanish and Portuguese congregation. This history series looks at these developments and the leading role that Sephardic Jews took in debating them.

Source Sheet Shearith Israel – Charleston 1841