The Jews, who landed on America's shores in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries knew well the concept if not the words of this instruction from twentieth century Jewish theologian Heschel. New challenges and tests awaited them here in America.

For almost the first two centuries of their seeking sanctuary here, they were discouraged from settling in most areas of New England. The exceptional welcome mat could be found in Rhode Island.

Jews began arriving in Newport in the mid-1600s. Over the next 100 years, the Jews of Newport participated in developing Newport as a leading seaport.

As early as 1677, the Jewish cemetery at Newport was in existence. While prayer groups (minyanim) met throughout the century (1650s-1750s), it was not until the 1760s that a Jewish synagogue was constructed in Newport. Today, that synagogue building - known as the Touro Synagogue - still stands.

Commencing in the 1820s, Rhode Island's Jews began spreading to other parts of the small state - including Providence and parts of the East and West banks of Narragansett Bay.

There are fascinating little jewels of the Jewish ongoing passage throughout Rhode Island.

For example, in Bristol, United Brothers Synagogue, is one house of worship worth rediscovering - perhaps, as part of a BostonWalks bicycle tour of the East Bay!