Rhode Island:

By: Cyrus Adler

One of the original thirteen states of the American Union. The settlement of Jews in the state dates back to 1658 ( see Newport ). In addition to the community in Newport, the state has a growing community in Providence, with four congregations, an Associated Hebrew Charities (which includes twenty-six societies), a Hebrew Educational Alliance, a Young Men's Hebrew Association, and other organizations. Woonsocket has a congregation, founded in 1892, and various philanthropic societies, and Pawtucket also has a Jewish congregation. The Jewish population of Rhode Island, including Newport, is estimated at 3,500, the total population of the state being 428,556.