Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Hasidim, better known as St. Thomas Synagogue, was built in 1833. This makes it the oldest Jewish synagogue in continuous use in America. Yet the congregation dates back to 1796. Three synagogue buildings preceded this one on Synagogue Hill. Inside this historic landmark is a menorah from the 11th century. Most interesting is the sand floor. This symbolizes the persecution that Crypto-Jews suffered during the Spanish Inquisition. To prevent execution, they secretly prayed in cellars covered with sand to muffle their Hebrew prayers.
