Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim — Attraction in Charleston

On the plus side, the synagogue, what we could see of it, was beautiful and interesting. On the not so plus side we were not greeted very warmly. In full disclosure we were late for the tour on a Friday afternoon and the synagogue was closing in about 20 -30 minutes. Shabbat was still a few hours away. We were greeted a bit abruptly but told we could walk inside the museum and gift shop. We asked if we could just peek inside the sanctuary and were told no. When we asked again we were sarcastically told we could "try it" but the woman knew it was locked. We were walking through the museum, as invited, and then suddenly the same women, now all warm and welcoming, suggested that we save some time to see the gift shop. Apparently it was okay if we were there as long as we were going to spend money. We know the historical significance of the synagogue and were doing our best to see it during a very short visit. A little warmth and welcoming would have been appreciated, even if we couldn't take the full tour. Instead it left a bad taste...

Me and my wife are visiting Charleston as a potential place we would like to retire Arrived 20 minutes late for last tour (Tours are at 1 and 2 and we thought there was also a 3:00 PM tour). Asked the lady at the gift shop if we could take a quick look at the sanctuary as we told her we were leaving tomorrow and would not be able to come back. She refused to let us view the sanctuary. If we do decide to move to Charleston or know of anyone else thinking about moving there we would warn them to stay clear of joinging this temple. Not one ounce of warmness or hospitality. Such a shame as we had a beautiful tour of the downtown Savannah temple a couple days ago.

Sam Heiman Member, Board of Trustees United Hebrew Congregation St....

As someone who has done just about everything there is to do in Charleston, KKBE is by far one of my favorite places to visit. The story of KKBE’s founding is very unique, the building is one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture I’ve ever seen, and the docents are always extremely friendly and attentive. As someone interested in international relations, it’s fascinating to hear how the founders of the congregation came from Spain and Portugal and built new lives here in SC. It’s equally fascinating to hear how Reform Judaism was born here, and began a movement that spread across the United States. Jewish or not, KKBE will definitely teach you something you didn’t know before. Highly recommend as a must-do...