Congregation Jeshuat Israel v. Congregation Shearith Israel

MEMORANDUM, FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW, AND ORDER

John J. McConnell, Jr., United States District Judge.

Bricks and mortar of a temple, and silver and gold of religious ornaments, may appear to be at the center of the dispute between the two parties in this case, but such a conclusion would be myopic. The central issue here is the legacy of some of the earliest Jewish settlers in North America, who desired to make Newport a permanent haven for public Jewish worship, Fidelity to their purpose guides the Court in resolving the matters now before it.

After a thorough and exhaustive review…