Highlights
Discover Charleston’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems — with immersive tours that weave Jewish heritage into the city’s broader narrative.
About This Deal
What We Offer
- Jewish History Private Walking Tour of Charleston (for up to 10 People): A private walking tour that weaves historic Jewish landmarks and stories into the vibrant streets of downtown Charleston.
- Jewish History Private Driving Tour of Charleston (for up to 4 Adults): A private driving tour exploring over 300 years of Jewish heritage woven into Charleston's most significant neighborhoods and landmarks.
About The Tour
Charleston was once home to the largest and most influential Jewish community in the U.S. - even surpassing New York. Experience iconic landmarks and hidden gems on a private tour that weaves Jewish heritage into the broader story of Charleston.
On the walking tour, we explore a fascinating stretch of Charlestons historic core. Step back in time at homes once owned by Jewish merchants, from an influential steamship magnate to a successful 20th-century clothier. See the Hebrew Orphan Society building - the oldest Jewish charitable organization in the country - and the site of Americas first Jewish-owned pharmacy.
On the driving tour, ride in comfort as your certified guide shares stories of Charleston's Jewish past. Visit ''Little Jerusalem,'' the citys historic Jewish enclave, and see two of Americas oldest synagogues - one, the birthplace of American Reform Judaism; the other, the nations oldest Orthodox Ashkenazi congregation still in use. You'll also pass by a brothel once owned by a Jewish woman, revealing unexpected layers of Jewish civic and social life.
Throughout both tours, we honor the vital role of African Americans in Charleston's Jewish story and reflect on the complex legacy of Jewish involvement in slavery.
Why You Should Grab The Offer
What sets these tours apart is their depth and intentionality. Each experience offers local insight and immersive storytelling as you explore more than 300 years of layered, often overlooked history. From two of Americas oldest synagogues still in use to the lives of pivotal Jewish figures who shaped both Charleston and the nation, theres so much to uncover. The walking tour winds through Charlestons charming streets, where stories seem to linger on every corner. The driving tour offers a comfortable journey through neighborhoods like Little Jerusalem, revealing sites off the beaten path. Both experiences also thoughtfully engage with the broader historical context including the vital roles of African Americans and the complexities of Jewish involvement in Charleston's slave economy and Civil War history.
Whether you're deeply connected to Jewish heritage or simply curious about Charleston's past, these tours offer a meaningful way to experience the city through a fresh and unforgettable lens.
Fine Print
About Charleston Jewish Tours
Who We Are
I’m Ronnie Ludwin, a licensed Charleston tour guide and passionate storyteller. I grew up in New Jersey, but Charleston has been my home for the past several years. I studied business at Georgia Tech (go Jackets!), spent time teaching English in public schools across Spain, and later worked in the corporate world for two years. But while I was building a career, I kept feeling pulled toward something more personal — more rooted in meaning and storytelling. That pull led me here.
Charleston Jewish Tours was born out of a simple but powerful goal: to share the full story of Charleston’s Jewish heritage — richly, honestly, and unforgettably.
After years of leading trips around the world — from Alaska to Israel — I created Charleston Jewish Tours to offer something different: immersive, private tours that explore Jewish Charleston in depth, within the broader context of the city’s layered and complex past.
Charleston’s Jewish story is not only fascinating — it’s foundational. Our tours bring that history to life, from Jewish privateers and Revolutionary patriots to brothel owners, merchants, and community builders. We explore not only the inspiring milestones but also the difficult truths — including the role of Jews in their participation in the Civil War, and the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans to Jewish communal life.
Each tour is unique, always private, and delivered with warmth, insight, and style to make every moment seamless and memorable.
Our Mission
To Share what was: Bring to light the authentic stories, voices, and legacies of Charleston’s Jewish community over the past three centuries
To Preserve what matters: Support local synagogues, cemeteries, archives, and institutions through meaningful partnerships and financial contributions.
To Inspire what’s next: Spark conversation, connection, and curiosity across generations, helping ensure Charleston’s Jewish community continues to thrive.
We proudly donate a portion of our profits to support Jewish preservation efforts and community life in Charleston through the Charleston Jewish Federation. When you book with us, you’re not just taking a tour — you’re investing in the future of a remarkable story.
We’d love to have you along for the journey.