Congregants get control of oldest U.S. synagogue

By Michelle R. Smith Associated Press writer

Posted May 17, 2016 2:43 PM

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The congregation that worships at the nation’s oldest synagogue prevailed Monday in a bitter legal fight that threatened its existence, as a federal judge ruled it may now control its own destiny and decide what to do with a set of ceremonial bells worth millions.The lawsuit pitted congregants at the 250-year-old Touro Synagogue in Newport, R.I., against the nation’s oldest Jewish congregation, Shearith Israel in New York City.U.S. District Judge Jack McConnell on Monday awarded …

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