Jewish culture has a long history in North Carolina dating back to 1585 when Joachim Ganz, a native of Prague, arrived on Sir Walter Raleigh’s second expedition to Roanoke Island. Home to the state’s oldest Jewish community, Wilmington is fortunate to have the state’s oldest continuously operating synagogue, Temple of Israel, along with a rich history of Jewish culture.
Exploring the Jewish history of Wilmington supports the current community and continues the positive legacy the community has had on the city and state throughout history. This flexible three-day itinerary is designed for visitors interested in exploring Wilmington’s Jewish history and culture.
Day 1: Explore Historical Sites
Morning - Places of Worship & Cemeteries
Start off your day with a fresh brewed coffee and homemade pastries at the down-to-earth Folks Café, a welcoming family-owned business located at 1201 Princess St.
After breakfast, head over to Bnai Israel Congregation which began in 1898 as the B’nai Israel Society with the first synagogue built in 1913. The community built and moved into its current home at 2601 Chestnut St. in 1954. Inside is a small gift shop with Judaica, Shabbat and holiday related items. The gift shop and office are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are always welcome to worship by pre-registration during office hours.
On your way back downtown, visit the B’nai Israel Congregation Cemetery (18th St. & Princess Place Dr.) and Oakdale Cemetery Hebrew Cemetery, which have served as the final resting place for many of the Jewish faith within the local community. A gravestone of note is that of Arthur Bluethenthal which features a swastika on it, part of the insignia from his French Air Squadron.
Upon your return to downtown Wilmington, don’t miss the chance to photograph the beautiful historic Temple of Israel located at 1 South Fourth St. The Temple is one of fewer than 30 Jewish congregations to endure in its original 19th century structure. Built in 1876 in the Moorish Revival style, the state’s oldest Jewish house of worship recently underwent extensive renovation work to ensure that it will continue to serve the community long into the future. Note that access to the sanctuary may be limited; visitors are advised to call ahead to confirm availability. The community has additional space at the Reibman Center, located at 922 Market St., where you will find the Ladies Concordia Society Gift Shop (open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Visit the Temple of Israel website for more history, activities and worship services.
Afternoon – Downtown Wilmington
There are several excellent restaurants in Downtown Wilmington. A local favorite for lunch and dinner, Savorez puts a fresh Latin flair on North Carolina dishes.
After lunch, check out these downtown sites associated with the historic Jewish community of Wilmington:
The Judah P. Benjamin N.C. State Historical Marker (located on South Third St. between Nunn and Ann streets) marks the childhood home of the first openly Jewish U.S. Senator.
The Shain House (located at 1300 Chestnut St.) is a prairie-style home built by Isaac Shain, a native of Lithuania, owner of a dry goods store, and a founding member of BNai Israel Congregation. Exterior view only.
The Hannah Block USO Building and Community Arts Center (120 South Second St.) is named after a prominent member of the Jewish community, the first female member of City Council, first female Mayore Pro Temore and first female lifeguard on the coast of North Carolina. In the lobby is a small USO/WWII heritage museum, which includes a portrait of Hannah Block, hanging over the piano that she and others played to entertain troops during WWII.
Enjoy a stroll along the historic Wilmington Riverwalk where you can explore shops that are owned by members of the Jewish community, including Old Books on Front Street (249 N. Front St.), Finkelstein's Music (20 A Market St.; by appointment only) and Isaac's Menswear and Tuxedo Store (102 N. Front St.).
A narrated scenic cruise along the Cape Fear River is a great way to relax with a unique vantage point of the Riverwalk. Several excellent restaurants are within walking distance of the river.
Day 2: Private History Tour & Beach Bound
Morning: Jewish History Walking Tour:
In advance of your arrival, make sure to schedule a personal guided walking tour of Wilmington’s Jewish history led by historian and Wilmington Tours’ co-founder Beverly Tetterton. With a focus on historic preservation, the Jewish History tour reveals both public and private life for Southern Jews. As a private tour, advanced reservations are required.
Before meeting your guide, consider grabbing a craft coffee at Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods, located at 202 Princess St. in the historic Mugge building with its unique rooftop design.
Afternoon – Beach Time
This afternoon head south along N.C. Highway 421 to Carolina Beach for a walk through the waves, a stroll along the beach or a relaxing swing on the iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk. While on the island, enjoy dinner at Salt Fish Restaurant & Tiki Bar with locally-sourced ingredients and intimate dining experience you will not forget.
Day 3: Museums & Wilmington’s Jewish Business Community
Morning – Museums:
Visit North Carolina’s oldest history museum, the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science (814 Market St.). The museum’s Cape Fear Stories gallery includes the Down Home: Jewish Life in North Carolina exhibit, a collection of artifacts related to the development of the Jewish Community in the entire Cape Fear region.
Depart for the Cameron Art Museum for a tour of the museum’s collection of local and international artists across styles and mediums, with rotating exhibits and outdoor sculptures. The CAM’s education center was generously funded by community leaders Beth and Walter Pancoe, focused on the techniques, forms and conventions of clay, while encouraging experimentation in contemporary techniques. The ceramics gallery is available to visitors during Museum School hours in the Pancoe Art Education Center. Make sure to stop by the CAM’s gift shop which features ceramic art handcrafted by local artisans.
Afternoon – Dine & Shop:
Before departing the Cameron Art Museum, enjoy the fresh, local lunch menu at CAM Café.
Continuing with the art theme, head on over to the Art in Bloom Gallery, located at 6686 Main St. in the Mayfaire Town Center, owned by Amy Grant, a Jewish entrepreneur. Here you will find an eclectic mix of artwork highlighting the work of local artists. Nearby is REEDS Jewelers (926 Inspiration Dr.), a now national retailer that was founded in Wilmington by Bill and Roberta Zimmer in 1946. You can still expect to find a comfortable atmosphere of a family-run business while shopping for fine jewelry at two Wilmington locations.
Only a couple of miles away is The Fisherman’s Wife gift shop located at 1425 Airlie Rd., overlooking the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. This is another great spot to find a gift to take home, with specialty Judaica gifts, fine china, tableware, personalized stationery and invitations. Across the street from this beautiful gift shop there are several waterfront seafood restaurants where you can dine dockside while reflecting upon time spent experiencing the Jewish community, history and influence in Wilmington.
Tips for Trip Planning
Seasonal Jewish Cultural Events
Depending on the time of year you visit Wilmington, there are also different seasonal Jewish culture events that you can’t miss.
In late February is The Big Nosh food festival, a fundraiser for Temple of Israel, featuring traditional Jewish cuisine. Hosted by the Ladies Concordia sisterhood group, highlights include Corned Beef and Pastrami sandwiches, babka, rugalah, and of course sour pickles!
In late April and early May is the annual Wilmington Jewish Film Festival featuring films by Jewish filmmakers about Jewish life and individual's experiences. In August, the organization also hosts a Summer Series with additional film screenings.
In December on the first night of Hanukkah is the annual Public Menorah Lighting with music, traditional latkes and donuts and a gelt drop from a Wilmington fire engine at the Riverfront Park.
Kosher Foods
While there are currently no Kosher restaurants in Wilmington, you can find an array of kosher products at the local grocery stores, including a glatt kosher meat section at Trader Joe's located at 1437 South College Rd.
The local Chabad of Wilmington (2317 Market St.) sells fresh challah available with an advance order.
