Discover A New Story
Southern Jewish Journeys
Fully curated, multi-day journeys through the South’s most vibrant Jewish communities, weaving together history, heritage, and soul.
What We Do
Southern Jewish Journeys is a boutique, full-service tour operator specializing in custom group travel for synagogues, Federations, schools, and private groups. Share your dates and vision, and we'll design a fully customized itinerary from start to finish!
Our full-service approach includes:
Group hotel reservations
Private, luxury transportation
Curated dining experiences
Behind-the-scenes access at attractions and historian-led guided tours
A licensed tour guide with you every step of the journey, providing context and storytelling
Welcome - I’m Ronnie Ludwin, a Jewish history educator and passionate storyteller.
I founded Southern Jewish Journeys to uncover one of the most overlooked chapters in Jewish and American history: the Jewish South.
3 Unique Cities, 3 Unique Experiences
Charleston, SC
Explore the 1840 sanctuary of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, the nation's oldest continuously operating synagogue and the birthplace of American Reform Judaism. Then take a Gullah & Black History Tour to learn about the Gullah culture, one of the most distinct African American cultures in the U.S. Finally, board a boat for an excursion to Fort Sumter, site of the Civil War's first shots. Keep an eye out for dolphins along the way! Optional excursions include small coastal Jewish communities such as Georgetown and Beaufort, where centuries-old synagogues and cemeteries tell the story of Jewish life beyond the cities.
Savannah, GA
Enter the stunning Congregation Mickve Israel, one of America's most beautiful Gothic Revival synagogues, and stand where Jewish life first took root in Georgia - then see its 15th-century Torah up close in the synagogue's museum. Discover oak-shaded squares and historic streets on a Trolley Tour of Savannah's history, and round out the day with curated dining experiences that blend Southern flavors with warm hospitality.
New Orleans, LA
Start off on a Jewish French Quarter Walking Tour, tracing New Orleans' journey from French colony to Spanish territory to American city. Step beneath the soaring dome of Touro Synagogue and learn about the early Jewish families who helped build the city. Explore the National WWII Museum for a powerful look at that legacy, then head to Mardi Gras World to sample a slice of king cake. And of course, no trip is complete without the food. New Orleans' cuisine is a destination in itself! Journeys can include an optional overnight to experience Jewish history in Natchez, Mississippi.
Want to learn more about Southern Jewish Journeys? Download our fact sheet below.
Contact us
Interested in a tour? Share your info and we’ll be in touch soon. We look forward to connecting!