Our final spotlight in this series honoring the individuals buried at KKBE’s historic Coming Street Cemetery is Dr. Michael S. Kogan — a scholar, teacher, and lifelong student of theology whose work built bridges across faith traditions.

Dr. Kogan’s family roots in Charleston stretched back generations, with his direct ancestors arriving in the city in 1830. He earned a PhD in Religious Studies from Syracuse University and pursued postgraduate studies in philosophy at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. For 41 years, he taught at Montclair State University in New Jersey, specializing in Jewish and Christian theology.

Even after retiring and returning to Charleston, Dr. Kogan remained deeply committed to education, teaching adult Bible and theology courses at churches and synagogues throughout the community. His passion for learning and dialogue touched countless students and congregants across denominations.

His family history was also closely intertwined with Charleston Jewish life. His great-great-great-grandfather, Rabbi Hirsch Levin, was the founding rabbi of Congregation B’rith Sholom in 1852, and several of his ancestors served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.

Through scholarship, teaching, and community engagement, Dr. Michael S. Kogan carried Charleston’s rich Jewish history into the present day.

Join us for KKBE’s historic Coming Street Cemetery Open House on Sunday, June 14 from 1–3 PM to explore the stories of the extraordinary individuals buried there and the lasting impact they had on Charleston and beyond.

#rootsintheground #comingstreetstories ...

As we continue highlighting the remarkable individuals buried at KKBE’s historic Coming Street Cemetery, we recognize someone whose dedication ensured these stories would not be forgotten: Solomon Breibart.

Born in Charleston and educated at the College of Charleston, Breibart devoted his life to preserving and teaching the history of Charleston’s Jewish community. A respected historian and teacher, he authored books documenting Charleston Jewish history and helped safeguard the stories, traditions, and memories that connect generations.

Breibart cared deeply about KKBE and the historic Coming Street Cemetery, entrusting the congregation with the responsibility of preserving both the sacred grounds and the community’s history for the future. Much of what we know today about this cemetery and the people buried here comes from his tireless research and passion for historical preservation.

His legacy lives on every time these stories are shared.

Visit KKBE’s historic Coming Street Cemetery Open House on Sunday, June 14 from 1–3 PM to learn more about the people and histories that shaped Jewish Charleston.

#rootsintheground #comingstreetstories ...

As we continue our series highlighting the extraordinary individuals buried at KKBE’s historic Coming Street Cemetery, we honor perhaps the cemetery’s most celebrated woman: Penina Moïse.

A poet, educator, lyricist, and trailblazer, Moïse became the first Jewish woman in the United States to publish a book of poetry with the release of Fancy’s Sketchbook in 1833. At a time when women — Jewish or otherwise — were rarely encouraged to publish their writing, she boldly shared her work under her own name, even as critics dismissed “ink-stained women” as improper. Through her poetry and essays, she spoke out against injustice and addressed issues of social importance around the world.

Her connection to KKBE was profound. In the 1830s and 1840s, she wrote hymns and liturgical poetry that became the foundation for the first American Reform hymnals and continued to be sung in synagogues well into the 20th century. She also compiled the first prayer book created by an American Jewish woman.

In 1838, alongside Sally Lopez, Moïse helped open the first Jewish Sunday School in the South at KKBE — today recognized as the second-oldest Jewish religious school in the United States. She corresponded with Rebecca Gratz in Philadelphia so that their students could share the same curriculum.

KKBE once offered Penina Moïse free seating in the synagogue for life in recognition of her contributions. She declined the honor and continued paying for her seat herself.

Visit KKBE’s historic Coming Street Cemetery Open House on Sunday, June 14 from 1–3 PM to discover more stories of the visionary individuals who shaped Charleston and American Jewish history.

#rootsintheground #comingstreetstories ...

As we continue our series highlighting the remarkable individuals buried at KKBE’s historic Coming Street Cemetery, we turn to a man whose leadership helped shape both Charleston’s Jewish community and the city itself: David Lopez, Sr.

Originally from Newport, Rhode Island, Lopez became one of Charleston’s leading import-export merchants and an influential civic leader in the early 19th century. Deeply committed to Jewish communal life, he served as president of K.K. Beth Elohim from 1800–1814, helping guide the congregation during a formative period in its history.

In 1801, Lopez founded the Hebrew Orphan Society — the oldest continuously operating Jewish charitable organization in the United States — and served as its first president. More than two centuries later, the organization he established continues its mission of caring for children and families in need.

Through his philanthropy, leadership, and vision, David Lopez, Sr. left a lasting mark on Charleston and American Jewish history.

Visit KKBE’s historic Coming Street Cemetery Open House on Sunday, June 14 from 1–3 PM to learn more about the extraordinary people buried within its gates.

#rootsintheground #comingstreetstories ...