One of the original thirteen states of the American Union. The settlement of Jews in the state dates back to 1658 (see Newport). In addition to the community in Newport, the state has a growing community in Providence, with four congregations, an Associated Hebrew Charities (which includes twenty-six societies), a Hebrew Educational Alliance, a Young Men's Hebrew Association, and other organizations. Woonsocket has a congregation, founded in 1892, and various philanthropic societies, and Pawtucket also has a Jewish congregation. The Jewish population of Rhode Island, including Newport, is estimated at 3,500, the total population of the state being 428,556.