Conservative Congregation’s “60 Years of Support, Service & Song”

Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation’s “60 Years of Support, Service & Song”

The Conservative Jewish communities in New Orleans honored past, present and future congregants. ➺

By Shelby Simon

A celebration of Conservative Judaism in the Greater New Orleans area honored numerous congregants who, for the past six decades, have contributed to the warm, inclusive and sacred communities of Conservative Congregation of New Orleans – Tikvat Shalom, Chevra Thilim and Shir Chadash – who welcome all to join in praying, learning and celebrating together.

Special honorees were Jill Israel and Sylvia Finger; Elliot and Lisa Finkelstein; Hugo and Lis Kahn; and Alvin and Madilyn Samuels.

Attendees heard messages from Rabbi Deborah Silver, President Ken Klein and former Rabbis Ethan Linden, Geoffrey Spector, Eric Cytryn, Victor Hoffman and David Bockman. Also featured was a 60th anniversary historical video featuring Rochelle Sackett, Alan Jacobs and past, present and future congregants.

Included were musical performances by Meryl Zimmerman, Interim Education Director; David Kaplinsky, Ziegler Rabbinical student; and a special performance from the young people of Shir Chadash.

Winners of the special Diamond Jewelry Raffle items were Davida Finger and Josh Lichtman; Laurie and Paul Sterbcow; and Judy and Sylvan Steinberg. The raffle items were donated by Efraim and Debbie Rothchild of Rothchild Diamonds, Stanley Jewelers and Diamonds Direct.

This year marked the first-ever time the program went virtual and included approximately 200 families from New Orleans and around the world. Barbara Kaplinsky served as Gala Chair and Vice Chair was Beth Hershberg.

Major Contributors to the event were Louis A. & Lillian L. Glazer Family Foundation, Inc.; Hugo and Lis Kahn; Jill Israel and Sylvia Finger; Drs. Leron and Julie Finger; The Force Family; Leopold and Karen Sher; The Lupin Foundation; Goldring/Woldenberg Foundation; Ronda and Sheldon Kottle; Alvin and Madilyn Samuels; and numerous other donors. ✦

Follow Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation on Facebook.com/ShirChadash or @ShirChadashNOLA

EVENT AT A GLANCE

1 WHAT “60 Years of Support, Service and Song,” benefiting Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation WHEN Sunday, January 31

2 WHERE Zoom

3 4

5 6

1. Singer Shir Chadash Interim Education Director Meryl Zimmerman accompanied by Eric Merchant 2. Gala Chair Barbara Kaplinsky 3. David Kaplinsky performed an original historical song 4. Shir Chadash President Ken Klein 5. This was the first time the program was virtual 6. The program included over 200 families from around the world