Southern Jewish Life, New Orleans, March 2024

Changes are afoot at Southern Jewish Life…

It has been a busy few months as we have been restructuring. Our extensive coverage of the war against Hamas has taken a lot of reporting time and energy. There’s a lot of coverage on our website that we don’t have print space for, so go to sjlmag.com to catch up. Over the next couple months, our print editions — which we will be tweaking and freshening — will have many local stories we had been working on but which were delayed.

One big announcement is that Southern Jewish Life Regional is now online! Our new edition covers communities from Virginia to East Texas and supplements the print editions you already receive. The regional edition is by subscription and has material not in print or on the website. Go to sjlmag.com for a link to the online magazine, and subscribe today!

The Deep South and New Orleans print editions will continue, but if you want to receive them a lot quicker (between printing and mailing, as much as two weeks earlier!) and just view them online, email us at subscribe@sjlmag.com and say you want to read it online, and we will stop sending you the paper edition. You’ll be notified when a new issue is online, and there’s still no charge for the Deep South and Nola versions in our coverage area.

We also just launched Israel InSight, our new magazine for Israel’s Christian friends, but open and accessible for all, no matter what one’s faith (or lack thereof) is. It is also online, by subscription. Check it out at issuu.com/israelinsight, and tell your friends.

If you aren’t receiving our This Week in Southern Jewish Life news emails, send a note to subscribe@sjlmag.com and we will get you signed up. It’s a good way to keep up to date with stories that happen between print editions.

We look forward to continuing to serve our Southern Jewish communities, and thank you for your continued support!

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agenda

interesting bits & can’t miss events

Members of the Partnership2Gether team from Rosh HaAyin spent several days in New Orleans and Birmingham in January, making plans to further the partnership among the communities, and to feel the love and support toward Israel from America. Here, they visited the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans.

New Orleans to celebrate Purim with a parade

It’s New Orleans. Why not a parade?

The Greater New Orleans Jewish community is uniting for a Purim Parade and Party on March 23, open to all.

The evening will start with an 8:15 p.m. megillah reading at Anshe Sfard, followed by a parade through the streets at roughly 9 p.m., finishing at Tchoup Yard. While the reading and parade are open to all ages the Tchoup Yard event, starting around 10 p.m., is for ages 21 and up.

The Purim party will include a costume contest around 10:45 p.m. Tickets for the Tchoup Yard party are $18, which includes snacks and the first two drinks. While the parade is free, registration is requested for planning purposes. Reservations are available on the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans website.

Adloyadah

The New Orleans Jewish Community Center will celebrate Purim with the 53rd community-wide Purim carnival, Adloyadah, March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Uptown location. There will be Middle Eastern delicacies and New York deli-style items, snowballs and popcorn. There will also be hamantaschen by Bywater Bakery, and they can be ordered in advance by the dozen for $20.

Admission is free, and all-day passes for games and activities are $12, $10 with a donation of non-perishable items to the Broadmoor Food Pantry. Passes are available online through noon on March 22.

The event is sponsored by Anshe Sfard, Gates of Prayer, Jewish Chil-

dren’s Regional Service, Jewish Endowment Foundation, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, National Council of Jewish Women, Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation and Tulane Hillel. Game sponsors are BBYO, Chabad, Jewish Community Day School, New Orleans JCC Early Childhood Center, PJ Library, The 18th Ward, Temple Sinai, Torah Academy and Touro Synagogue.

Partnership communities holding joint Shabbat candle lighting Observance on International Women’s Day

The Partnership communities will unite on March 8 for a virtual Shabbat candlelighting, on International Women’s Day. Birmingham and New Orleans will take part with women from sister city Rosh Ha’Ayin at 8:30 a.m. Central time, due to the time difference with Israel.

The candle lighting is dedicated to the 14 women currently held captive in Gaza, the women who have tragically lost their lives since Oct. 7, the women of the IDF, and all women who need healing.

Registration is available through the Birmingham and New Orleans Federations, and a Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

LimmudFest celebrating 30th anniversary of “The Jew in the Lotus”

LimmudFest New Orleans announced two upcoming programs, as the weekend of Jewish learning is in its off year between the every-two-year events.

On April 3, LimmudFest is partnering with JNola for Food for Thought, Dinner with a Purpose. There will be 10 dinners in 10 private homes, with 10 seats at each table and 10 dynamic presenters. Information will be announced regarding topics, presenters and hosts.

On April 18, there will be a 30th anniversary dialogue for Rodger Kamenetz’ bestselling book, “The Jew in the Lotus.” Kamenetz and Norman Fischer will discuss the contintuing mpact of the book for the Jewish and Buddhist communities. The program will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Lavin-Bernick Center at Tulane, in room 215, the 1834 Club. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

JFS honoring Lake Lawn’s Sontheimer, Henry at Roaring 20s Gala

It’s the Roaring ‘20s all over again — the 2020s, as Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans holds its annual event on March 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Stephen Sontheimer and Billy Henry will be the honorees at the event, which will be at the Sazerac House. Proceeds will benefit JFS mental health services and essential programs.

Sontheimer, who has worked in the funeral business for six decades, is senior consultant of funeral services at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemetery. He has served on many boards, including the Anti-Defamation League and Touro Synagogue, and was president of JFS in 1977 and 1978.

Henry has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1974 and is the executive funeral director at Lake Lawn. He is past president of Hospice of Greater New Orleans and was co-chair of the NO/AIDS Task Force. Currently, he is president of the Fat Monday Luncheon Organization and the Rotary Club of New Orleans.

They are being honored as “their unfailing dedication to members of our community in moments of grief exemplifies the JFS model of care.” They have done numerous informational programs for JFS over the years.

Those attending the event can dress from the 1920s or 2020s, or just come as they are from the office. There will be complimentary cocktails, whiskey samplings and a light dairy dinner, along with access to the museum exhibition spaces.

Tickets are $175, with patron levels from $250 to $25,000. Young adults under 40 are $150, or $125 each for Young Adult groups.

The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana will have its annual event on March 10 at the Audubon Tea Room. Linda and Richard Friedman will receive the Tzedakah Award, Leon Rittenberg III will receive the Young Family Award for Professional Excellence, and Lindsay Baach Friedmann of the Anti-Defamation League will receive the Helen A. Mervis Community Professional Award. There will be a patron reception at 6 p.m., followed by the dinner at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are $85, $185 for patrons.

Julie Platt, the chair of the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federations of North America, will be in New Orleans on March 13. Platt is also immediate past chair of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and immediate past chair of the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Community events were not set at press time. Melissa Klapper, director of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at Rowan University, will deliver the 2024 Rottman Family

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Lecture for the Tulane University Grant Center for the American Jewish Experience. “Ballots, Babies, and Banners of Peace: American Jewish Women’s Activism during First Wave Feminism” will be on March 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Rogers Memorial Chapel.

The New Orleans Jewish Community Center will have a hamantaschen baking workshop with Nancy Pesses, owner of Challah Creations by Nancy. Last fall, she led a challah-baking workshop at the JCC. She will teach the basics of preparing the Purim pastries, and everyone will have several unbaked hamantaschen to take home. Pre-registration is required. The class will be at the Metairie location on March 4 at 6:30 p.m., and Uptown on March 7 at 4 p.m.

Shir Chadash in Metairie will have a Holy Happy Hour, March 8 at 5:30 p.m., to schmooze and unwind before Shabbat begins, in the sukkah garden. Services will be at 6:15 p.m.

Chabad, JCRS and PJ Library are co-hosting a Kids Jewish Food Festival, March 10 at 3 p.m. at the Goldring/Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie. There will be Purim crafts and a magician, and assemble Jewish food creations to take home. Reservations are $10 by March 1, $13 after.

Temple Sinai in New Orleans announced that the installation of Cantor Rebecca Garfein will be on April 19.

On March 9, Beth Israel in Metairie will hold a Brass Havdalah at 7:45 p.m., with food, drinks a musical Havdalah and performance by the six-piece Sababa Brass Band.

Moishe House New Orleans will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with two events. On March 12, they will have a potato bar and movie at 6:30 p.m. They will then do a group viewing of the Irish Channel parade, meeting on March 17 at 1 p.m. at the corner of Jackson and St. Charles for snacks, drinks and a front-row space.

The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans will screen “Rosenwald,” a documentary by Aviva Kempner, on March 10 at 2 p.m. Admission is $8 for members, $10 for non-members. The screening is part of the current Rosenwald exhibit at the museum.

Chabad of Louisiana, JKids and JNola will have a family pre-Purim hamantasch pizza bake, March 17 at 3 p.m., at the Uptown Chabad. Reservations are $10 per child, $36 per family by March 10, $15 and $45 after.

Temple Sinai Young Professionals and JNola will have Drag Bingo on March 27, featuring New Orleans Drag Brunch entertainer Gia Giavanni. There will be pizza at 6:30 p.m. and Bingo at 7 p.m., with a glitter bar and a raffle from Elektra cosmetics. Admission is $5 at the door.

Unified Baton Rouge congregation set to dedicate building

The Unified Jewish Congregation of Baton Rouge will take the next big step since the merger with the dedication of their unified building the weekend of March 22.

The congregation is a product of the merger between B’nai Israel and Beth Shalom, which was approved in August 2021 and formally began in January 2022.

For the two Reform congregations, it was a reunion, as they had split in 1945 after B’nai Israel instituted an anti-Zionist pledge for its leadership. A group of 29 families broke away and started Liberal Synagogue, which later was renamed Beth Shalom.

While the idea of reuniting had occasionally come up, discussions took off in the late 2010s, leading to the formation of a Joint Synagogue Exploratory Committee. Both congregations hired interim rabbis to help with the transition, and then after the merger was finalized, brought in a new rabbi, Sarah Smiley.

The reunited and renamed congregation decided to use the Kleinert Avenue location of B’nai Israel as its joint home, but with a major addition including a new sanctuary, so everyone would start anew in a new

worship space.

During construction, the congregation has been meeting at Beth Shalom’s building on Jefferson Highway. That building will be desanctified in a March 2 ceremony and sold, with proceeds going toward the renovations at Kleinert.

The addition, which was scheduled to be completed at the end of February, includes flexible space off the sanctuary that can be used as an expansion for big events, or as a social hall. There is also a new kitchen and adult education space.

The existing building has been renovated for the religious school and the Rayner Center, the preschool run by Beth Shalom. The preschool will remain at the Beth Shalom building through May, in an agreement with parents of enrolled children.

The previous sanctuary on Kleinert has been transformed into office space and a community living room.

In addition to interior corridors between the old and new buildings, covered walkways have been added outside.

During the transition in location, the congregation has been referring

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to the buildings by the street name, rather than the previous congregational names.

On Feb. 18, the first “packing day” was held, with the final religious school classes on Jefferson on Feb. 25. The desanctification on March 2 is at 5:30 p.m.

The building dedication is centered around Purim. There will be an erev Shabbat dedication service on March 22 at 6 p.m., with an oneg afterwards.

On March 23, the Shabbat service will be at 10 a.m., followed by a luncheon. There will be a Purim carnival at 4 p.m., followed by Havdalah and a Purim dedication costume party at 5:30 p.m.

JCRS celebrating Jewish Roots’ B’nai Mitzvah Gala will honor legacy of Ned Goldberg

On March 2, there will be a different kind of Bar Mitzvah party in New Orleans.

The Jewish Roots Gala, a series of annual events raising money for the Jewish Children’s Regional Service, celebrates 13 years with the Jewish Roots’ B’nai Mitzvah. The gala will be at the Higgins Hotel, starting at 6:30 p.m.

With inspiration and leadership from Ned Goldberg, the Jewish Roots galas started in 2012 with the Jewish Roots of Jazz, featuring the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Each subsequent year has celebrated a new theme connected to the Jewish community, including past Jewish Roots celebrations of Broadway, Comedy, Fashion, Sports and Summer Camp.

This year’s event will honor the galas of the past while raising crucial funds to support the futures of Jewish children in need. It will also honor the life and work of Goldberg, JCRS’ executive director emeritus, who recently passed away after retiring from over 30 years of running the organization (see page 16).

The galas have been responsible for over $2 million in donor support. The agency provides needs-based scholarships for summer camp experiences, college aid and assistance to children with special needs. Additional outreach programs include the Oscar J. Tolmas Chanukah Gift Program and the PJ Library program for Jewish children ages 11 and under.

In 2023, JCRS awarded college scholarships totaling more than $390,000 to 129 Jewish students from across its seven-state region, and 435 youth received scholarship aid to attend 51 different Jewish overnight camps. Additionally, 708 Louisiana children received free monthly books through PJ Library and PJ Our Way, 268 children and special needs adults received Chanukah gift packages, and 76 children with special needs or dependency received financial assistance and/or casework management.

MSJE hosting “Kugels and Collards” authors

New series highlights Jewish and New Orleans cuisine

The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans is inaugurating its Jewish and New Orleans Cuisine and Heritage Series on March 14 with Lyssa Harvey and Rachel Barnett, authors of “Kugels and Collards.”

Through recipes and stories, the two authors will explore the food history, traditions and memories of South Carolina Jewry. This in-person event will take place at the Museum at 6 p.m. Central, and will be streamed on Zoom. A book signing and small reception will follow the discussion.

The new series is a collaborative project by the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, and the Tulane Grant Center for the American Jewish Experience, delves into the totally unique Southern Jewish food landscape through history, storytelling, and hands-on cooking workshops.

“You Need a Schoolhouse” discussion at MSJE

Author Stephanie Deutsch will give a talk about her book, “You Need a Schoolhouse,” on March 7 at 6 p.m., in person and virtually from the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans. The book dives into the historical partnership between Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, two dynamos who shared an ethos of pragmatism and a progressive vision that led to the Rosenwald schools and ultimately changed the fate of thousands of Black students across the South in the Jim Crow era.

The event is part of an ongoing series centered around “A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools that Changed America,” which is on display at the museum until April 21.

Deutsch married Rosenwald’s great-grandson, propelling her on an odyssey to research the Rosenwald schools and African American history. She is currently working on a new book about the 1,000 recipients of Rosenwald Fund scholarships.

For those attending in person, there will be a reception and book signing following the presentation. Registration for the Zoom link is available at msje.org.

World War II Museum offering online classroom Holocaust education

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans is hosting a Holocaust electronic field trip, designed for grades 5 to 12. Through this program, students will discover the broader context of the Holocaust by understanding how it happened and recognizing its tragic legacy.

Students participating in this program will have the opportunity to explore the newest Liberation Pavilion galleries at the museum, as well as Holocaust sites across the Atlantic. The first part will be available on demand starting on March 18. The second part will be broadcast live on March 26, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Entire classrooms can get involved in the live broadcast of Part 2 by submitting questions in real time to the educators and experts.

Hosted by student reporters, Electronic Field Trips are free programs streamed directly to classrooms, no special technology required. The trips include tours of historic sites and artifacts and exhibits at the museum.

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Southern Jewish Analysis

Failed History

N.O. teacher union trashes Israel in call for ceasefire

United Teachers of New Orleans, the union of teachers and school employees in New Orleans, issued a statement on Jan. 10 calling for a cease fire in Gaza, putting the entire blame for the conflict on Israel and justifying Palestinian violence.

The statement bemoaned the destruction of schools in Gaza, saying the Palestinian “liberation movement” has the right of “armed struggle” against “colonizing occupier” Israel, which it referred to as committing genocide.

An earlier statement by the union’s executive council, released on Jan. 5, did condemn the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, mentioning the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, mainly civilians, and called for the release of Israeli hostages and the cessation of Hamas rocket fire into Israel. It also rejected “all forms of hate, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.”

All those sections were removed in the revised statement by the general membership, leaving a statement that condemns Israel’s existence and justifies Palestinian attacks.

In announcing the revised statement, the union said “we prioritize democratic decision making and member leadership,” and the statement was revised to remove anything sympathetic to Israel “following further discussion at our general membership meeting.”

The revised statement was announced online with a graphic of a watermelon, which has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance. Since the watermelon shares the colors of the Palestinian flag, it is said to have become a Palestinian symbol when the display of Palestinian flags was banned.

The revised statement does not name Hamas at all. The Hamas attack of Oct. 7 is unmentioned, and reference to Oct. 7 is in the context of how that date wasn’t the beginning of the conflict, but that it goes back to the 19th century “inception of the right-wing ideology of Zionism.”

Zionism is the belief that the Jewish people have a right to self-determination in their historic homeland. References to colonialism, occupation or, as the statement claims, “Western Imperialism,” erases Jewish historic ties to and presence in the land and casts Israel as a foreign presence in a land to which it has no claim.

The statement begins with a call for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza, and to allow for peace talks for a permanent ceasefire. Though unmentioned in the statement, that would leave Hamas in power, and Hamas has vowed to repeat the Oct. 7 attack as

IDF Twitter

Weapons found by the Israel Defense Forces at a Kindergarten in Gaza on Dec. 23.

often as needed to drive the Israelis out of the region.

Currently, hundreds of aid trucks are making it into Gaza daily, and Israel is pausing all military operations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily to facilitate the movement of aid. There is plenty of video of armed Hamas operatives commandeering aid trucks as they arrive, and a lot of the humanitarian aid that is supposed to be distributed for free has been seen for sale in Gaza markets at inflated prices. That also includes tents sent as humanitarian aid being sold to refugees.

The statement makes no mention of releasing the Israeli hostages, either before or as part of a ceasefire.

The statement also asserts that 23,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, citing United Nations figures — which come from Hamas ministries and do not distinguish between civilians and fighters.

According to the union, the 625,000 students in Gaza have no access to education, since 70 percent of school buildings have been damaged or destroyed. “As educators, we are deeply troubled by these attacks against schools, which U.N. human rights experts have described as crimes against humanity.”

Unmentioned is how the schools, run by the United Nations, were often storage centers for weapons, itself a war crime, making them a legitimate military target. Rockets have been routinely fired into Israel from school property, and Israel has released a lot of video showing United Nations duffle bags filled with Hamas weapons.

One soldier stated that every school building they entered in Gaza had a weapons cache.

A youth scouting building was recently discovered to have a battery of rocket launchers. Many of the Hamas “terror tunnels” have openings inside schools — though not for student safety, as the tunnels are forbidden to those who are not Hamas fighters.

Gaza schools have also come under international criticism for a curriculum teaching that martyrdom is the students’ highest aspiration, and that Israel is a foreign entity that needs to be removed from the region. Numerous countries have pulled funding because of textbooks that teach war against Israel and Jews, instead of coexistence. School skits routinely show students as young as Kindergarten with weapons, play-acting the abduction of Israelis.

This should not be a surprise. A Telegram group of 3,000 U.N. teachers in Gaza was filled with posts celebrating the Oct. 7 massacres and hoping for more.

The union’s statement says that through the establishment of Israel, which it referred to using the Arabic word for “disaster,” Palestinians “have suffered the full brunt of Western Impe-

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rialism” and “hundreds of thousands of families were forcibly expelled from their homes to make way for settlers.”

In 1948 the entire Arab population in what became Israel had been around 900,000, of whom over 150,000 remained and became citizens of Israel. While technically 750,000 individuals could be seen as “hundreds of thousands of families,” that phrasing evokes a much larger number of individuals than existed in the area, especially given average family sizes.

Claiming that the displaced Arabs were removed “to make way for settlers” is not only inaccurate as the land was sparsely settled, but it also labels all Israelis going back to 1948 as “settlers.” That is part of a current attempt to delegitimize Israel in its entirety, going back to its founding, not just criticize Israeli control of the post-1967 territories.

It also ignores that studies have shown most Arabs who left in 1948 never encountered a single Israeli soldier — immediately after the war, most blame by refugees for their plight was given not to the Jews but to the Arab armies who told their brethren to get out of their way, so they could get rid of the Zionists and allow the Arabs to return in a few weeks not only to their homes, but to the property of the Jews.

The statement also ignores that at the same time, roughly 190,000 Jews were expelled from Gaza and the soon to be renamed West Bank by Egypt and Jordan when they occupied those territories in 1948, leaving the Jewish population in those areas at zero. Additionally, up to 1 million Jews were uprooted by the Arab countries where they had lived for as much as two millennia, forced to leave at a moment’s notice and abandon their property. Most were absorbed by Israel.

The Arab refugees, though, were placed in amber, forbidden to resettle elsewhere and build a normal life, and fed a steady diet of being able to return after Israel is destroyed. Improving their situation would be seen as a betrayal of that Quixotic goal, and avoiding another displacement is an excuse for why Arab countries refuse to accept Gaza refugees. That’s how there can still be Palestinian refugee camps inside areas adminis-

ADL responds to UTNO’s “extreme and dangerous” statement

The Anti-Defamation League’s South Central regional office in New Orleans was “shocked and profoundly disappointed” by the United Teachers of New Orleans’ statement “weighing in on a war nearly 7,000 miles away.”

The union demanded a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Lindsay Baach Friedman, ADL regional director, said the union had an initial version of the statement that was “nuanced, carefully constructed and thoughtful – the sort of message to be expected from New Orleans educators.” While calling for a ceasefire, it “also condemned Hamas, demanded the release of hostages and denounced acts of antisemitism and Islamophobia.”

However, she noted, “the updated version from UTNO reflects a marked and extreme change of tone that is deeply troubling.

“It is one-sided and spews anti-Israel and even antisemitic propaganda,” the ADL statement said. “It goes so far as to justify terrorism and suggest that the Hamas massacre on October 7 and violence against Israelis in general is warranted, blaming ‘Zionism’ for the murder of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of another 240 people. This hateful assertion – which attributes the Oct. 7 atrocities to the Jewish desire to escape rampant antisemitism and self-determine in their ancestral homeland – is horrific, alarming and downright antisemitic.

“This statement threatens Jews, the majority of whom have a connection to Israel, and the well-being and security of community members this union serves. Children deserve teachers who are committed to being positive role models. In this case, it is clear that UTNO educators have a lot to learn.”

tered by a Palestinian government for the past three decades, and a whole United Nations agency devoted to maintaining the Palestinians as perpetual refugees, while all other refugees around the world are served by one UN agency that focuses on resettlement and solving refugee crises as quickly as possible.

But the union has an answer to all of the objections listed above: To deny the “facts” put forth in their statement “would be ahistorical and disingenuous to the current resistance and the struggle being waged in Gaza.”

Trust us. We have The Truth, don’t listen to anyone else.

Justifying violence

The statement continues with a paragraph not in the executive council’s original statement, “Indigenous peoples experiencing the violence of occupation have the right to armed struggle,” citing a 1982 United Nations declaration justifying the struggle for independence “by all available means, including armed struggle.” Thus, the union is stating the actions of Hamas on Oct. 7 are justified.

Jews are clearly not considered by the union to be indigenous to their historical homeland, as the statement concludes with a condemnation of “genocide being perpetuated by the Israeli regime, a colonizing occupier, and affirm(s) support for the Palestinian liberation movement.”

While South Africa has filed suit in the International Court of Justice alleging Israel is perpetrating a genocide in Gaza, many nations have rejected that, with Germany recently announcing it has a special moral obligation to defend Israel from that spurious charge.

Despite Hamas using Gaza’s citizens as human shields in an urban warfare environment, and despite all neighboring countries refusing to allow Gazans to escape the area as is routine in time of war, the civilian to combatant ratio of deaths in Gaza during Israel’s military campaign has been roughly 1.5 to 1, which is seen as remarkably low even under ideal circumstances. By comparison, the Iraq war was 4.5 to 1, and the United Nations says the typical rate in the 20th century was 9 to 1.

Conversely, the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel was launched with the express purpose of killing as many Israeli civilians as possible, and the Hamas charter calls for the eradication of Israel and the Jewish people, a clear call for genocide.

Hamas knows full well that Israel does not target civilians, and uses that to their advantage. Likewise, the rules of war do not forbid civilian casualties as a blanket rule, understanding that there are times when collateral damage is unavoidable when going after a significant military target.

The union’s original statement had called on “all parties involved to cease all hostilities and come to the negotiation table so that a lasting peace may be achieved.” That conclusion was rejected by the membership, in favor of the statement urging Palestinian liberation, not peace.

Based on Facebook and union website searches, this is the first time in at least five years that the union has issued an opinion on an overseas issue.

Dave Cash, president of the union, was said to be working on a response to inquiries from this publication, but after four days no response had been received.

On Jan. 31, the union had a “special meeting” to discuss the ceasefire statement, “open only to dues-paying members and authorization card signers.” Nothing from that meeting has been posted, and additional requests for comment were not answered.

The anti-Israel group Jewish Voice for Peace New Orleans commented that they stood in solidarity with the union’s statement.

The UTNO is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO. On Oct. 9, the AFT issued a statement condemning the Hamas attack and standing with the people of Israel. The AFL-CIO on Oct. 11 urged a swift resolution to the conflict, condemning the Hamas attacks and “all terrorism” while expressing concern for the then-“emerging humanitarian crisis.”

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To the Families of New Orleans

Our decision to join the professionals at Lake Lawn Metairie allows us to continue our mission to provide families the highest caliber of care in the most beautiful of surroundings. Lake Lawn Metairie proudly serves all congregations and all local cemeteries. Whether planning in advance or at the time of need, we’re dedicated to serving families with professionalism, compassion and attention to detail that is second to none.

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In 2018, Ned Goldberg (left) was honored at the JCRS annual Jewish Roots gala for his then-30 years of service to the agency.

Longtime JCRS head Ned Goldberg dies

Ned Goldberg, who was the face of the Jewish Children’s Regional Service for over three decades before stepping down as executive director in early 2022, died on Dec. 25. He was 72, and had been battling prostate cancer.

In an email to JCRS board members and supporters, his successor, Mark Rubin, and JCRS President Michael Goldman said “Ned led an exemplary life and cemented JCRS’s legacy as an impactful and respected agency. His life will be a guiding light for us at JCRS.”

JCRS was founded as a home in New Orleans for Jewish widows and orphans, and when the home closed in the 1940s, it evolved into a regional agency that now funds or serves over 1800 Jewish youth each year in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma.

The agency offers “needs-based” scholarship aid for Jewish overnight camp and undergraduate education, as well as subsidies for the care and treatment of dependent and special needs Jewish youth.

Under Goldberg’s leadership, additional programs were added, including “outreach” services to families that are isolated or inactive within the Jewish community. There are also programs that provide outreach over Jewish holidays, including Chanukah gifts for children from families that are suffering from economic distress, or are victims of natural disasters.

In 2008, JCRS started regionally administering the PJ Library program of free Judaic books for children.

Goldberg graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1973, earning his Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve in 1975.

Prior to moving to New Orleans to lead JCRS in 1988, he served in professional capacities with three Jewish Family Service agencies, or their spin-off projects, in Florida and Ohio.

When Goldberg moved to New Orleans, he was single, but upon his arrival, he met the woman he was soon to marry, Wendy Diamond, an employee of the New Orleans Jewish Community Center.

In 2018, the agency honored him on the 30th anniversary of his tenure, at that year’s Jewish Roots gala, which was unofficially renamed “Grateful Ned,” especially since the Grateful Dead were in concert elsewhere in the city that night.

Upon his retirement last year, he said his long tenure and the growth of JCRS was due to a “number of factors.”

“First of all, you have incredible dedication from the JCRS board, staff, volunteers and donors,” he explained. “When you have them behind you, you can respond quickly to emergencies, as JCRS did during hurricanes and floods that have repeatedly hit East Texas and Louisiana over the last five years.”

Goldberg said having “wonderful services, hardworking and talented staff, and dedicated and generous board and volunteers are the reasons JCRS endures, and explains why I have tried to stay a few years beyond a typical retirement age.”

He is survived by Wendy, his wife of 34 years, and was a proud father to daughter Jodie Goldberg (Edwin Partovi), son Adam Goldberg (Rachel Hirschhorn), mother Joyce Goldberg, and siblings Elaine Brown (Richard) and Brian Goldberg (Robin), and many close nieces and nephews. The funeral was held at Weil Kahn Funeral Home in Cincinnati on Dec. 28, and a New Orleans memorial service was held on Jan. 4 at Shir Chadash in Metairie.

Our Board Mission

Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans (JFS) is a social service agency dedicated to preserving, strengthening and enhancing the well-being and self-sufficiency of individuals and families at every stage of life.

Jewish Family Service is a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and a community impact partner of United Way of Southeast Louisiana.

History

Jewish Family Service was initially created when the Jewish Children’s Home closed in 1948. JFS became a separate organization, with its own 501 (c)(3) status in 1976, and opened its doors to people of all faiths in 1982. JFS now serves Greater New Orleans individuals and families regardless of race, religion, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. Services are available on a slidingscale fee based on household income.

Through the years, the scope of the agency has increased tremendously. JFS helps the community strengthen the family and the individual to reach their full potential through various programs and services including: providing individual and group counseling, educating our young people about depression and suicide prevention, promoting independence for the elderly, providing case management, and assisting in adoptions.

PRESIDENT

Debbie Pesses

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

Ashley Merlin Gold

TREASURER

Michele Allen-Hart

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Rochelle Adler Effron

SECRETARY

Stephanie Kaston

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

David Dulitz, MD

Elizabeth Ahlquist

Bradley Bain

Gail Chalew

Josh Friedmann

Elizabeth Kahn

Barbara Kaplinsky

Sara Kottle

Allison Kupperman

Jordan Lieberman

Sallye Marcus

Melinda Mintz

Gail Pesses

Julie Schwartz

Rabbi Todd Silverman

Ann Streiffer

Hallie Timm

Anamaria Villamarin-Lupin

Ellie Wainer

Ginny Wise

Margot Beerman Yost

Ian Zlatkiss, MD

Letter from the President & Executive Director

Dear Friends,

75 years ago, on May 14th, 1948, the Provisional Government of Israel proclaimed a new State of Israel. This momentous day marked the dawn of a new and hopeful age for Jews around the globe. Across the Atlantic Ocean, some 6,861 miles from Jerusalem, a cadre of Jews worked to sow the tender buds of hope in New Orleans. After the closing of the Jewish Children’s Home, Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans was founded as a committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans.

For 75 years, our community has worked together to give aid to the friendless, voice to the voiceless, and comfort to the afflicted. Our Platinum Jubilee year celebrates our community’s dedication to repairing the world through social services. This year is also an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to sow the seeds of Tikkun Olam.

This year, JFS continued our historical dedication to welcoming the stranger through refugee resettlement services. JFS added 8 more staff to our refugee resettlement program, enabling our team to serve 447 unaccompanied minors. Our Bruce Levy Memorial JFS Passover Food Basket Program remains a beloved and growing mitzvah. We are embracing new methods to help families respond to the youth mental health crisis. Our youth suicide prevention and education program, Teen Life Counts, updates our information and approach annually to ensure relevance and effectiveness. JFS brought Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), a new, evidence-based treatment program, to our community. We continue to leverage our essential programs and staff to better serve the most vulnerable in the Greater New Orleans Community. Our staff and board were thrilled to host Decades of Service for the Decades Ahead: 75 Years of Jewish Family Service, our Platinum Jubilee celebration. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us at the Ritz-Carlton!

As our community looks to the decades ahead, we are confident that donors like you will help us serve people of all identities, live our Jewish values, and innovate creative solutions. May the memory of those brave Jews establishing a new nation in 1948 be a blessing and an inspiration to us as we face the challenges of our day.

Here for the decades ahead,

Debbie Pesses

Roselle M. Ungar, CFRE BOARD PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Strengthening Our Bonds

Services for the Jewish community combat isolation, fulfill our traditions and values, and guarantee inclusion to everyone in our community.

“The Seder meal I receive from JFS is the highlight of my Passover! I am so grateful to the volunteers who delivered it to my home.”

Less than half of Americans could cover a surprise $1,000 expense with savings.

Source: Bankrate survey, January 2022. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/ financial-security-january-2022/

20

families and individuals made ends meet through our Financial Resource Center

“JFS saved us from financial ruin when our medical bills ballooned after my husband’s cancer treatment. Now we’re two years cancer and medical debt free thanks to JFS bridge grants!”

24%

of older adults in the United States are socially

Source:

49 community members accessed affordable transportation through Catch-A-Cab

300 community members joined the global Seder table with the Bruce Levy Memorial JFS Passover Food Basket Program

Nurturing Growth and Enriching Lives

Our holistic care meets the particular needs of each client, and prepares them for self-determination and self-sufficiency.

37%

“Our case manager offered me so much guidance. She helped with the kids’ school, housing, all kinds of logistics and red tape. I’m not sure how I would’ve made it through the last few months without her help!”

247

community members assisted via our Information & Referral Services

of those polled cited cost-related issues as preventing them from seeking mental health care Source:

447

new citizens found sanctuary and independence in JFS Survivors of Human Trafficking & Immigrant Services

193

132 clients developed and healed through JFS Counseling Services

clients found understanding and transformative aid with our Case Management Program

“My case manager made sure I had everything for school. He helped my aunt with a lot of forms, too. I really liked him.”

Educating the Next Generation

We’re providing teens and mental health professionals innovative and transformative education with life-saving results.

“JFS approaches mental health challenges by caring for the whole person. I learned so much in this internship, especially why the holistic approach is more effective and necessary.”

97 mental health professionals educated through our Continuing Education Workshops

62.3% of Louisianans age 12–17 who have depression did not receive any care in the last year.

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s restricted online data analysis system (RDAS), National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2017 and 2018, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive.

2,793 Students & Gatekeepers learned life-saving information through Teen Life Counts

High school students with depression are more than 2x more likely to drop out than their peers.

Source: Dupéré V, Dion E, Nault-Brière F, Archambault I, Leventhal T, Lesage A. (2018). Revisiting the link between depression symptoms and high school dropout: Timing of exposure matters. Journal of Adolescent Health. 2018;62:205–211. doi: 10.1016/j. jadohealth.2017.09.024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29195763/

8 masters-level student interns developed professional skills in our Behavioral Health Training Center

“TLC helped my friends take mental health more seriously. After the class, I felt more comfortable telling them that I go to counseling for depression. It’s made us better friends!”

Preserving Dignity and Independence

Our compassionate services ensure meaningful living for people of every age and life stage in our community.

343 clients prepared for the future of their family with JFS Older Adult Services

“I gained peace of mind through working with JFS to get my button. I like that a local company manages my updates and calls for monthly testing reminders. My emergency alert button helps my family not worry.”

Statistic: Nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.

Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25663.

More than 14% of US adults over 65 were diagnosed with depression

Source: America’s Health Rankings analysis of CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2022

“I didn’t want to become a burden on my daughter, who is busy raising children of her own. I’m so glad that I reached out to JFS Older Adult Services. Now we have a plan in place where I can be a help to my daughter and my beautiful grandchildren!”

Support JFS

Become a Friend of JFS

Make a general or designated gift during our Friends of JFS campaign. No matter what program you support during this September through December annual campaign, your support enables JFS to offer affordable social services, such as counseling, case management, senior services, and more.

Make a Tribute Gift

Honor or memorialize a loved one or community member by supporting one of our programs or services in their name. Such meaningful expressions of affection and respect make a material difference in the lives of our clients.

Give a Stock Donation or Israel Bond Donation

Updating your portfolio? Consider donating shares of stock or an Israel Bond to benefit JFS. Call (504) 8318475 for more information.

Donate Your Vehicle

Jewish Family Service accepts charitable donations of vehicles through CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), with sale proceeds benefiting JFS. CARS

manages all automobile (or other motor vehicle) donation details, which provides you a hassle-free and tax-deductible way to support JFS. Find more information at jfsneworleans.org/donate

Build a Lasting Legacy

Help JFS maintain and enhance our essential and lifesaving work to meet the needs of the day. A rainy-day fund, such as our JFS Legacy Fund, ensures that JFS can sustain our caretaking role and that YOUR legacy is the crucial work of our mission. Join us as a caretaker of the Greater New Orleans community and ensure that future generations have a place to turn when they are in need, no matter what happens. To build your legacy with JFS, contact Bobby Garon, Executive Director of the Jewish Endowment Foundation, at (504) 524-4559, or Roselle Ungar, Executive Director of JFS, at (504) 831-8475, to discuss your vision for your legacy. JFS

Interested in

your time and

Call (504) 831-8475 or send an email to jfs@jfsneworleans.org.

JFS Partners in CARING Giving Society

The JFS Partners in Caring Giving Society is in recognition of the magnanimous support from our compassionate partners. The purpose of this society is to recognize individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations whose cumulative generosity has made a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and families at every stage of their life. This listing is based on donor records beginning in 1990.

Visionary ($50,000+)

Baptist Community Ministries

Bruce Levy Family for the Benefit of Jewish Family Service Donor

Advised Fund

The Estate of Dr. Leona Bersadsky

Bissinger-Timm Family

Joe W. & Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation

“Adele K.Cahn* / Adele Cahn Catch-A-Cab Designated Fund”

The Cahn Family Foundation c/o

James & Marie Cahn & Richard & Vivian Cahn

Covenant House

Ferber Family Foundation of Houma

Goldring Family Foundation

GPOA Foundation

Robert* B. & Shirley* Haspel

Albert and Rea Hendler

Charitable Trust

Institute of Mental Hygiene

Chai Guardian ($18,000 - $49,999)

Anonymous

Cathy & Morris Bart, III

Evelyn & Billy Burkenroad Foundation

David & Sue Daube

Rochelle & Mark Effron

Leslie & Jonathan Fawer

Alan and Diane Franco

Deena Gerber

Howard & Susan Green

Hancock Whitney National Bank

John Haspel & Amy Gainsburgh-Haspel

Sandra P. Heller*

Dr. & Mrs. Harris Hyman, III

Dorothy S. Jacobs

Judge Jacob & Vicki Karno

Jeffrey & Betsy Kaston

Paul & Marilyn Kullman

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

Fran* & Jonathan Lake

Andrea & Terrence Lestelle

Renee & Rusty Levy

Anne Lowenburg

MAZON, A Jewish Response to Hunger

Susie & John Meltzer

Julie Grant Meyer

Max Nathan, Jr.*

NGCF Donor Advisory Fund

Marshall* & Julie Wise Oreck

Benefactor ($10,000 - $17,999)

Dorlene Alaynick Donor Advised Fund

Allan & Nikki Berger

Shelly & Benay Bernstein

Burkedale Foundation

Bridget & Robert Bories

Ella West Freeman Foundation

Jeffrey & Debbie* Friedman

Bobby Garon & Robin Levy

Marcy & Mike Gertler

Cathy & Charles Glaser

Dr. Dov & Margie Glazer

Mr. & Mrs. Ricardo Guevara

Mrs. Jimmy Heymann*

Mitchell J. & Susan Hoffman

Andrea & Jeffrey Huseman

The Estate of Irwin Isaacson*

Julanne Isaacson*

Jefferson Parish Medical Society

Jewish Federation of New Hampshire

Hugo and Lis Kahn

Jeno & Monica Kalozdi

Keller Family Foundation

Ellen & Stanley Kessler

Scott & Geri Kisner

The Greater New Orleans Foundation

Jonathan Levy

Lauren Levy Neustadter

Walter and Laura Levy

Anna Manteil

Richard S. Margolin

Jan & Henry Miller

Melinda & Morris Mintz Foundation

New Orleans Artists Against Hunger & Homelessness (NOAAHH)

Bennie P. Nobles

Sarah & Joe* Pasternack Jr.

Debbie & Leon Pesses

Jewish Endowment Foundation

Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans

Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund

Pratt-Stanton Manor Fund

Sara Matile Schwarz*

Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust

United Way of Southeast Louisiana

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

Woldenberg Foundation

Lynell D. Zelenka Foundation

Sanford Pailet, MD

Julie Schwartz & David Radlauer

RosaMary Foundation

Henry & Susan Rosenblat

Joshua L. Rubenstein

Madalyn & Robert Schenk

William & Jane Sizeler

Robert & Pamela Steeg

Sara B. Stone*

Harold Wainer

Judge Miriam Waltzer & Mr. Bruce Waltzer

Carol Wise

Frances Sontheimer Wolff*

Gary & Charlotte Reiss

Gary & Jenny Rich

Edie & Paul Rosenblum

The SAC Foundation

Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation

Jonathan & Debbie Schlackman

Dana & Louis Shepard

Sherman Charitable Trust

Percival Stern Foundation

The TJX Foundation, Inc

Touro Infirmary Foundation

Patty C. & Randy J. Ungar

Roselle & Stanley Ungar

Bernard Van der Linden

Ellie & Bruce Wainer

George, Helen, Harold Wainer Foundation

Art & Martie Waterman

Guy & Dale Williams

Our 2022-2023 Supporters

$50,000+

Baptist Community Ministry

Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans

Jewish Endowment Foundation

United Way of Southeast Louisiana

U.S. Committee of Refugees & Immigrants

$25,000 - $49,999

The Cahn Family Foundation; Marie & James Cahn, Vivian & Richard Cahn

Goldring Family Foundation

Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund

Woldenberg Foundation

$10,000 - $24,999

Dorlene Alaynick Donor

Advised Fund

The Bissinger-Timm Family

Rochelle & Mark Effron

Institute of Mental Hygiene

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

Bruce Levy Family for the Benefit of Jewish Family Service Donor

Advised Fund

Jewish Community Day School

$5,000 - $9,999

Adele K. Cahn* / Catch-A-Cab Designated Fund

Harris & Barbara Hyman, III

Blake Jones Law Firm

Jeffrey & Betsy Kaston

Stanley C. & Ellen W. Kessler Donor

Advised Fund

Mantell-Goldstein Charitable Trust

Melinda & Morris Mintz Fund

Rifle Tree Charitable Fund

Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust

$2,500 - $4,999

Evelyn & Billy Burkenroad Foundation

Franco Family Donor Advised Fund

Howard & Susan Green

Jacob & Vicki Karno

NGCF Donor Advisory Fund

Debbie & Leon Pesses

$1,000 - $2,499

Anonymous

Bonnie & Harris Blackman

Sue & David Daube

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

Richard & Linda Drucker

Leslie & Jonathan Fawer

Bobby Garon & Robin Levy

Marcy & Mike Gertler

Councilmember Joseph Giarrusso, III

Scott & Ashley Gold

John Haspel & Amy GainsburghHaspel

Katherine Haspel & Paul Silver

Sandy* & Edward* M. Heller Donor

Advised Fund

Ferber Family Foundation of Houma

Linda Jacobs

Hugo & Lis Kahn

Ralph Katz

Jonathan Lake

Sessions, Fishman, & Nathan, LLC.

Andrea & Terrence Lestelle

Ruth & Joel Loeffelholz

Alvin & Carol Merlin

Jan & Henry Miller

Ivan Morton Sherman Foundation Fund

Julie Grant Meyer

Sanford Pailet, MD

Gary & Charlotte Reiss

Ricchiuti Family Fund

Henry & Susan Rosenblat

Edie & Paul Rosenblum

Network of Jewish Human Service Agency (NJHSA)

Shawna Jones & Joshua Rubenstein

Madalyn & Robert Schenk

Kathy & Hal Shepard

Leopold & Karen Sher

Elliot & Susan Shushan

Susan Silver

William & Jane Sizeler

Steeg Family Foundation

Luther & Zita Templeman Foundation

Stanley & Roselle Ungar

Bruce & Ellie Wainer

Virginia Wise & Kevin Wilkins

$500 - $999

Cathy & Morris Bart

Allan* & Nancy Bissinger

Robert & Felicia Boggio

Kelley & Guy Brenner

David & Kristen Dulitz

Professor Robert Force

Jeffrey & Debbie Friedman

Deena Y. Gerber

Cathy & Charles Glaser

Maurice* & Harriet* Handelman

Donor Advised Fund

Fred & Amanda Herman

Susan & William Hess

Andrea & Jeffrey Huseman

Wynn & Lori Kapit

Rabbi Philip & Abra Kaplan

Barbara Kaplinsky

Paul & Leah Katz

Albert & Sue Katz

Brian & Lisa Katz

Rene & Janet Koppel

Paul & Marilyn Kullman

Glenn & Judy Lieberman

Jordan Lieberman

Ellen & Stephen Manshel

Toby & Joel Mendler

Andree K. Moss

Richard & Carole Neff

Harold & Janet Pesses

Joyce & Sidney Pulitzer

Julie Schwartz & David Radlauer

Andre & Robbie Rubenstein

Dana & Louis Shepard

Shir Chadash Conservative

Congregation

Rick & Ann Streiffer

Patty & Randy Ungar

Usdin-Weil Foundation

Vanderlinden Foundation

Lynne & Michael Wasserman

Art & Martie Waterman

Karen Weissbecker Remer

Marie & Robert Wolf

$250 - $499

Anonymous

Vicki Adjmi

Harriet Aguiar-Netto

Michele Allen-Hart

Sabina Altman

Bradley & Daniela Bain

Nicholaus Barber

Lisa Barnett

Sue Barton

Allan & Nikki Berger

Shelly & Benay Bernstein

Joe & Lee Blotner

Melanie & Daniel Bronfin

Stuart & Gail Chalew

Bonnie Chambliss

Richard & Ina Davis

Ed & Theresa Dennis

Kenneth & Melanie Ehrlich

Israel & Sylvia Finger

Elliot & Lisa Finkelstein

Robert French

Edwin Fried

George & Laura Fuhrman

Louis & Debbie Gertler

Hon. Robin Giarrusso

Jan & N’Ann Glade

Sandra Chass Goldsmith

Jeff & Linda Green

Barbara Greenberg

David & Lauren Greenberg

Lisa & Mike Herman

Mitchell J. & Susan Hoffman

Stanley Jacobs

Richard & Lisa Karlin

Stephanie Kaston Gutierrez

Celia L. Katz

Charel W. Katz

Beverly Katz

A. Keith & Evelyn Katz

Steve & Pat Klein

Susan B. Kohn

Ruth & Larry Kullman

Donald I. Levy

Walter & Laura Levy

Barbara & Sanford Maslansky

Marjorie McCants

Bennie P. Nobles

Randy & Kathleen Opotowsky

Sarah & Joe* Pasternack Jr.

Paul & Marie Pechon

Stuart Phillips

John Pizer

Sue & Fred Preis

Molly Pulda

Cynthia & Leon* Rittenberg Jr.

Nita-Joan Sams

Robert I. Shepard

Edward Soll

Richard & Jetty Spector

Susan Sternberg

Matthew & Sherri Tarr

Jeff & Michele Varon

Gail Wall

Judge Miriam Waltzer & Bruce Waltzer

Marrero Land & Improvement Association

Richard Wilkof

Lorraine Lake Williams

Marshall* & Julie Wise Oreck

Margot & Austin Yost

Renée Zack

Marilyn Pailet Zackin

$100 - $249

Anonymous

Ken Adelberg

Paul & Arlene Barron

Mark & Jaymi Baum

Kent & Patricia Berger

Debbie Berins

Marvin & Marilyn Bernstein

Caron Bleich

Lauren Bombet

Barbara Bresler

Debra Bresler

Caroline & Bob Brickman

Gerald Cohen

Alexander & Sarah Cohen

Congregation Temple Sinai

Arnold & Arlene Cooper

Gregory & Joan Cox

Alan Director

Martin Drell, MD

Rosalie Dulitz

Emily & Evan Dvorin

Alan Emerman

Martin & Arleen Falchook

Neel & Deborah Fallis

Irina Foxman

Our 2022-2023 Supporters (continued)

Fred Franklin

Lynette Fried

Marc & Susan Friedman

Reuben & Marlene Friedman

Lynn Friedman

Josh Friedmann

Judith Gainsburgh

Ana & Juan Gershanik

Mr. John E. Gilcrease

Amanda Glinky

Melvin & Jacqueline Gold

Mark Goldstein & Peggy Usner

Blayne Gothard

Estate of Leon Greenblatt, II

Ron & Leslie B. Gubitz

Andrew & Ann Gutter

Devvie & Harvey Harris

Seth Harris & Julie Schwam Harris

Sherril Herman

Steven Herr

Beth Hershberg

Daisy & Ron Heumann

Marcia Hirsch

Capt. Rick Jacobs, USN Rt

Shellie & Terry Jacobson

Jay & Andrea Jospeh

Patty Joyce

Elizabeth Kahn

Mark & Barbara Kaplinsky

Mark & Susan Kappelman

Ellen Katz

Freda Katz

Clifford Kern, III

Scott & Geri Kisner

Sara Kottle

Ronda Kottle

Carlos & Terry Kronberger

Wilfred & Yvonne Kullman, Jr.

Allison Kupperman

Stephen & Mara Kupperman

Betty & Harry Lazarus

Cathy Lazarus & Eric Simon

Barry & Charlotte Leader

Sandy Levy

Sari Levy

Carol Marx

John & Marilyn Mendoza

William & Gabrielle Mimeles

Harry & Marion Mohre

Betty Moore

Barbara & Robert Namer

David & Tiffany Oestreicher, II

Levi Partouche

Gail Fenton Pesses

National Council Of Jewish Women

Joel & Paula Picker

The Post Foundation

Ronald & Diane Rabin

Gary Remer & Toni Weiss

Congregation Anshe Sfard

Rubenstein Brothers Donor Advised Fund

Kathy Rush

David & Lisa Schlakman

Florence Schornstein

Judy Schwartzer & Christopher Schneidau

Robert Shaddox

Helen Siegel

Seth & Sharyn Silverstein

Lesley Smith

Edgar & Kay Starns

State of Israel Ministry of Finance

Edgar Stein

Judith Steinberg

Paul & Laurie Sterbcow

Henry* & Audery* Threefoot

Hilton Title

Aran Toshav & Rebecca Friedman

Vadim & Michele Gelman

Raymond Ventura

Anamaria Villamarin-Lupin & Tim Lupin

Eileen Wallen

Deb Weinstein

Arlene Wieder

Judge Jerome Winsberg

Carol B. Wise

Marilynn Wohlstadter

Edward & Veronica Young

Lawrence & Joan Zaslow

Ian Zlatkiss

*Deceased This

Change

Beginning of Year (1/1/2022) $3,290,452

End of Year (12/31/2022)

ASSETS

Cash

Accounts

Grants

Unconditional

TOTAL

Net

Net

Board

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL REVENUE: $1,188,858 (percentage and total of all below):

Grant

Contributions $220,887 (19%)

Miscellaneous $9,281 (1%)

Investment Income -$345,399 (-29%)

Jewish Federation

$138,941 (12%)

United Way $65,358 (5%)

Program

Special Event $28,337 (2%)

TOTAL EXPENSES $1,625,914

and total of all below): Program Service Fees $1,233,353 (76%)

(17%)

Our Staff

*Former JFS Staff as of June 30, 2023

Executive Staff

Roselle M. Ungar, CFRE Executive Director

Michelle Beard, LCSW-BACS, MBA Director of Clinical Services

Mario Figueroa, BSW USCRI Program Manager & Regional Supervisor

Rabbi David Posternock* Director of Business Services

Clinical Staff

Juan Ballen

USCRI Family Support Coordinator

Maryury Castaneda, LMSW USCRI Case Manager

Stephanie Crowder, LPC, LMFT Therapist

Charlotte Dillon USCRI Regional Supervisor

Fran Dinehart, LCSW Therapist

Peter Estapa USCRI Family Support Specialist

Cinthia Sostenes Millan USCRI Case Manager

Yennifer Martinez USCRI Case Aid

Geraldine Page USCRI Case Manager

Tania Salinas USCRI Family Support Coordinator

Mark Saucier, LPC Therapist

Carly Smith, LCSW Intern Program Supervisor

Maleny Thomas USCRI Family Support Coordinator

Lorena Wever USCRI Case Manager

Margaret Winston, LPC Jewish Community Day School Therapist

Older Adult Services

Jan Miller* Office Support Staff

Kim Nonenmacher* Senior Services Manager

Karen Parham

Older Adult Services Support Specialist

Tiffany Pounds, MA

Older Adult Services Manager

Harrison Wool, RTA* Field Support Staff

Teen Life Counts

Frances Currie, LMSW

Teen Life Counts Program Manager

Ashleigh Hite, LMSW*

Teen Life Counts Program Manager

Lauren Jones

Teen Life Counts Program Coordinator

Communications & Events

Haley Hemenway Sledge

Communications & Events Coordinator

Administrative Staff

Teri Conrad

Administrative Assistant

Cortni Randazzo

Client & Donor Services Specialist

2022-2023 Behavioral Health

Training Center Interns

Erica Uli, Isabella Goldman, Ryan Martin, Katherine Sharamitaro, Frances Currie, Kiolga Butler, Diamond Every, Emily DeFelice

education

an annual SJL special section

Ron Gubitz stepping down as head of Tulane Hillel

On Dec. 19, Tulane Hillel announced that Ron Gubitz, who has been executive director for four years, will be stepping down at the end of the spring semester and moving to St. Louis.

Gubitz came to New Orleans in 2010 from St. Louis, where he worked for Teach for America. Before taking over from Rabbi Yonah Schiller at Hillel in 2020, he worked for the ReNEW Cultural Arts Academy, and was principal coach for Turnaround Arts.

Mark Mintz, board chair for Tulane Hillel, said “I am grateful for the inspiring work Ron has contributed to continuing Tulane Hillel’s reputation as an inclusive, innovative, and impactful Jewish community.”

According to the announcement, Gubitz “strengthened our Hillel by increasing the quality and quantity of Jewish student engagement,

steadfastly representing the needs of Jewish students with University leadership, and attracting and mentoring incredibly talented pro-fessionals who are deeply committed to the mission of Tulane Hillel.”

During his four years, Hillel revamped its financial systems, increased monetary reserves, launched the award-winning Portrait Identity Project, piloted the Tulane Israel Leadership Trip and alternative spring break programs, and partnered with Onward Israel.

These accomplishments came despite having to deal with Covid shutdowns at the begin-ning of his tenure.

The board is working with Hillel International on a nationwide search for a successor, with Kevin Wilkins chairing the search committee.

Isidore Newman builds on reputation of excellence

When financier and philanthropist Isidore Newman founded the Isidore Newman Manual Training School in 1903, he envisioned a superior education for the children of New Orleans and those of the Jewish Children’s Home. He wrote, “For years it has been the desire of my heart to do something for this city and State which have made me what I am. I have my reward in the school.” He hoped to provide skilled, competent, and well-trained labor to do the work that is necessary in a community.

Over the past 120 years, Isidore Newman School has developed into one of the nation’s finest college preparatory institutions. The curricu-

lum has evolved into an academic program which today offers a full range of choices and rewarding challenges. From an opening enrollment of 125, the student body has grown to almost 1,100 in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Distinctive Academic Programs

Now in its 12th year, Global Studies has become a signature program at Isidore Newman School. A requirement for graduation, Global Studies offers a slate of courses from which each senior selects one. Although at its core Global Studies teaches students about history, woven within the lessons is an implicit goal to help

In November, Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum hosted leaders from MSU Hillel for lunch and conversation.

students understand the complex, interconnected factors that created the modern world. With current Upper School students moving into a complex, globally interconnected environment, the course teaches students how to navigate across cultural barriers, understand multiple perspectives, and look beyond America’s borders to experience world history with an open mind and a critical eye.

All Newman students will take either Art History or History of Jazz prior to graduation. Art History exposes students to the art of many cultures dating from the ancient world to contemporary works. History of Jazz provides students with an understanding and appreciation of the history and artistry of jazz music, a genre that originated in New Orleans.

Newman’s Math curriculum is designed so that the most advanced track progresses from Pre-Calculus Honors to Calculus Honors to AP Calculus BC.

Recent Campus Enhancements

In the past several years, Newman has focused on improving its physical plant, with substantial construction projects transforming the 11.5acre campus. In Fall 2022, Newman dedicated the new Joy and Boysie Bollinger Performing Arts Building. The 5,500 square-foot building features two spacious, acoustically optimized rehearsal rooms for Newman’s award-winning Band and Choir programs, three practice rooms, as well as the Bart Gallery featuring student work alongside Newman’s permanent collection.

Since the School’s founding in 1903, the arts have always been an important part of a Newman education, with classes in music and the arts being required. Blending traditional and contemporary architecture, the Bollinger building highlights the connection between this new, state-of-

the-art performing arts building and Newman’s historic Jefferson Building, which serves as a part of the new building’s structural integrity.

“This building serves as a sign of our commitment to offer a Newman education that embraces both classical liberal arts and forward-thinking, innovative educational practices,” Head of School Dale Smith said.

Last fall the School also unveiled the state-of-the-art Manning Fieldhouse and renovation of the historic Tuohy Gymnasium.

Named in honor of proud Newman graduates, Eli ’99, Peyton ’94, and Cooper ’92 Manning, children of Olivia and Archie Manning, the Manning Fieldhouse abounds with stories of success both on and off the field. The Berger Family Atrium is another component of the Fieldhouse building. To recognize the legacy that their parents, Darryl and Louellen, established, Allison, Darryl Jr., Brandon, and Ryan meaningfully dedicated the space in their honor. The new, state-of-the-art facility houses the Adler Goldring Pavilion, Sean Tuohy Court, Bordelon Family Locker Room, the Montgomery Head Coach’s Office, along with flexible gathering and meeting spaces, such as the Eustis Flower Room and Miles P. Clements ’72 Conference Room, for the entire Newman community to utilize.

Athletics touch the lives of every Newman student — more than 85 percent of Middle and Upper School students participate in at least one sport. This comprehensive renovation of physical education, locker rooms, and community spaces provides amenities appropriate to the stature of the Newman athletics program and spirit of the community it serves.

These new facilities, coupled with the Rupa and Tarun Jolly Science and Technology Building, which opened in the fall of 2018, and the over 250 dedicated faculty and staff at the School, ensures Greenies are prepared for success for years to come.

Help The Hebrew University Community Serve Israel Through the ‘We Are One’ Fund

The October 7th Hamas terrorist attack has threatened the State of Israel’s future like nothing before. Nevertheless, the country, its students, soldiers, and citizens have united amidst unimaginable tragedy.

While Israel focuses on the immediate battle of protecting its borders and rooting out the Hamas threat, its people face both short and long-term struggles. A massive and far-reaching effort looms in keeping the country moving forward and addressing the myriad economic, medical, and academic needs.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem community — its students, professors, staff, and families — are suffering. Some have lost relatives who were murdered in the attacks. Others continue to endure endless days worried about the status of kidnapped family members and friends. Students and faculty are once again soldiers, having been called up to serve, suspending their academic pursuits, research, and jeopardizing their financial security. Just in the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Law, alone, an estimated 40% of students have been called to active military duty.

In the face of dire need, Hebrew University has launched the We Are One fundraising campaign to provide aid and support to the 28,000 students, faculty, and staff impacted by the war.

“The Hebrew University’s American friends will do everything we can to support our community members during the war and its aftermath, which we hope will bring lasting peace,” says Joshua Rednik, chief executive officer, American Friends of the Hebrew University. “Every dollar raised goes to mitigating significant, critical needs to ensure safety, security, and continued educational excellence on campus once the academic year begins.”

Significant We Are One funding priorities include:

Scholarships and Academic Assistance for Soldiers Called to Duty

Thousands of students who have been called to military service will incur academic and financial losses while risking their lives. We Are One will provide scholarships and financial aid for students and staff serving in the military. Once the school year begins, Hebrew University will also continue to provide financial and emotional support, and academic assistance for students, staff, and faculty serving in the reserves.

Relocation and Shelter

Hebrew University is assessing how best to help employees and students who have had to evacuate their homes. Many have lost all their possessions while facing the trauma of kidnapped, injured, and/or deceased loved ones.

Campus Security

The current conflict brings with it increased security needs on all campuses, including equipping guards with bulletproof vests and helmets, increased first aid supplies, and other security mobilization equipment.

Counseling Services

The University is providing counseling for anyone in the community who is coping with severe trauma, grief, and loss. This includes assistance for families of hostages and other missing people.

Beyond Fundraising: Volunteering Where Needed

Hebrew University volunteers are addressing urgent needs in their surrounding communities as well. Faculty of Medicine students are volunteering in Israeli hospitals struggling with staff shortages due to the war. The University is also working with the Jerusalem Municipality to establish a school and kindergarten for children evacuated from their homes in Sderot in southern Israel. In addition, some of the half million displaced people from the North and the Gaza border regions are being housed in Hebrew University dormitories.

In its role as Israel’s premier university and academic research institution, Hebrew University will continue to address the devastating impact of this terror attack, and its toll on human and financial suffering, just as it has faced adversity throughout Israel’s history.

As the war continues to demand time, resources, and attention, Hebrew University, across its six campuses, must also continue doing what it does best: pursuing extraordinary innovation, developing transformational technologies, and delivering educational excellence to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges.

When the immediate crisis subsides, the University will once again provide an academic home for a full cadre of students, researchers, and faculty. In the meantime, the HU community is supporting each other, providing critical medical resources, helping farmers harvest their crops to prevent food shortages, and looking after the families left behind as Israel’s soldiers heed the call for security.

“These tragic times remind us of the human cost of war and the true blessings of family and friends,” says Hebrew University President Prof. Asher Cohen. “As we mourn those we have lost and persevere through difficult days ahead, we find comfort in community and strength in solidarity. We hold onto hope — hope for the safe return of hostages and faith in our nation’s resilience. Hebrew University is grateful for the support.”

To make a tax-deductible contribution to the We Are One Fund, go to www.afhu.org/wr1

or mail a check payable to American Friends of the Hebrew University PO Box 98212

Washington, DC 20090

Hebrew University students volunteer to prep food

Alabama Hillel provides a home away from home

By Lee J. Green

The University of Alabama continues to grow its Jewish student population and involvement, with Hillel providing a home for students, especially during these challenging times.

“We’re there for the students for whatever they need,” said University of Alabama Hillel Executive Director Lisa Besnoy. “Our goal is to be a home away from home. It’s so much more than Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations. It’s about creating a community.”

She said that the University has always been very supportive of Hillel and diversity on campus. That commitment has been very evident especially since the Oct. 7 attacks.

“The University and the Administration have been incredibly supportive of us through this,” said Besnoy. “They have been amazing; providing us everything we need for our emotional and physical safety needs.”

At a gathering for peace and solidarity, University of Alabama President Dr. Stuart Bell spoke with students and “was giving our students many hugs and assurances.”

Later in October, Hillel connected with an elementary school administration in Israel, sending more than 150 hand-made cards offering support. “Our students took the initiative to come up with ways they could support Israel and the children,” she said.

Hillel’s Chanukah celebration was the most highly attended since Besnoy came back to Alabama to serve as director in 2013.

She said the students and alumni turned out in big numbers for the Alabama football home game tailgates at Hillel. Those have also been ideal for hosting prospective Jewish students.

“We’re so lucky to have such a great building for everything from Shabbat dinners to study times to tailgating and social events,” said Besnoy.

She said Hillel is blessed to have strong student leadership. Thanks to a Birmingham Jewish Foundation grant, Besnoy and Hillel student leaders enjoyed a retreat to the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans this past November.

They were given tours by University of Alabama graduate Abbey Lewis, the Visitor Services Manager for the MSJE. “That was a very pivotal, moving experience,” said Besnoy. “We want to make sure our programs are very student-centric and we’re fortunate to have wonderful resources in the BJF and Hillel International.”

Temple Emanu-El, located next door to Hillel, has also been a very supportive partner, she said. Students often attend services there and several teach Sunday School and B’nai Mitzvah prep.

She said in the spring, Hillel is planning a big Purim party. In partnership with the Alabama Holocaust Education Center, they are planning a Holocaust commemoration event March 26.

The University estimates that there are more than 1,000 Jewish students on campus and enrollment numbers continue to rise.

In the spring, they hope to expand the number of cities they will go to on recruiting visit events and always welcome prospective students to visit.

“We’re seeing more incoming freshman coming from the northeast and out west, discovering what a gem we have here,” said Besnoy.

Indian Springs forms a community of learning

With an atmosphere of student autonomy and rigorous college-level courses, Indian Springs School continues its reputation as one of the top private high schools in the country.

Set on 350 acres half an hour south of Birmingham, with a 12-acre lake, the school emphasizes the concept of Learning through Living, with respect for individuality and independent thought, participatory citizenship and fostering creativity. Students are largely self-governed, with the freedom to try new things and, on occasion, fail at them, so they can learn and grow.

The student body is highly diverse, with students from several states and foreign countries. Roughly one-third of students board, and many faculty members live on campus, providing a community atmosphere and an ability for students to seek extra help outside class hours.

Enrollment is around 330, starting with a small eighth grade class that usually numbers around 26, then larger groups starting in ninth grade.

There is a wide range of student organizations, generally getting their start when a couple students express an interest. Among the organizations is the Jew Crew, and a sukkah is constructed on campus every year for Sukkot.

Student organization showcases each year provide opportunities to learn about other groups on campus.

The school’s music program is highly-regarded, with its famous choir comprising one-third of the student body. A contemporary music program leads to elaborate student concerts where the only faculty member involved is the one operating the sound board. The drama department does cutting-edge plays, and student photography and sculpture are displayed in the Town Hall.

Over the last two decades, almost all campus buildings were updated or replaced, with Silver LEED-certified buildings that complement the natural setting. The most recent is the Kayser/ Samford Community Commons, a new dining hall and gathering spot. Learning from the Covid experience, there was a redesign to provide more outdoor seating, which proved popular.

Fostering Jewish Community on the Plains education

Contact us to schedule a tour or phone call to learn more about Jewish life at Auburn.

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https://auburnhillel.wixsite.com/ auburnhillel

Kayser/Samford Community Commons

Auburn Jewish student numbers, participation on the rise

By Lee J. Green

Bolstered by support from Auburn Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, Athletic Director John Cohen and the University, Auburn’s Jewish student and participation numbers continue to rise.

“We’re seeing more students at our events and Shabbat dinners than ever before,” said Faculty Advisor and Auburn communications professor Eleanor Patterson. “We don’t have a large population here (estimated at close to 150 students), but we are mighty,” and this year’s freshman class had the largest Jewish contingent in history. “It is our hope that we’ll be able to fundraise and have our own Hillel building here within the next five years.”

Coach Pearl’s annual Chanukah Party drew a record crowd of Jewish and non-Jewish students. Pearl also led an interfaith effort to send care packages to IDF soldiers, recruiting the basketball and baseball teams to join the Jewish students. He also led students in a chant of “Am Yisrael Chai” at the university’s annual lighting festival, where the campus Christmas tree and menorah are both lit.

Pearl and the Auburn Hillel also organized a dinner with Athletes for Israel and its director Danny Posner at Neville Arena. Athletes for Israel helped organize the August 2022 trip to Israel for Auburn’s basketball team.

“I think we’ve really seen the strength and resolve of our Jewish community” since Oct. 7, said Patterson. At the Sunday Bagels with Bruce following the attack, they did prayers and sang Hatikvah together. “It’s meaningful for us to come together as Jews to grieve and to discuss ways

we can support Israel.”

“We’re lucky that we’ve gotten much support from the University. John and Bruce are always advocating for the Jewish students. They’re always there for them,” she said.

Patterson said the students have organized some tailgates for football and basketball games. Hillel coordinates monthly Shabbat dinners, movie nights and other engaging programs. Auburn’s AEPi fraternity also hosts regular events for its members and some combo events with Hillel.

For the spring, they plan to coordinate a big Purim party and an open celebration for Israel Independence Day.

Patterson said they are also grateful for Temple Beth Shalom, Auburn’s congregation. She is on the board and many of the students attend services there. Some of the students also teach Sunday school.

“Our students feel like they are ambassadors for Jewish culture and traditions,” she said. “They also have taken great initiative with outreach… and to show what a great environment this is for future students.”

Alabama School of Fine Arts growing math and science programs

By Lee J. Green

Alabama School of Fine Arts has arts in its name, but the Birmingham tuition-free public school providing specialty education continues to produce many National Merit Scholars in math and science.

ASFA’s inaugural seventh grade Math-Science Department class started last fall. Dinah Henkin, daughter of Temple Beth-El Rabbi Steven Henkin and his wife Orly, has excelled in the Department as a ninth grader.

“I really love this school,” said Henkin, who started as an eighth grader at ASFA. “It is so diverse and we get such a strong, specialized education.”

She said she is especially interested in marine biology and medical engineering. “We took a field trip to Dauphin Island last fall and it gave us the opportunity for some hands-on learning.”

Henkin has relished opportunities to be involved on competing academic teams and with extracurricular activities. She’s on the ASFA Math Team and is doing the Science Olympiad.

She also has taken an interest in prop and scenery building, working behind the scenes on last fall’s production of “Urinetown.”

“I really enjoy seeing how science, math and art can come together,” added Henkin.

In her history class, Henkin did a project on the Jewish community of Monaco, and they had a special commemoration on the anniversary of Kristallnacht.

“I’ve shared with my friends and teachers about how we celebrate holidays and the meaning of our traditions,” she said.

Henkin said students have options to shape their own curriculum outside of the required core and do volunteer work at places such as the McWane Center.

“They’ve also brought in some ASFA alumni to speak to us to let us

know about how they are using their (ASFA math-science education) to further their careers,” she said.

For the ASFA 2023-24 academic year, the school added other programs for seventh and eighth graders, including piano education.

“Students ranging from seventh to 12th grade in the same school is both rewarding and challenging,” said Brad Hill, vice president of specialty and academic studies at ASFA. “Our new programs seek to empower middle schoolers. An early start is beneficial to students’ ‘deep dive’ in their chosen area, and ASFA’s excellent faculty makes sure they are ready for advanced high school classes as they pursue their passions.”

ASFA was voted the Best Public School in the Birmingham Region. Ninety-one percent of the school’s seniors earned merit scholarships, compared to the national average of 22 percent. For more information, go to www.asfa.k12.al.us.

MSJE hosting Rosenwald student essay contest

In conjunction with their current exhibit, “A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools that Changed America,” the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans is holding a middle school writing contest.

Open to students in grades 5 to 8, the contest asks “Why do you think the United States should create a Rosenwald Schools National Park?” Contest entries should be done in the form of a persuasive letter to members of Congress, explaining why the proposed park should be approved.

Background information on the Rosenwald Schools is available on the museum’s website, along with an entry form. Letters must be no more than 500 words in length, and the contest is open to students in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. The contest is open to all students, including non-Jews.

WINNER OF THREE BOOK AWARDS

Based

“A product of love and of intellect”

— Rabbi Steven Silberman Ahavas Chesed, Mobile

First place is $500, second place is $250 and third place is $100. The deadline is April 15.

Space Camp: The Gift of Exploration

Does your family value experiences over material things when it comes to gift giving? The U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Space Camp programs in Huntsville are both meaningful and memorable and may be just the thing to consider this holiday season.

Space Camp was founded in 1982, when the space shuttle program was just taking off. NASA knew that it was going to take a lot of engineers, scientists, and technologists to keep that spacecraft flying and to build the International Space Station. So long before STEM became an emphasis in the education world, Space Camp opened with the goal of inspiring kids interested in space exploration.

With more than 1 million graduates from all over the world, Space Camp and its sister programs — Aviation Challenge, Space Camp Robotics, and U.S. Cyber Camp — have done exactly that. Thousands of engineers, pilots, astronomers, and, yes, astronauts, attribute the seed planted at Space Camp to their later successes.

Space Camp Robotics and U.S. Cyber Camp are available for ages 9 to 18, but Space Camp and Aviation Challenge, with its focus on pilot training, also offer family camp options. Families with children as young as 7 may attend the two-night program on site at the Rocket Center.

Each family member is assigned a different role in a simulated space or aviation mission, providing an educational, and fun set of activities to experience together.

Family camp programs are not only a unique way for families to spend time together, but they also provide the confidence for children to come back on their own. Sometimes it’s just the spark that ignites an exciting future of exploration.

Roll of Honor 2023 Annual Campaign

$100,000+

Goldring Family Foundation

Woldenberg Foundation

Anonymous (1)

$50,000 - $99,999

Alan & Diane Franco

Anonymous (2)

$25,000 - $49,999

Morris & Cathy Bart

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Foundation

Harriet Handelman*

Maury Herman

Brian & Lisa Katz

Morton & Carole Katz

Dr. Julius & Donna Levy

David* & Jan Oreck

Julie Wise Oreck

William & Leslie Rau

Rittenberg Family Foundation

Milton Rosenson Fund

The Edward and Karen Soll

Family Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Fund

Anonymous (3)

$10,000 - $24,999

Harold & Carol Asher

Dr. Marc Behar

Darryl & Louellen Berger

Marjorie Bissinger*

Allan Bissinger PACE Fund & Nancy Bissinger

Robert & Caroline Brickman

Richard & Vivian Cahn

Carla & Louis Fishman

Joshua & Mara Force

Robert Force

Steven & Bethany Friedman

Bobby Garon & Robin Levy

Dr. Juan & Ana Gershanik

Dr. Kurt & Alice Yelen Gitter

Dr. Charles & Cathy Glaser

Scott Goldin

Susan & Lou Good

Mark & Lisa Heller

Sandra Heller Lion of Judah Endowment Fund

Fred & Amanda Herman

Bill & Susan Hess

Dr. Harris & Barbara Hyman

Blake & Lois R. Jones

Jonathan Lake

Alan & Sherry Leventhal

Morris & Melinda Mintz

Mintz-Easthope Foundation

Peter Newhouse

Dr. Sanford Pailet

Hannah Rau

Rebecca Rau

Joshua Rubenstein & Shawna Jones

Karen & Leopold Sher

I. William & Jane Sizeler

Shea & Dr. Michelle Soll

Robert & Pamela Steeg

Dr. Rian & Teri Tanenbaum

Nancy & Steve Timm

Bernard Van der Linden

Harold Wainer

Dr. Michael & Lynne Wasserman

Carol B. Wise

Marie & Robert Wolf

Anonymous (4)

$5,000 - $9,999

Jack & Phyllis Alltmont

Judy Barrasso & Brent Barriere

Lauren Baumgarten

Valerie Besthoff

Edward & Elissa Bluth

Guy & Kelley Brenner

Jim Weiss & Audrey Browne

Rick & Ina Davis

The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans thanks the following donors to the 2023 Annual Campaign. Their generosity and commitment to the Jewish Community of Greater New Orleans continues to help our local constituents and beneficiaries do their important work, and to provide critical support for initiatives serving the global Jewish community. Without this Roll of Honor, our impact would not be possible.

Dora Ferber Lion of Judah Endowment Fund

Robert French

Richard & Linda Friedman

Meyer & Marcy Gertler

Dr. Dov & Margie Glazer

Louis A. & Lillian L. Glazer Family Foundation

Carol Good

Marshall & Carole Gottsegen

Howard & Susan Green

Andrew Jacobs

Dotty Jacobs*

Linda Jacobs

Scott & Leslie Jacobs

Stanley Jacobs

Darleen Jacobs-Levy

Tamara Jacobson

Shellie & Terry Jacobson

Dr. David & Ellen Kaplan

Stanley & Ellen Kessler

Larry & Ruth Kullman

Stephen & Mara Kupperman

Stephen &Ellen Manshel

Julie Grant Meyer

Sarah Pasternack

Ida Phillips

Paul & Edie Rosenblum

Steve & Sandra Rosenthal

Lawrence Lehmann & Dashka

Roth

Jonathan & Debbie Schlackman

Florence Schornstein

Hal & Kathy Shepard

Louis & Dana Shepard

Dr. Ivan Sherman

Scott & Julie Silbert

Ted Nass & Maureen Stein

Rodney & Jane Steiner

Charles & Jackie Stern

Ben & Jodi Swig

Dr. Matthew & Sherri Tarr

Beverly Wainer Lion of Judah Endowment Fund

Bruce & Ellie Wainer

Jacques Weiner & Sandy Feingerts

Richard Wilkof

$2,500 - $4,999

Jack & Jennifer Benjamin

Gerald Berenson Campaign Fund

Ronna Burger & Robert Berman

Dr. Marc & Kathy Bernstein

Marvin & Marilyn Bernstein

Henry & Nini Bodenheimer

Robert & MIndy Caplan

Dr. Stuart & Gail Chalew

Dr. Bruce Gandle

Margot Garon Lion of Judan Endowment Fund

Dr. Vadim & Michele Gelman

Dr. Errol & Adrien Genet

Laura Glazer

Julian Good

Dr. Robert Hammer

Steven & Ann Harris

Byrde Haspel Lion of Judah Endowment Fund

John & Amy Gainsburgh Haspel

Shirley Haspel Lion of Judah Endowment Fund

Albert & Rea Hendler Endowment Fund

Dr. Howard & Marcia Hirsch

Babs Isaacson Lion of Judah Endowment Fund

Jacob & Lee Kansas

Dr. Mark & Susan Kappelman

Jacob & Vicki Karno

Herman Kohlmeyer

David & Laura Kulick

Dr. Barry & Charlotte Leader

Donald I. Levy

Rusty & Renee Levy

Anne Lowenburg

Tamara Mayer Lion of Judah Endowment Fund

Lois Mexic Lion of Judah Endowment Fund

Betty Meyers Lion of Judah Endowment Fund

Andree Moss

Dick & Carole Neff

Dr. Thomas & Marilynn Oelsner

Dr. William & Karen Pinsky

Billy & Janie Rippner

Brian Weimer & Dr. Randy Roig

Jay & Babs Rosenfeld

Marilyn Rosenson Campaign Fund

Robert & Madalyn Schenk

Mark & Diane Schleifstein

Lee Sear

Ralph Seelig

Gregg & Ellen Soll

Peter & Vicky Sperling

Judy Steinberg

Anne Uhry Lion of Judah Endowment Fund

Steven & Melanee Usdin

Bruce & Judge Miriam Waltzer

Kevin Wilkins & Ginny Wise

Frankie Wolff Lion of Judah Endowment Fund

Edward Young

Wayne & Amy Yuspeh

Renee Zack

Marilyn Zackin

Charles Zucker Endowment Fund

$1,000 - $2,499

David & Kelly Abramson

Cary & Lisa Amann

Allison Bach

Mark & Ellen Balkin

Patty Barnett

Sue Barton

Mark & Jaymi Baum

Dr. Neil & Linda Baum

Allan & Nikki Berger

Donna Kay Berger

Sheldon & Benay Bernstein

Linda Usdin & Steven Bingler

Harris & Bonnie Blackman

J. Joseph Blotner

Harry Blumenthal

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Dr. Daniel & Melanie Bronfin

Linda Green & Michael Brown

Perry & Marilyn Brown

Katherine Buckman

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Dr. Daniel Caplan

Rose Cohen

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David & Sue Daube

George & Mildred Denegre

Michael & Tracey Dodd

Warren & Rachel Edelman

Dr. Mark & Rochelle Adler Effron

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Debra Fischman

J. David Forsyth

Tripp & Heidi Friedler

Dr. George & Laura Fuhrman

Rabbi David & Lauren Gerber

Jeffrey & Xiying Gimble

Harley & Susan Ginsberg

Dr. Leonard & Kendall Glade

Jay & Terri Goldsmith

Sandra Goldsmith

Rabbi David & Shannie Goldstein

Alan & Sherrie Goodman

Michael & Marlena Hecht

Barbara Herman

Stephen & Honorable Karen

Herman

Mitchell & Susan Hoffman

Jerome Jacobs

Leonard Davis & Sharon Jacobs

Margie Kahn

Allan Kanner

Jeffrey & Betsy Kaston

Celia Katz

Jonathan & Meggie Katz

Dr. Ralph & Dollie Katz

Richard Katz

Melissa Marshall & Hirsh Katzen

David & Geneva Kerstein

Richard & Patricia Kirschman

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Rene & Janet Koppel

Sheldon & Ronda Kottle

Paul & Marilyn Kullman

Dr. Frederick & Ivy Kushner

Steven Lane

Terrence & Andrea Lestelle

Dr. Alan & Marilyn Levin

Dot Levin

Drs. Walter E. & Laura Levy

Glenn & Judy Lieberman

Rabbi Robert & Lynn Loewy

Henry & Jane Lowentritt

Dr. Joshua & Stacey Lowentritt

Dr. Arthur & Bonnie Lustig

Mark Madderra

Chip & Diana Mann

Austin & Carrie Marks

Barry* & Marciann Marks

Charles & Gillian Marks

Carol Marx

Sanford & Barbara Maslansky

Jill Dupre & Joshua Mayer

James Meyer

Henry & Jan Miller

Mitchell & Christie Mintz

Harry & Marion Mohre

Stephen & Dee Moses

Ted & Leann Moses

Ellis B. & Beth Murov

Marilyn Lake Neumann

Dale & Carol Newman

Randy & Kathleen Opotowsky

Larry & Naomi Orlansky

Drs. Howard & Joy Osofsky

Marjory Palkama

Richard & Suzette Perles

Randal & Gale Pick

Paula & Joel Picker

Lee & Jill Plotkin

Ronald & Diane Rabin

Dr. Efrain & Ilana Reisin

Greg & Renee Shear Rich

Carol Rippner*

Leon & Heather Rittenberg

Ricky Rosenberg

Henry & Susan Rosenblat

Howard & Candice Rosenblum

Andre & Robbie Rubenstein

David & Niki Rubenstein

Lisa Sanders

Lee & Susan Scharff

Jay Shames

Jonnie & Diane Share

Alon & Emily Shaya

Rob Shepard

Gary & Nancy Silbert

Jay & Stacy Silverstein

Mark & Bryna Singerman

Charles & Lynn Smith

Stephen & Caroline Sontheimer

Bruce Spizer

Paul & Laurie Sterbcow

Michael Stern

Susan Sternberg

Leona Stich

Joseph & Lois Sutton

Hilton Title

Peter & Sheryl Title

Louis & Betty Trachtman

Melanie Sheen & David Tucker

Rochelle Wald

Eileen B. Wallen

Jonathan Wallick

John Weil

Michael & Diane Wilensky

Aaron & Dr. Daliah Wolfson

Marc & Ellen Yellin

Dr. Lawrence & Joan Zaslow

Lanny Zatzkis

Gary & Lisa Zoller

Anonymous

(11) $500 - $999

William & Madonna Abroms

Kenneth & Bebe Adatto

Aaron & Elizabeth Ahlquist

Dr. Sam Alexander & Dr. Ellen

Schneider

Michael Allweiss

Stefanie Allweiss

Robert & Debbie Applebaum

Gayle Baer

Bradley & Daniela Bain

Steven Bain

Aimee Bain

Elliott & Joan Bain

Paul & Arlene Barron

Kenneth & Marlene Berke

Brandon & Rachel Bissinger

Elene Blotner

Michael Botnick

Debra Bresler

Andy & Cathy Burka

Shawna K. Thurman Cahill

Cory & Sarah Cahn

Ben & Darrah Caplan

Steven Cohen

Arlene & Arnold Cooper

Michael Davidson

Bennett & Lisa Davis

Philip Deutch

Robert & Ann Eisen

Ted & Juli Fee

Dr. Nathan & Leslie Fischman

Philip & Sue Frank

Mollie Fried

Lynda Friedmann

Asher & Erin Friend

Deena Gerber

Robin Giarrusso

Dr. Peter Glaser

Tim & Sheila Gold

Jacqueline Gold

Melvin Gold

Ned* & Wendy Goldberg

Marilyn Green

Jeffrey & Linda Green

Mark & Linda Greenbaum

Barbara Greenberg

Amy Haspel

Michael & Lisa Herman

Gregory & Michelle Hicks

Kenneth & Monica Hoffman

Michelle Horton

Jeffrey & Andrea Huseman

Ben & Augusta Jacobs

Elaine Kabat

Barbara & Mark Kaplinsky

Richard & Lisa Karlin

Andrew & Paige Katz

Michael & Jane Katz

Beverly Katz

Kathy Muslow & Peter Koeppel

Jane Kohlmann

Victor & Bunny Koock

Dr. Richard Kugler

Zach & Emily Kupperman

Robert & Renee Kutcher

Gary Lazarus

Dr. Sam & Gila Lehrer

Stephen & Sheri Levine

Saundra Levy

Harvey & Gail Lewis

Thomas Lowenburg & Judith Lafitte

John & Stacey Lutz

Laurence Manshel

Donald & Carol Markowitz

Carl & Shirley Merlin

Rabbi Barbara Metzinger

Hope Meyer

Bruce & Dr. Jane Miller

Herbert Miller

Mark Mintz & Jen Kitner

Gerald Newman

Judy Newman

Marilynn Oelsner

Leon Pesses

Debbie Pesses

Steven & Lynn Plotkin

Arthur & Sandra Pulitzer

Copey Pulitzer

Elliott & Sondra Raisen

Gary & Charlotte Reiss

Toni Weiss & Gary Remer

Letty Rosenfeld

Jennifer Samuels

Jeff Sbisa

Charles & Reda Scher

Claude & Mimi Schlesinger

Michael & Jill Schneider

Jane Schramel

Donald & Keiran Schwarcz

David Radlauer & Julie Schwartz

Gary Sernovitz & Molly Pulda

David Shepard & Lesley Lucas

Michael Shlenker

Daniel & Jackie Silverman

Dr. David Silvers

Irl & Phyllis Silverstein

Wendy Simmons

Robert & Frances Simon

Eric Simon & Cathy Lazarus

Jeremy Soso & Rose Sher

James Spiro

Barry & Eilene Spizer

Mark & Amy Stein

Rob Steinberg

Lynne Stern

Joanna Sternberg

David & Judy Stiebel

Lee Sucherman & Ellen Kempner

John Sullivan & Sandra K. Levick

Lance & Karen Turkish

Evette Ungar

Stanley & Roselle Ungar

Patricia Joyce & Lee Vorisek

Paul Waldman

Arthur & Martie Waterman

Roger White

Lorraine Williams

Sam & Heide Winston

David Wolf

Shael & Laura Lee Wolfson

Dr. Neil & Sharon Wolfson

Leonard Wormser

Brian & Megan Yellin

Dr. Scott & Marsha Zander

David & Rella Zapletal

Max Zwain & Lorenza Mercante

Anonymous (10)

$250 - $499

Ann Abbrecht

Lazelle Alexander

Charles & Mary Lynn Alltmont

Sabina Altman

Dale Aronson

Alexander & Eva Barkoff

Marc & Angela Beerman

Mat Berenson

Kolmon & Holli Berger

Matt & Brooke Berger

Rachel Bergman

David & Halley Berins

Kenneth & Sue Rae Brown Bishop

Seth Bloom

Robert & Felicia Boggio

Barri Bronston

Joel & Naomi Brown

Hillel Canalizo

Rabbi Michael & Dr. Anna Cohen

Jeanie Cohen

Max & Ellen Cohen

Rabbi Edward & Andrea Cohn

Joel Colman

Sidney Cotlar

Karen Curry

Marc & Sherene Dahlman

Jared & Casie Davidson

Ed & Theresa Dennis

Dr. Josh & Casey Denson

Laurie Diamond

Lester Dulitz

Dr. David & Kristen Dulitz

Sponsorships

Alan Emerman

Noah & Gia Emerson

Margaret Epstein

Jason & Rachael Feder

Israel & Sylvia Finger

Dale Fleishmann

Michelle Foa

Lynette Fried

Joanne Fried

David & Judy Fried

Pam Friedler

Aaron & Devorah Friedman

Jonathan & Holly Friedman

Joseph Friend

Marshall & Jane Gerson

Josh & Carli Gertler

Louis & Debbie Gertler

* Of Blessed Memory

Gifts and grants from the following corporations, foundations, and individuals made special programming and projects possible in 2023. Their funding supported initiatives including enhanced security for local Jewish agencies, innovative citywide educational programming, next generation and young professionals events, and multicultural alliance building.

$100,000 +

Goldring Family Foundation

The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana

The Sherry and Alan Leventhal Family Foundation

Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust

$50,000 - $99,999

Hancock Whitney Bank

The Jewish Federations of North America

The Schoenbaum Family Foundation

$20,000 - $49,999

Feil Family Foundation

Humana

Lupin Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999

Jones Walker LLP

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

Ochsner Health

$1,000 - $4,999

Entergy Charitable Foundation

Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency

Highflyer Human Resources

Trepwise

Joseph & Cassie Giarrusso

David & Cait Gladow

Ashley Barriere & Harrison

Golden

James & Robin Goldsmith

Mike & Julie Green

Eric & Jillian Greenberg

David & Lauren Greenberg

Hank & Cynthia Greenwald

Ron & Leslie Gubitz

Seth & Julie Harris

Ronald & Daisy Heumann

Jonathan & Teri Hunter

Morris & Joan Hyman

Julanne Isaacson*

Steven Jacobson

Jack & Susanne Jernigan

Nate & Carrie Kanter

Byron & Susan Mintz Kantrow

Howard Kaplan

Philip & Ruth Katz

Helen Katz

Keith & Evie Katz

Larry & JoAnn Katz

Mark & Mary Katherine Kaufman

Kris & Lauren Khalil

Steven & Patricia Klein

Chris & Arian Kornman

Judith Kossover

Dr. Kevin & Janet Krane

Leo Krasnozhon & Sara Lewis

Harry & Betty Lazarus

Leonard Levenson

Jonathan & Adele Levy

Kathryn Lichtenberg

Robert & DeeGee Liniado

Nancy Litwin

Cantor Kevin Margolius

Robert Mintz

Mike & Brenda Vorhoff Moffitt

Tammy Nguyen & Garrett Moore

Peter & Mary Ann Moss

Robert & Barbara Namer

William D. Norman Family Fund

Leon & Ava Nowalsky

Jonathan Nussdorf & Mary

McCormick

David & Tiffany Oestreicher

Jonathan & Sarah Tanno Page

David Perlis

James & Meredith Petrone

Brad & Killian Philipson

Isaac & Rebecca Pinhas

Marcy Planer

Scott & Jenny Pollack

Andrew & Helen Polmer

William Procell

Karen Remer

Matthew Rosenthal & Dr. Shira

Glazer

Ira & Walkie Rosenzweig

Ernest & Katy Rudman

Laurence Rudman

Larry & Loel Samuel

Dori & Jack Schulman

Peter Seltzer

John & EllenRae Shalett

Bill Murray & Gene Shapiro

Nanette Shapiro

Joseph & Esther Shefsky

David & Jane Sherman

Michael & Carey Sherman

Elliot & Susan Shushan

Joy Stahl

Gordon & Diane Starling

Edgar Stein

Karen Stein

Scott & Breland Sternberg

Richard Stone

Steven & Andra Thorpe

Roger & Diane Tygier

Cedric & Julia Walker

Irving & Lynda Warshauer

John Weil

Dan Weiner

Nathan Wexler

Wesley & Mindy Whitfield

Jerome Winsberg

Marcel & Elizabeth Wisznia

Mike & Janice Zazulak

Anonymous (15)

$100 - $249

Andy & Aleeza Adelman

Harriet Aguiar-Netto

Amy Alexander

Michael & Ava Alltmont

Jay & Bonnie Aronson

Jeff & Allison Asher

Brian Bain & Julie Koppman

Karen Baker

William Barry

Bob Batterman & Lorna Blake

Rabbi Katie Bauman & Adam

Eckstein

Josh Beal

David & Betsy Becker

Hal & Linda Becker

Barbara Beckerman

Jane Berins

Deborah Berins

Benjamin & Carol Berman

Joe & Joan Biderman

Aaron Bloch

Michael & Colleen Block

Charles & Jean Blotner

Robert & Linda Brandt

Gilbert & Jody Braunig

Tad & Lainie Breaux

Jeff Bromberger & Lesli Harris

Larry & Ginger Brook

Judith Brown

Richard Buchsbaum & Johnny Dennis

Ben Cappiello & Anna Labadie

Adam Carlisle & Emma Herr

Sandra Carp

Anne Chirinos

Jon & Jordan Cohen

Sam Cohen

Charles & Natalie Cohen

Barry & Lane Cohen

Ernest & Elinor Cohen

Laurence Cortez

Diane Cotlar

Josh & Gigi Danzig

Sawyer & Brook Bissinger Davis

Avrom & Cindy Denn

Ben & Fran Dinehart

Alan Director

Matt Dow

Martin Drell

Gordon & Karen Dumont

Evan & Emily Dvorin

Kenneth & Melanie Ehrlich

Ben & Katie Elliott

Craig & Vicki Evans

Shellye Farber

Melanie Fawer & Gabriel Recile

Eli Feinstein & Jana Lipman

Gabe Feldman & Abigail Gaunt

Sheila Fenton

Alan & Jennifer Fertel

Jeffrey Fingerman & Katie Coburn

Michael Finkelstein

Marc & Debbie Fisher

Daniel & Cat Forman

Mitch & Catherine Frank

Norma Freiberg*

Paul & Jessica Friedlander

Lynn Friedman

Marc & Susan Friedman

Joshua & Lindsay Friedmann

Jason Gaines

Abraham & Fanya Gedalia

Andrew & Jamie Berger Geiger

Ellis Gensburger

Esteban Gershanik

Alex & Maureen Gershanik

Linda Gibbs

Pamela Gibbs

Douglas & Cathy Gitter

Marion Giuffria

Michael & Sarah Glazer

Jacob & Michelle Goehring

Philip & Maple Goldberg

Shayna Goldfine

Ryan Goldin

Kitzi Goldman

Peggy Usner & Mark Goldstein

Jeff & Caroline Good

Jonathan Goodman & Samatha

Slovy

Bonita Gordon

Melissa & Bruce Gordon

Blayne Gothard

Bradley & Dr. Leslie Gottsegen

Barry & Darlene Gurievsky

Andrew & Ann Gutter

Elaine Haas

Kelly & Lawrence Haber

Jeff & Terri Haffner

Edward & Joelle Halpern

Dane Halpern

Curtis & Amelia Halstead

Michele Allen Hart

Marc & Esther Hendler

Jason & Nancy Hintersteiner

Jeff & Hemda Hochman

Rae Horton

Chandler Nutik & Chelsea Hylton

Lee Isaacson & Cynthia Knight

Jay & Andrea Joseph

Catherine Kahn

Morris & Ann Kahn

Heather Kahn

Adam Kancher & McKensie

Kirchner

Alan Kansas

Jerome Kanter

Vicki Kaplan

Phil & Abra Kaplan

Myron & Sharon Katz

Ellen Katz

William & Lisa Keleher

Jeffrey & Kerry Kessler

Michael & Ashley Kirschman

Scott & Geraldina Kisner

Joseph & Marilyn Kline

Stanley Klos

Robert & Millie Kohn

Keith Kornman

Stuart & Sara Kottle

Nathan Krasnoff

Emmett & Shelley Tyler Kron

Kay Kronenberg*

Allison Kupperman

Irwin & Judith Lachoff

Joseph & Carol Lange

Jeff & Liz Laufer

Leo & Michele* Laventhal

Austin & Beth Shapiro Lavin

Jordan Lawrence

Sharon Leader

Hal & Bina Levkowitz

Jordan Lieberman

Keith & Luanne Liederman

David Loeb

Chesney Loeb

John & Maurya Lovett

Ben & Megan Lowenburg

Harry Lowenburg

Jack & Pam Lyles

Alli & Kevin Maney

Barbara Marcus

Jeanne Margolin

Bob* & Linda Mauskopf

Peter McDonald

Mark Melasky

Jhesika Menes

Alvin & Carol Merlin

Margaret Meyer

Daniel Meyer & Jennifer Barriere

Lisa Miestchovich

Sidney & Ellen Raye Miller

Boris & Janet Moiseyev

Clem Goldberger Morgan

Keil & Margaret Moss

Robby & Leigh Moss

Toni Nadler

Neil Nadler

Benny & Orit Naghi

Jonathan & Jen Nierman

Michael Nusbaum & Diane

Cohen

Daren & Andrea Oppenheim

Sophie Oreck & Patrick Rafferty

Jose & Frida Orrego

Joe & Karen Ortenberg

Carol Osborne

Glenn Ostrow

Eric & Ann Parnes

Steven Pearl

Harold & Janet Pesses

Gail Fenton Pesses

Barbara Polikoff

Alan & Valerie Posner

Charlene Pukof

Joseph & Bebe Rabhan

Sam & Natalia Ramer

Ripley & Tracey Roane

Brian Rodgers

Allan Rosenberg & Gwendolyn Koltun

Brad & Jacqueline Rosenblat

Richard Rosenfeld

Morris & Mary Ciccarello

Rosenzweig

Mark & Andrea Rubin

Richard & Mary Rubin

Gary Rubins

Kathy Rush

Rochelle Sackett

Sierra Sager

Bruce Samuels

Josh Sands

Marc Savoy & Phyllis Bell

Rudy & Sarah Schatzmann

Stanley Schwam

Natalie Seltzer

Phyllis Shames

Melvin Shear

Samantha Shear

Alan & Joan Sheen

Brian & Sara Shepard

Daniel & Morgan Sherman

Irving & Phyllis Shnaider

Marjorie Shushan*

Lauren Siegel

Robert Siegel

Rabbi Todd Silverman

David Silverstein

Judy Simkin

Barry Simon

Jeffrey Singer

Randal & Jamie Singer

Timothy Slater

Alan Smason

Sidney Smith

Moshe & Sue Solomonow

Lynny Steiner

Mary Stern

Kim & Lisa Stolier

Leah Stone

Carol Stone

Ronald & Elayne Sutton

Steven Sweet & Elizabeth Black

Ann Thompson

Suzette Toledano

Aran Toshav & Rebecca Friedman

Randy & Patty Ungar

Tana Velen

Heidi Vizelberg

Gregory Vorhoff

Joel & Toni Waltzer

Irina Foxman & Dr. Marcus Ware

Frederick Weil

Barbara Weiner

Jan Weiner

Dot Weisler

David Hammer & Jeri Wheeler

David Willenzik

Harrel Zivitz

Jake Lipsman & Rachel Zoller

Joshua & Julia Zuckerman

Lee & Jenny Zurik

Sam & Jennifer Zurik

Rebecca Zwart

Anonymous (22)

$1 - $99

Alfred & Nancy Abramson

Susan Adler*

Justine Aguiar

Rebecca Alexander

Henry & Renee Alterman

Kathryn Anderson

Joell Anisman

Annette Auerbach

Mattison Farah & Jessica Bach

Sara Barnard

John & Doris Baron

Josh Basseches

Jacob Beer

Erica Berkowitz

Craig Bialy

Jacob & Meghan Bitoun

Stephen Blitz & Mery BeitHalahmi

Josh & Shira Spiegel Bobo

Alan Borenstein

Eric & Cathy Botnick

Gary Brandt

Robin Bronston

Nathan Brown & Elana Jacobs

Charles & Frannie Buchtel

Michael & Virginia Castine

Rabbi Mendel & Chaya Ceitlin

Jonas Chartock

Larry & Debby Chaudoir

Rabbi Yossi & Rivkie Chesney

Michael & Shira Cohen

Jonathan & Jeanne Cohen

Marilyn Cohen

Donna Cohen

Rabbi Yossi & Mushka Cohen

Brigette Cohn

Rene & Tana Coman

Robert Conescu

Lisa Conescu

Sarah Covert

Sally Cox

Eddie Crabtree & Shayne Latter

Mark & Meredith Cunningham

Ken & Jennifer Daley

Jackie Dallimore

George Dansker

Brian Daube

Toby David & Dana Keren

Serena Deutch

Rosalie Dulitz

Omri & Alexis Einav

Chad & Rachel Eriksen

Sam Falchook

Donald Faust

Myrna Fawer

David Feder

Margaret Feder

Martin Felder

Marilyn Felder

Shane & Courtney Finkelstein

Martin & Daniella Fischman

Linda Fisher

Gideon Fishman

Chelsea Fitzgerald

Shelley Forman

Shelley Freed

David Freedman

Dianne Green-Freeman & David Freeman

Irma Freibaum

Marion Freistadt

Edwin Fried

Lois Friedman

James Friedman

Alysse Fuchs

Tommy Furlow & Tiffany Cotlar

Lou Furman & Nan Katz

Greg Gansar

Jennette Ginsburg

Eliana Ginsburg

Todd & Kymberly Glazer

Aaron & Jamie Gleiberman

Lisa Goff

Scott & Ashley Gold

Aaron Goldberg

Michael & Brenda Goldman

Sandy & Renee Goldstein

Elizabeth Goldstein

Martin Goldstein & June Leopold

Daniel Goodman

Doug & Alison Gordon

Diana B. Gorlin

Dena Grenell

Robert & Val Gross

Jeff & Charlene Gubitz

Joseph & Samantha Guichet

John & Staci Strauss Guillot

Judi Guth

RJ & Stephanie Gutierrez

Felix & Zina Gutkovich

Herbert Halpern & Jacqueline

Bishop

J. Nicole Heyman

Irene Hirsch

Karen Hochheiser

Brian & Svetlana Horowitz

Lori Hurvitz

Bruce & Susan Ingber

Mimi Jalenak & Kathleen Atwood

Janice Jensen

Kaare Johnson

Cameron & Ginny Kullman

Johnson

Drs. Walker & Rebecca Jones

Adrian Juttner

Rachel Kaminsky

Benjamin Karp

Alex Kaufman

Ryan & Julie Kenter

Clifford & Arvilla Kern

Zed Kesner

Leonard & Celia Kirshner

Darryl & Pat Koretzky

Kathy Kornman

Cantor Samuel Krush

Ernie & Jan Langlinais

Anne LaRose

Richard & Patricia Latner

Stephanie Levin

Gerald & Susan Levin

Seth Levine & Alexa Pulitzer

Samara Levy

Ellen Levy

Stanley* & Anne Levy

Nathan & Robin Lew

Chana Lewis

Joshua Lichtman & Davida Finger

Michael & Amanda Loflin

Miriam Lorbert

Abe Lubritz

Tim Lupin

Sharon Lurye & Geoffrey Liu

Nadia Lynn

Nan MacMaster

Eric Malamud

Jayme Mallindine

Max & Lizzie Manasevit

Sallye Marcus

Steve Mardon & Kim Sherman

Ari & Dena Marks

Leo & Alla Mauer

Daniel Mayer

Nathan & Tzlil McDonald

Brian Mears & Adie Kaplan

Lizzi Meister & Brittany Barnett

Jack & Rachel Merlin

Kevin & Andrea Merlin

Adam & Rebecca Miller

Terrell & Andi Griner Mims

Betty Moore

Marian Moore

Lisa Moses

Effie & Alys Naghi

Burt & Michelle Neal

Rabbi Yossie & Chanie Nemes

Sasha Newstate

Joshua Nidenberg

Eric & Robyn Nowak

Judith Nowalsky

Ian Oberhelman & Sherie Mirpuri

Rita Olmo

Janice Oppenheim

Zoe & Hayter Oreck

Nate & Brianne Oxenrider

Allyson Page

Theone Perloff

Avraham & Sara Pertuit

Nancy Pesses

Shira Pinsker

Charles & Teresa Pinsky

Carly Plotkin

Sierra Polisar

Andrew & Tiffany Pollack

Richard & Dana Radu

Estelle Reiner

David & Chantal Reinlieb

Sandy Rhein

Rabbi Mendel & Malkie Rivkin

Joe Robert

Carey Herman & Paul Rogers

Martin & Dale Roth

Robert & Jolene Rothman

Rebecca Russell

Rachel Ruth

Yeffet & Susan Saidi

Scott & Shelly Saltzman

Naomi Samuels

Chaviva Sands

Charisse Sands

Mark Sands

Frank Sapir

Sergio & Florencia Schabelman

Rebecca Scher

Gisele Schexnider

Coleman & Elsa Schneider

Judilyn Schneider

David & Helen Schneider

Neil & Jennifer Schneider

Nathan Schwam & Danielle Nice

Matt & Christa Schwartz

Arielle Schwartz

Jeff Schwartz & Amy Barad

Judy Schwartzer

Steve & Elizabeth Kahn Seebol

Beverly Serebro

David Shulman

Adrienne Shulman

Estelle Sieff

Helen Siegel

David & Jana Siles

James & Margaret Silverstein

Seth Silverstein

Benjamin & Alexandra Simon

Our work supports Jewish community not only in Greater New Orleans but across North America, Israel, and around the world. We’re strengthening Jewish life every moment, every day, everywhere. Scan the QR code to Support the Community now.

Rob Simoneaux & Jenny NathanSimoneaux

David & Hayley Solsky

Jane Soslow

Barbara Spiegel

Jon & Marlene Steinberg

Alessandro & Julie Finkelstein

Steinhaus

Robin Stewart

Robert & Nicole Stone

Helen Stone

Dr. Richard & Ann Streiffer

Andre Strumer

Zachary Tanenbaum

Judith Tanenbaum

Sue Tart

Roberta Torman

Ricardo & Marcela Totah

Jeff & Michele Varon

Lilli H. Geltman & Andrew Vohs

Dana Wallen

Henry & Christina Weber

Sarah Wexler

Elliott & Nicole Kotler Wiener

Forest Christopher Wootten & Nicole Katz

Mark & Barbara Workman

David & Lisa Wurtzel

Douglass & Mallory Wynne

Liz Yager

Bruce & Judy Yaillen

Dean & Darlene Yellin

Austin & Dr. Margot Yost

David & Gretchen Zalkind

Paul Zimmering

Samuel & Melanie Zurik

Gary Zwain

Anonymous (26)

* Of Blessed Memory

COCKTAIL RECEPTION AND SEATED DINNER

TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE AT WWW.JCRS.ORG OR 800-729-5277

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF THE JEWISH ROOTS FUNDRAISING

GALA PRESENTED BY JEWISH CHILDREN’S REGIONAL SERVICE