Jewish Culture & Community

Philosophy

Our community values Jewish culture, practice and thought, and serves as an educational resource for JCC members and for all New Orleanians with an interest in Judaism. The JCC offers classes and sponsors community events, including family Shabbat dinners and festivals that celebrate the central role of books, food and history in Jewish life. Working with local groups and synagogues, we mark the seasons of the Jewish calendar and open our doors for occasions both festive and solemn.

Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning

Join adults from all backgrounds for weekly, two-hour classes that take a non-denominational approach to Judaism. The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning encourages interactive discussion between teachers and fellow students. For two hours per week, affiliated and non-affiliated adult students can increase their Jewish education. For convenience, both evening and daytime classes are offered at the New Orleans and Metairie branches of the JCC. The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans supports this program.

Click here to for current class schedules, descriptions and tuitions

Download 2012-2013 Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning Registration Form

Traditions on Wheels®

Explore your heritage through Traditions on Wheels®, a display cart stocked with educational materials about Judaism. Each month, the cart is replete with educational materials and displays for everyone to experience. Designed for all ages, the cart provides JCC visitors with suggestions for family activities during Jewish holidays and serves as a resource for anyone seeking to pass on Jewish heritage and customs.

Community Shaliach

The New Orleans community participates in The Young Volunteers Division of the Jewish Agency for Israel by hosting a Community Shaliach each year. The young Israeli volunteer moves to New Orleans for a minimum of one year to implement a variety of cultural, educational and social activities geared toward community members of all ages. The programs are designed to increase Jewish awareness, knowledge and pride, to bridge the gap between Jews of different backgrounds and Israel, and to promote an understanding of Israel and its ideals. The Community Shaliach serves within a variety of frameworks including informal community education, Jewish schools, the Jewish Federation, synagogues, youth movements, college campuses and more. This program is generously funded by the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana.

For more information contact Debbie Pesses, Jewish Enrichment Director, at 504.897.0143 - debbie@nojcc.org.