jewish enrichment

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.

Chanukah Family Concert & Community Menorah Lighting

Each year the JCC sponsors a Chanukah concert to celebrate this festive holiday. Well-known Jewish entertainers are introduced to the New Orleans community. In addition, friends, families, synagogues and our local Jewish organizations join together to collectively light candles on traditional menorahs and then enjoy traditional Chanukah treats such as “latkes” – potato pancakes – and Suf Ganiot (donuts which are eaten in Israel).

2009 Celebration
Tuesday, December 15
"Indoor Picnic" dinner starts at 5:30 PM - Strictly Kosher Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Latkes and more.
Concert & Candle Lighting starts at 6:45 PM

Featuring Grammy Award Winning composer and accomplished singer, Doug Cotlar. Doug has recorded six original Jewish music albums and is currently the Cantorial Soloist at Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas, California. From young children to adults, Dough Cotler's music appeals to a wide cross-section of Jewish music lovers. No one fuses traditional Jewish melodies with the power and rhythm of modern popular music like he does. He performs more than 100 concerts each year.

This program is made possible with the support of:

This event is Free & Open to the Public

Florence Melton Mini-School

Join adults from all backgrounds for weekly, two-hour classes that take a non-denominational approach to Judaism. The Florence Melton Mini-School encourages interactive discussion between teachers and fellow students. For two hours per week, adult students both affiliated and non-affiliated 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.

Florence Melton Adult Mini-School is a university-quality program of Judaic Studies imparting essential mastery of Judaism for the busy adult, which was conceived of by philanthropist Florence Melton in 1980. The first Mini-School opened in 1986. The school offers a systemic, written curriculum integrating Jewish practices, holidays, history, ethics, ideas and values using primary Jewish texts in English designed to deepen knowledge.

The curriculum was developed by renowned educators from the Melton Centre for Jewish Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is part of an international network of schools located in over 60 in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Israel with over 25,000 adult student graduates worldwide.

The local greater New Orleans school, started in 2002, includes students ranging in age from mid-20’s to 70’s. Students come from Orthodox, Conservative, Reform denominations as well as those who are unaffiliated. Over 150 students have graduated from the Mini-School.

Click here to for current class schedules, descriptions and tuitions.

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.