New Orleans JCC
MENU
Welcome to the Jewish Cultural Arts Series, a celebration of Jewish creators that brings vibrant cultural events to our New Orleans community. We invite you to explore the exciting lineup of events for the Spring 2026 season below.
All events are open to the community, but advance registration is required to reserve your spot.
This series is made possible through the generous support of Cathy and Morris Bart and our valued community partners.
From Baghdad to Brooklyn
Sunday, January 11, 5-7 PM
Uptown
A moving one-woman show by acclaimed actress and singer Michelle Azar. In From Baghdad to Brooklyn, Michelle explores her Jewish, American, and Israeli identities through story, humor, and song. Written and performed by Michelle Azar and directed by Brian Kite, this 60-minute show invites audiences into a journey of heritage and transformation.
Paired with the performance, Natalie Cohen — JCC Director of Jewish Life & Cultural Arts and of Iraqi Jewish heritage — will lead a daytime cooking class ($10) featuring the classic Iraqi dish Koobeh, which will be served at the event.
Jewish History Walking Tour of the French Quarter SOLD OUT
Friday, February 20, 12-3 PM
Sunday, February 22, 10 AM - 1 PM & 3-6 PM
Bienville Place
Led by historian and New Orleans tour guide Roni Bossin, 2.5 - 3 hour walking tour explores nearly 300 years of Jewish life woven into the story of New Orleans. From Bienville Place and the Code Noir to the Holocaust Memorial and the heart of the French Quarter, participants encounter early Jewish merchants, landmark legal disputes, hidden Stars of David in Creole architecture, and surprising cultural intersections—including stories tied to Café du Monde and St. Louis Cathedral.
Figures such as Judah P. Benjamin, Judah Touro, and the “Jewish Banana Man” animate this vivid walk through Jewish New Orleans. Each tour includes beignets and coffee and is limited to 20 participants.
$18 for members & non-members
This event is currently sold out. Please email natalie@nojcc.org to if you are interested in getting on a waitlist.
Zibby Owens - On Being Jewish Now
Thursday, March 12, 2-4 PM
Uptown
Join us for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with author and media personality Zibby Owens. The discussion will be moderated by Meryl Poster, acclaimed film and television producer and former Co-President of Miramax Films. Together, they will explore modern Jewish identity, creativity, and the power of storytelling.
Book signing presented with Octavia Books.
Free and open to the community.
Israeli Composer Ziv Kartaginer’s Middle Eastern Big Band – Live Performance
Wednesday, May 6, 7 PM
Uptown
Ziv Kartaginer is a trumpet player, composer, and arranger whose music blends jazz, classical, Middle Eastern, klezmer, and world traditions. Born in Jerusalem to a family with roots in Tunisia, Bulgaria, and Poland, he draws deeply from Balkan, klezmer, and Middle Eastern musical cultures. His work brings these traditions together with contemporary jazz, creating inventive and compelling musical experiences.
For this performance, Ziv will collaborate with local New Orleans musicians, merging the city’s distinctive sound with his original compositions and fresh arrangements of Israeli and Middle Eastern pieces for a vibrant, cross-cultural evening of music.
Free for members | $18 non-members
Tripp Friedler - The Tunnel: A Conversation on Mental Health
Thursday, May 14, 7-9 PM
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, author Tripp Friedler shares the story behind his memoir The Tunnel, reflecting on his son’s mental health crisis and the journey of grief, resilience, and healing that followed.
The conversation will be moderated by Rabbi Mendel Rivkin and Staci Lanza, LCSW-BACS of Jewish Family Service, fostering an open and compassionate dialogue about mental health in Jewish life. A portion of book sale proceeds will support Jewish Family Service.
Free and open to the community.
The Jewish Cultural Arts Series celebrates Jewish creators and is made possible through the generous support of Cathy and Morris Bart. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to bringing free Jewish cultural events to our community.
Questions? Please contact Natalie Cohen at natalie@nojcc.org or (504) 897-0143 ext. 139.
Stressed? If you're feeling it, chances are your child is feeling it too. You know the signs; when your mind starts racing and your heartbeat starts racing, your tendency is to get louder and faster. But what you and your body and your child need is for things to slow down and start making sense.
...
Members can now access Online Member Services on mobile devices by downloading the New Orleans JCC app in the App Store or Google Play.
...