Hello Dr. Andron,
I put my evaluation in the mail to you today.
Additionally, with regard to overall impressions and recommendations to Michael Weil, the most impressive aspect of this Jewish community to me has been their incredible ability to embrace new ideas and recognize the limitless possibilities a "let's try it" attitude presents. Recognizing opportunity in the face of negative circumstance is the key to progress. Cynicism is a contagious and often deadly disease.
However, I think a cautious eye needs to be alert to the probability that, once this "honeymoon" phase (for lack of a better term) of collaborative partnership out of dire necessity is not longer quite the urgent need, possessiveness of each agency's own domain will once again become the prevailing norm. This is not cynicism, but an acknowledgment of natural growth processes.
Additionally, as funds have been and continue to be depleted by revitalizing efforts (such as the Newcomer's program - which probably carries a hefty price tag), fundraising continues to be the paramount issue (for communities across the country as well, as most wealthy donors have lost in the range of 20-40% of their net worth in market recession). This is an enormous challenge. How is this community prepared to account for this?
I hope my thoughts help your class formulate new ideas and suggestions.
Best Regards,
Alyssa Rudinsky
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10 comments:
1)What aspects of the strategic plan, in your opinion, are most critical and should have highest priority for revitalizing the Jewish community? What strategies seem most promising for effecting positive change and growth in the New Orleans Jewish community?
I see the most critical aspect of the strategic plan is the growth of Jewish day schools in the area. Without the resource of education, it is very easy for young children to lose their ties to the Jewish community. A day school education, however small at first, is crucial to the continuance of a Jewish community in any particular area. I think that more scholarships should be available for families, or for tuition costs to somehow be less.
I also believe that the recruitment of young Jewish people to the area is also very important. The idea of strength in numbers is important to me and I think it should be the greatest focus of the Jewish community in New Orleans. The monetary incentive program seems the most promising strategy being used right now, as young adults are just at the beginning of their careers and tend not to have as much money as those who have been established for many years.
2)What aspects of the plan are problematic in your opinion or of lesser priority for community building and revitalization?
I cannot think of areas of the plan that are necessarily problematic. Each aspect has its own importance for community building and revitalization.
3)What specific recommendations would you make to the New Orleans Federation, based on your own work and volunteer experiences in your home communities and your field placements, to strengthen Jewish communal life in New Orleans?
I would try and publicize the Jewish community more. The media has such an impact on society, as was proven by the recent lack of media coverage of Katrina and about all of the work that still needs to be done. Perhaps the Jewish community could use resources such as television and radio to try and recruit more people. Also, with the young adult/college population, facebook is a HUGE way to advertise. Perhaps it could be used to reach many young college graduates who are looking for something new and exciting.
Also, the entire trip I kept comparing this idea of moving to New Orleans to the concept of making Aliyah. I know that a major way that organizations have been recruiting is by establishing different organized trips, such as Birthright, and other learning-based trips such as Hasbara. Perhaps a greater percentage of the funds raised by the Federation should be dedicated towards organizing trips down to New Orleans both to learn about what the city has to offer, as well as to do community service.
4)What aspects of Jewish communal life in New Orleans particularly impressed you? Any other comments are surely welcome.
What impressed me in particular was the abundance of Jewish structural facilities in the area. There are so many synagogues and Jewish agencies in New Orleans. Not only this, but they are gorgeous, recently remodeled facilities. This makes me think that the Jewish community in New Orleans really does have the resources to create a strong Jewish community, which makes them already at an advantage. Perhaps a good way to encourage people to move to New Orleans is to publicly advertise these resources more.
-Danielle Skurnick
1) After listening to many of the Community leaders in New Orleans, it seemed to me that 2 of the most critical issues they are facing as a community is the concern of how to rebuild and sustain the population they lost due to Katrina as well as dealing with the trauma those who lived there pre-Katrina experienced. Therefore, aspects of the strategic plan that seem most critical and should have highest priority for revitalizing the Jewish community would be A) rebuilding the population by engaging students through outreach programs, day school education, engaging Jewish university students and attracting newcomers with business and job networking. B) It seemed as though members of the community who had experienced Katrina first-hand were still as though they were still living the traumas. From a social work perspective it is essential for a community to overcome trauma effectively in order to rebuild itself. Counseling Services on a community level seem like a necessary need for this particular community.
2) In this particular case I think one aspects of the plan that seem to be of a lesser priority for community building and revitalization would be adult Jewish education. In other circumstances I would feel that this is an essential part of community building; however, for a community that has experienced physical and emotional disaster and are primarily focused on attracting the youth, this seems to be an unnecessary focus at this particular stage of strategy. I think that this is an aspect of the plan that should be implemented in a few years down the road when other basic parts of the community are more firmly established.
3) I come from Metropolitan Detroit and I have also watched a community that has had to deal with severe economic issues, loss of youth, and physical destruction of major parts of the city which has yet to be revitalized. I think it is very important for Federations in smaller Jewish communities to help community members particularly with business and job networking opportunities. Economic health is the primary reason why youth are attracted to particular cities and if there are no job opportunities there is minimal opportunity for smaller communities to grow in size. I suggested on the trip that the New Orleans community should try to take advantage of the decline in Pesach Hotels in Miami over the course of the last couple years (due to hotels being turned into condominiums). New Orleans still has many of the tourist attractions people enjoyed in the past along with warm weather around holiday times. I think this is a great business opportunity for the New Orleans community.
4) Particular aspects of Jewish communal life in New Orleans that impressed
me was the loyalty and devotion everyone seemed to have towards one another, the Jewish community, and the secular community at large. This aspect of the community was stressed time and time again and it was made clear by the way in which everyone embraced us warmly and enthusiastically spoke about the community. As well, loyalty and pride towards the community could be seen in the physical infrastructure of the community. This tiny community has all the infrastructure a large Jewish community boasts. It is obvious that they take their role as members of Jewish life seriously and therefore there is a lot of potential for this tiny community to grow and thrive.
-Adena Stern
What aspects of the strategic plan, in your opinion, are most critical and
should have highest priority for revitalizing the Jewish community? What
strategies seem most promising for effecting positive change and growth in
the New Orleans Jewish community?
I found it really impressive how all of the Jewish agencies and synagogues came together and I think that it is very important to maintain this connection, especially as they each start to get back on their feet and don't have as immediate a need for each other. The importance of collaboration is something that gets overlooked a lot, especially in the larger Jewish communities. All of the streams of Judaism strengthen each other and create a more cohesive community. I think that it is important to maintain the community through many of the efforts outlined in the presentation such as developing leadership opportunities and engaging the larger community, especially those that might not be affiliated. I like the idea of neighborhood parlor meetings. This could engage people who are more comfortable in a smaller setting in their own neighborhoods. It is also critical to maintain the Jewish institutions such as day schools which allow for the Jewish children to create and maintain ties with each other and with Judaism. I think that ongoing counseling is critical not only on an individual level, but also doing group counseling and support groups to allow people to come together to talk about their experiences, recovery, and ongoing issues, especially in a Jewish setting. I think that the job and business networking is also crucial to ensuring that people are able to financially stay in the city and feel supported as professionals.
What aspects of the plan are problematic in your opinion or of lesser
priority for community building and revitalization?
I did not find anything that I thought to be problematic in the plan. There is only one point where a partnership with other local communities is mentioned. I think that this should be placed as a higher priority because if the larger community isn't thriving then that can have a strong effect on the Jewish community. It is important to make sure that the initiatives outlined in the presentation are made available to the wider Jewish community. It is also important to have a wide variety of events, both cultural and religious to attract the most amount of people.
What specific recommendations would you make to the New Orleans Federation,
based on your own work and volunteer experiences in your home communities
and your field placements, to strengthen Jewish communal life in New
Orleans?
People tend to participate more and be more involved and active when it is something that they are passionate about. Having a wide variety of programming ranging from political to religious to creative will hopefully ensure that the most people possible are connected to the community. It is also important for people to feel that they are being heard and their needs are being met or it can alienate them from the community. For example, there was not anything in the presentation in regards to families who have children with special needs or families who have financial needs. It could be alienating to feel that your needs are not being addressed by your community.
What aspects of Jewish communal life in New Orleans particularly impressed
you?
I was impressed with how many of the initiatives that were started post-Katrina are still in effect. The community is able to see Katrina as an opportunity to reinvent itself and seems to have done a really wonderful job of doing so. I was impressed with how passionate the leaders are about the revitalization of the community and I would have liked to see if that passion is reflected among the members of the Jewish community. I was also very impressed with all of the proactive initiatives, such as the newcomers program, to ensure the future of the community.
-Alizah David
As stressed in several meetings throughout the YU New Orleans Trip in November 2008, a valuable lesson I have taken away is the vast opportunity for change that arises after loss and suffering. The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans has proven to be a pillar of support for its community in a time of need, and has strategically invested in continuing to be that foundation. The strategic plan lists several tasks at hand that will enable the New Orleans Jewish Community to grow and prosper, while still maintaining strong ties with its Jewish heritage and history.
There are a few points in the strategic plan that really provide an impact. Two thrusts specifically stand out to me, and while on opposite sides of the spectrum, I believe both to hold significant weight in prioritizing. It is vital to welcome new members to the community and to engage students and recent graduates to help populate the Jewish demographic. Providing incentives to these newcomers is a surefire way to rebuild a reputation as a vibrant, growing and active community. Students and young professionals are inspired to promote change and to encourage growth, and these ideals spread like wildfire in a city that embraces transforming itself. Alternatively, I believe it is equally as important to focus on those who have left the community. While maintaining ties with those who have left seems perhaps secondary, I believe this to be a quintessential priority, in order to not only bring in donations for the annual campaign, but to maintain relationships to keep those who would like to stay in touch with their former community's growth and prosperity. Those who have left New Orleans have not necessarily forgotten about the community they have left behind, and it is important to remain an important part of their thoughts, in order that New Orleans might still be a priority for their giving options. This is something that needs to be stressed to them, and in turn they will hopefully appreciate the importance of the revitalization of the community that they were once connected with. These former members of the community are intrinsically linked to the Jewish Community in New Orleans and must constantly be reminded that although they have adopted a new community, their roots still lie in New Orleans. Increasing the community in numbers, retaining the community infrastructure and continuing to enrich Jewish lives in the community are all important and promising goals that will foster both the next generation of young professionals and donors as well as maintaining relationships with current philanthropists and Jewish communal professionals.
After looking over the strategic plans, I really feel as though each point mentioned is extremely important and must be prioritized. Combined, all of the goals and plans to implement them play a role in rebuilding and revitalizing the New Orleans Jewish Community. I think a great deal of the plans for rebuilding are in direct correlation with other plans on the agenda. Fundraising both inside the community and externally are both integral to any Federation's strength and the New Orleans Federation is no exception- even more so, fundraising outside the community is more necessary now than ever. Looking to formal education is imperative if New Orleans wants to foster young leaders as both potential donors and professionals. I believe that aggressive PR and branding is crucial not only in rebuilding New Orleans's reputation domestically, but rather spreading its plans widespread in a National approach to self promotion. All of these contributions cannot function without prioritizing internal communication, keeping the community a cohesive one, and sustaining and utilizing existing human resources.
It is difficult, as a student, to give recommendations on a strategic plan that is well thought out with palpable goals, and worthwhile demands. I believe that the New Orleans Jewish Community simply needs to continue on its path, and through both internally and externally maintaining relationships and engaging newcomers, New Orleans will constantly work to grow its population while sustaining its rich history.
There were several invaluable things I took away from the several New Orleans Jewish Community leaders that we were fortunate enough to hear speak. It is nearly impossible not to be impressed by the high energy, dedication and loyalty displayed in all of the speakers. The common themes of opportunity, community, hope and revitalization were inspiring to me both professionally and personally. Each speaker came with an agenda and a message to convey, and through their own words ultimately sent out the same message. Each speaker in some way or another spoke about the resiliency of the New Orleans Jewish Community, the grand opportunity that comes with adversity and hardship, and introduced tangible plans to rebuild the city, as opposed to abstract notions. I was beyond impressed with the mobilization of this community, and the raw emotion that our speakers were not afraid to display.
Not only did this experience educate me on the context of the Hurricane, the greater community of New Orleans or the national community's response, but rather this seminar gave me an intimate account of lives affected, losses encountered and hope sprung.
-Alana Getzler
What aspects of the strategic plan, in your opinion, are the most critical and should have highest priority for revitalizing the Jewish community? What strategies seem most promising for effecting positive change and growth in the New Orleans Jewish community?
Newcomer Program and Young Adult Programming – Bringing new blood into this community is crucial to its survival. The New Orleans Jewish community has created a program unlike any I have ever heard of, and it has brought many young adults into the area who are looking for ways to connect to a new city and to other young professional Jews. This program has made it an appealing city for those looking to make a move, and has given incentive for people to stay in the city post-graduation or who were planning to stay for a short time initially.
Fundraising – This is always a priority in the Jewish community, and in New Orleans it takes on a different meaning. Federation needs to continue fundraising from both within and outside the community, in order to be able to fund the rest of the revitalization plan.
Collaboration – The high levels of collaboration between agencies in the New Orleans Jewish community that have come about as a result of Katrina are now a special and unique characteristic of that community. When agencies work together who might not normally interact, the community members are exposed to different people and events they might not have otherwise been.
What aspects of the plan are problematic in your opinion or of lesser priority for community building and revitalization?
Overall, I was impressed with Federation's planning process and the way they brought many Jewish communal leaders together to be a part of the planning while they took the lead, rather than expecting the community to follow their direction blindly. This seems to have led to the buy-in of the entire community around the objectives and thrusts that the Federation has set forth, and I do not believe that any of the aspects of the plan should not be a priority for community revitalization.
However, I do believe that some parts of the plan might be more problematic for the community than others, mostly because there are outside factors which may make things more difficult for these objectives to be realized.
One area in which I think it will be difficult is in public relations outside the community. I was actually shocked to find that this is such a priority in the community considering how little I have heard about Katrina in the last couple years, especially in the Jewish community. I think it is difficult for the community to find the "right" way to publicize New Orleans to the outside – especially because they want people to understand both the ways in which the community is being revitalized at the same time as they want people to understand how much work there is left to be done.
Another area which is problematic is in bringing new people into the community, when it is known that there are not necessarily a lot of jobs in the area. It is difficult to convince people that New Orleans is a city that people should move to when there are limited options for people in terms of types of jobs available.
Another part of the plan that needs to be addressed is in how to keep people connected to the community who did not return after Katrina. We heard about the practical issues of moving back to New Orleans as well as issues of feelings of guilt and fear about moving back. These issues need to be addressed and services might need to continue to be provided to people living outside the city in order to allow these people to one day choose to move back to the city, even if the use of these resources do not provide immediate results.
What specific recommendations would you make to the New Orleans Federation, based on your own work and volunteer experiences in your home communities and your field placements, to strengthen Jewish communal life in New Orleans?
Throughout my work with BBYO, I have learned the value of forming partnerships in the community with organizations whose goals are similar to that of my own agency. I think it is important that the Federation continue to stress collaboration between agencies and encourage them to form partnerships that may seem unlikely at first, but can become beneficial to both sides in the long run.
One area which we did not hear much about during our time in New Orleans is whether any work is being done with Jewish teens. I work with teenagers and have learned to take advantage of the ideas and energy that young people bring to the table, and would encourage the Federation to look into working with teen groups in the area.
What aspects of Jewish communal life in New Orleans particularly impressed you?
I was most impressed by learning about the Jewish community's organization and response immediately after Katrina. The Jewish communal professionals, especially those from Federation and the JCC, were fortunate to have their National umbrella organizations looking out for them in times of crises, who were able to help ensure that they would be taken care of. The professionals who temporarily relocated to Houston were taken in and given space in which they could operate their offices, which was an outstanding outpouring of support from the local Jewish community as well. I was touched by the stories I heard of how difficult it was for many Jewish families who were so used to always being on the "giving" end of tzedakah to have to learn to receive help in difficult times.
I was additionally impressed by learning about Tulane's commitment to service in the community, through their mandatory community service hours as part of the graduation requirement. I think this shows students that rebuilding the city is a community effort that cannot be taken lightly by any person or institution, and gives the students a platform with which to begin work in the community. I think it is telling that Hillel has taken a large role in making service hours available to Tulane students, and has enabled them to do their service while service the Jewish community. Hillel at Tulane is reaching out to Jewish students and enabling them to connect to one another while meeting their graduation requirements and at the same time helping to rebuild the Jewish community in the city. Many of these students hopefully will decide to continue living in New Orleans post-graduation, which will make the community a stronger one in the long run.
-Rachel Sacks
It is critical to focus on attracting as many promising, young professionals (such as in Jewish communal service and in the medical field) and young families back to New Orleans, starting with rebuilding the Jewish community with young people motivated to rebuild it for the long-term, as Rabbi Uri is doing so admirably and charismatically in the Orthodox community. His work shows how direct outreach from the Jewish synagogues and communities are critical to rebuilding New Orleans' Jewish community.
The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans' Incentive Program for newcomers that is in place is a good start, as would be fundraising for scholarships and financial aid for various Jewish educational institutions, including funding to build yeshivas and attract Orthodox and Conservative Jews. If you look at New York and other cities in the United States, such as Lakewood and Passaic, New Jersey, it is the young Orthodox Jewish community that is booming.
Also, the vital work of the Hillels on college campuses in New Orleans needs to be strengthened and better-funded with ever-more outreach to the Jewish communities on campuses with their own incentive program to attract Jewish students to stay in New Orleans to live, work, and raise a family. This could be a good place from which to attract bright, ambitious, altruistic, and charismatic young rabbis like Rabbi Uri to come to New Orleans to rebuild.
-Paul Charney
1) From my perspective one of the most critical aspects is identifying critical issues. This will help to understand where the biggest problems are and set up goals and reach them in shorter period of time than if many questions will be solved simultaneously. However, in order to obtain certain results a good preparation in terms of developing proposals and plans should take a place and, therefore, I believe that another critical issue for revitalizing Jewish community is developing proposals and plans.
I think that one of the most promising strategies of enriching New Orleans Jewish community is first of all keeping it together while recognizing neighbourhood’s needs. Furthermore, financing the Jewish community is also very important and, therefore such aspects as fundraising both in the local community and outside of it are also of vital importance.
2) I was trying to find at least one aspect of the plan that should be given less priority and did not manage. I believe that in order to revitalize Jewish community everything should be done and therefore, all the aspects of the plan should be given proper and equal attention.
3) Speaking about the nowadays situation in New Orleans and the fact that so many Jews returned to the city, in order to strengthen Jewish communal life in New Orleans, I would recommend them to conduct programs interesting for different ages and therefore attract people of ages. Interaction within the community is equally important thus, I would recommend them to conduct intergenerational programs.
4) I was very much impressed when I was in New Orleans that Jewish people and authorities who work for Jewish community in New Orleans are so much eager to learn from other communities and even though now the experience of New Orleans Jewish community is impressive it still is consulting with other communities in the USA as to this or the questions. Another aspect that truly surprised me and that I am convinced is very important on the way of revitalizing the Jewish community is welcoming of new-comers. It is impressive that people leave their houses and friends and come to New Orleans. During our trip to New Orleans we met several new –comers and we could clearly understand how helpful they were to the city in general and to the Jewish community in particular.
Irina Gubenko
Rachel Hindel
What aspects of the strategic plan, in your opinion, are most critical and
should have highest priority for revitalizing the Jewish community? What
strategies seem most promising for effecting positive change and growth in
the New Orleans Jewish community?
I think the most critical aspect of the plan is how the Jewish community promoted to new comers. There is already a proven growth in numbers of new comers and this community thrives on being welcoming and different. The advantages of moving to New Orleans seem to way outnumber the disadvantages and that is why I think the decision to promote heavily the new comers program has only brought benefits.
Another aspect that truly captured my attention was the interaction between the different denominations. I only wish that my community at home would be able to put aside differences and create an environment built on recognizing need and supporting each other. This is quite an inspirational Jewish community.
What aspects of the plan are problematic in your opinion or of lesser
priority for community building and revitalization?
I honestly cannot say that there are any problematic or lesser aspects of the plan. I think that each aspects, even if small and seemingly inconsequential, is of equal importance to the revitalization of the community. For example, some may think that focusing on unaffiliated members does not benefit the community since resources that could be used for the integrated members is being pushed off to those who are not recognized members of the community. I think that by reaching out to unaffiliated members, there is a chance that they will see and feel how this community has changed and might want to reconnect. I think the planning committee has recognized all of their options and is trying to reinvent a community in every way possible.
What specific recommendations would you make to the New Orleans Federation,
based on your own work and volunteer experiences in your home communities
and your field placements, to strengthen Jewish communal life in New
Orleans?
In working at my synagogue in Toronto, I have come to see that it is very hard to change the way some people feel about their community. Most of the members at my shul are “founding members”; therefore, they do not understand why there is a need to change the way the synagogue has always run. It has been very difficult to work with a group of people who are very set in their ways.
In New Orleans, I have not seen this pressure to stay as they were, but a wonderful passion to move towards a new an improved community. When speaking to some community leaders, it was clear that they were resentful to those of left the community. I understand those feelings because it is hard to understand why a person would want to leave such a resilient community.
The recommendation I would have given this community seems to already have been realized. I would have recommended to not only focus on those who do not want to change, but look to those who want to help build. This community has taught me a lot about creating a clear plan and to focus on those who are willing to make the changes needed in order to move forward.
What aspects of Jewish communal life in New Orleans particularly impressed
you? Any other comments are surely welcome.
To reiterate, I was very impressed by the coherence of the New Orleans Jewish community. It has been an honour to learn about this community and the resilience they have demonstrated. This community has taught me that even with a disaster, a community can continue to grow. With my return to my home community, I hope to teach about the passionate and welcoming community that I have been so lucky to meet.
-Rachel Hindel
1) What aspects of the strategic plan, in your opinion, are most critical and should have highest priority for revitalizing the Jewish community? What strategies seem most promising for effecting positive change and growth in the New Orleans Jewish community?
Michael Weil's main theme was "get back up and be positive" and with that in mind UJA-Fed is determined to put forth a lot of manpower towards rebuilding efforts. Therefore, the more promising thing is keeping contacts and planning social events. Those things are simple and don't require little or no money. Those aspects of the plan allow the community to grow together as one, not necessary in numbers. Keeping up the spirits of the citizens of New Orleans is the biggest priority to me, and it will ultimately help them convene and make change.
2) What aspects of the plan are problematic in your opinion or of lesser priority for community building and revitalization?
I don't have faith in the rest of the United States to provide New Orleans with enough money to complete many of these goals. To be able to rebuild is going to take a lot of money, and in 2009 no one is going to want to donate too much to Katrina aid. Unfortunately, too many bad events are taking place, one after the other. Every American citizen has 10 other charities that are asking him or her for a donation. I don't deny that they haven't done a stellar job at rebuilding the Jewish community, however they have to find a better way to get resources.
3) What specific recommendations would you make to the New Orleans Federation, based on your own work and volunteer experiences in your home communities and your field placements, to strengthen Jewish communal life in New Orleans?
Hold a lot of social events, book fairs, and talent contests, whatever, and invite the local communities to attend as well. Open up your doors to bands, celebrities, politicians, etc. Create an annual event that can be replicated each year, thus creating a strong cultural connection with those who attend.
Strengthen your young adolescent activities in the area. Even though you have two colleges filled with cultural strengths, the institutions are not targeting high school or college aged people. After hearing the Hillel speakers and speaking with the Avodah folks, I realized that they relied on the secular New Orleans world for entertainment, hardly the Jewish one. And even though I only visited for 4 days, I would probably rely on it too. They should create more programs for people our age and younger. They are the ones that are at that critical age when they can start making their own Jewish identity choices, so wouldn't you want to be there when they do?
4) What aspects of Jewish communal life in New Orleans particularly impressed you? Any other comments are surely welcome.
I'm shocked at how they banded together across denominations. I find that extremely difficult in many communities, however in New Orleans it was a success and a blessing, it seems. They have given each other strength and rebuilt the Jewish community. Although they are smaller in numbers, they are stronger at heart, and their determination alone could be what sustains them. Unfortunately, this happened three years ago, and the majority of America have forgotten about the irreversible damage. Finding a way to make the world "never forget" will be challenging.
Once you get your community rebuilt, the rest of them may follow. But who wants to return or visit an area that is solemn and unhappy? Show us what New Orleans is all about.
Karen Lander
The Jewish community of New Orleans
The Jewish community of New Orleans demonstrated exceptionality in their ability to organize post Katrina. Through this devastating disaster, the leaders of the community were able to act quickly and efficiently, even in the midsts of dealing with their own personal tragedies.
Just as impressive as the organization that occurred post-Katrina, is the current revitalization. The cooperation that we encountered between the different parts of Jewish communal work was unlike any I have ever observed. However, in order expand this community, bringing in new members appears to be of highest priority. Attracting newcomers, developing outreach to the unaffiliated, intermarried couples, and targeting Jewish students are all equally important. Yet, with this prioritization, also brings up the importance of how the community plans on attracting these individuals. Therefore I feel that revitalizing the internal and external image of New Orleans as a Jewish community, is just as, if not more of a priority for this community.
If I was to make one recommendation to the New Orleans federation, based on my experiences living and working in the Toronto Jewish community, it would be to ensure that the ties and the cooperation that have been developed between the multiple organizations are highly prioritized.
Within the Jewish community in Toronto, there is much separatism and even at times animosity between organizations that present the similar goals. Organizations compete for funding, land or members, and while there appears to be cooperation on a broad level (as organizations with different central priorities may work together) the common organizations can experience just as much competition as the local shopping malls. This sometimes leads to separatism amongst their target populations, and additionally leaves room for those individuals who don’t feel an association to one particular group, to fall through the cracks. I was so impressed with the way each of the separate Jewish Communal organizations were so closely united. These relationships undoubtedly make for a warmer and more welcoming place for Jewish newcomers. Unlike the environment in Toronto, there is no need to search for a particular element of the community in which you believe yourself to belong; instead you find the warmth of the Jewish community as a whole.
New Orleans now has the opportunity continue their growth with these strong associations and feelings of togetherness. My suggestion is ensuring this continues as a top priority, for as the Jewish community continues to grow and prosper, there is the potential for people to get caught up with their own organizational priorities and the communication may break down. Unfortunately it took at tragedy to build these relationships, it is now important that the community learns to sustain them. If they are capable at achieving this, I believe they will become an example to every Jewish community across North America.
An additional inspiring aspect of this community is the positivity that was expressed by every Jewish leader with whom we met. It wasn’t simply the positive outlook for a hopeful future, but rather, viewing the disaster as a way of allowing for a fresh start. This positivity however, was unfortunately somewhat of a contract from that of the non Jewish community. Rather than hearing about the opportunities Katrina created, there was more of a focus on the devastation that Katrina caused. I believe that this contrast is an example of the strengths in the Jewish community. Additional to the obvious resources that they received, they also demonstrated a community action plan that was far superior to any other community in New Orleans. This action plan was what allowed them to bounce back faster than most other citizens. While this undoubtedly makes me proud and even thankful to belong to such a robust community, it also helps me to recognize an opportunity for tikkun olam.
The Jewish community may generously give to outside communities; however, I truly feel that education is the most valuable asset that they can now provide. Teach other communities by holding seminars, meeting with leaders, and helping to lead them toward greater organization. We as the Jewish people come from centuries of experience in this, and there is no doubt that these lessons will not flourish overnight. However, there is hope that they will one day be beneficial. Just as social workers don’t try to solve our clients’ problems, but rather teach them the tools to help themselves; the Jewish community now has an opportunity to pass on the tools of cooperation.
-Sabrina Propper
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