Overall Impressions and Recommendations to the New Orleans Jewish Community

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

(Editor's Note: PLEASE, POST YOUR RESPONSES OR YOUR OWN RECOMMENDATIONS BY CLICKING ON THE "COMMENTS" LINK -- Thanks!)