Dear Friends,
Over these past couple of months, we have all experienced a full breadth of emotions. We’ve just come through the High Holy Days, a time of reflection, hope, and renewal. And more recently, we witnessed the long-awaited release of Israeli hostages — moments of pure joy that were, heartbreakingly, followed by grief as we continue to await the return of those who are deceased. They, too, deserve to be laid to rest in our beloved Israel.
As a Jewish people, we are no strangers to holding joy and sorrow in the same breath. We feel deeply connected to Israel and Jewish communities around the world and we share in their pain and their triumphs because we are one people. We’ve shed tears for what we’ve gained and for what we’ve lost.
But even amidst these heavy times, we have much to celebrate here at home.
First, I’m proud to officially welcome Sherri Tarr as our new Chief Executive Officer. As I have stated many times, Sherri’s knowledge of our community, her dedication to all, and, most importantly, her love for New Orleans, makes her the uniquely perfect person to lead us through this next chapter.
I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our exceptional staff. Each member of our team brings talent, commitment, and passion to their work every day:
- Jessica Addvensky – Program & Engagement Coordinator
- Raquel Allison – Donor Relations Associate
- Aaron Bloch – Director of Jewish Multicultural & Governmental Affairs
- Charissa Brim – Chief Advancement & Communications Officer
- Emely Bruno – Operations Tech
- Calvin Casimier – Operations Tech
- Lara Crigger – Chief Program & Engagement Officer
- Christine Crook – Development & Grants Manager
- John Guillory – Operations Tech
- Nancy Guzman – Front Desk Receptionist
- Brandy Jones – Front Desk Receptionist
- Samuel Knightshade – Operations Supervisor
- Toni Manno – Front Desk Receptionist
- Sidney Payne – Director of Operations Management
- John Powell – Operations Supervisor
- Kathryn Quaid – Director of Administration
- Cynthia Ramirez – Reception Manager
- Catherine Spirros – Front Desk Receptionist
- James Stewart – Community Security Director
- Sherri A. Tarr – Chief Executive Officer
- Robert Trahant – Front Desk Receptionist
Please thank them when you can — they are the heart of our organization.
We’re also thrilled to report that the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Campus in Metairie is finally undergoing major repairs. New A/C chillers are in place, and a new roof is on the horizon. Thanks to the Goldring Family Foundation for generously funding this essential project.
To our generous donors — thank you for stepping up. With Jon Schlackman and Jackie Stern leading our campaign, we’re optimistic about another strong year ahead.
We also have a dynamic year of programming planned under the leadership of Lara Crigger. Our theme is: fewer, bigger, better — and we’ve already kicked things off with Lee Yaron’s visit, and the Hostage Homecoming celebration sponsored by Morris and Cathy Bart.
Our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) continues its critical work representing our values and our voice in the broader community. Stay tuned for more information on the JCRC Food Drive taking place in November.
Finally, we’ve made the thoughtful decision to postpone our community mission to Israel. We want to reshape this opportunity together so that it reflects the type of experience that would be most meaningful to you all. There will be more information to come as we reimagine this experience together.
In closing, I encourage you to take advantage of all we have to offer — from programs and events to opportunities to connect and support one another. We are one people, and we have much to gain together.
Thank you for your continued support, generosity, and commitment to our shared future.