May 2011 Bulletin - Touro Synagogue

TOURO SYNAGOGUE 

May 2011 - Nisan/Iyar 5771 Volume 182, Issue 8 

Do You Need a Reason to Party? A Serious Jewish Question 

RABBI ALEXIS BERK 

Warmly, 

Rabbi Alexis Berk 

Surprise! We’re having a party for you. And, to be really honest, you are the guest of honor. If you 

have been a part of any of the following Touro experiences this year, this party is for you: 

* Have you been found praying, singing, or just being at any service – from weekly welcoming of 

Shabbat to the momentous High Holy Days? 

* Learning – did you come to a class in Torah or Responsa or Talmud or God? 

* Religious School - were you a teacher or a student or a parent who made this religious school 

year the vibrant success it was? 

* Social Action – did you lend your heart and mind to the conversation about how to 

revolutionize the way we approach social engagement in our congregation and our city? 

Have you cooked for Desmond Project? Have you brought food for Second Harvest? Have 

you visited Sophie Wright school? Did you mulch on Mitzvah Day? 

* Did you learn from our scholar-in-residence, Rabbi Rami Shapiro? 

Was your heart lifted by the Shabbatones? Did you feel inspired by 

Rev. Kelly Hostetler? 

* Did you take part in Weekend of Peace with our friends at Masjidur 

Rahim, Mosque of the Merciful? 

* Have you marked a rite of passage or lifecycle moment this year? 

* Did you frolic in our sukkah or dance with the Torah, or feast on the 

sumptuous Tu B’shevat seder, or break matzah with us at the Pesach 

seder? 

* Are you a proud member of Sisterhood or Brotherhood or LGBTQ 

or Mitzvah and Caring …or any other committee? 

* Are you a part of the Touro Synagogue family? 

Everyone reading this can answer yes to at least one of these questions. And, so, we celebrate you and all we have done 

together this year. You don’t want to miss it! 

Two Years of Growth and Change 

ANNUAL CELEBRATION!! 

Sunday 

May 22, 2011 

10:30-11:30 am - Annual Meeting for Adults 

Board Elections & 

Welcoming of New Members 

Supervised Activities for Kids 

11:30 am-1:00 pm - Fun for All! 

Lunch & Festivities Continue! 

HAL M. SHEPARD, PRESIDENT 

Wow! Has it really been two years already? I have watched as Touro has grown and changed. 

Congregants are becoming increasingly engaged with Touro. Frequently on Friday nights our Chapel 

is full and the energy is truly invigorating as we enter Shabbat. The choir is gathering new members. 

Three years ago we were thinking about what we could do to exercise the combined muscle of Touro 

Synagogue in order to make a social difference and today we have several hundred of our members 

interacting with our partners at Sophie B. Wright School. And several other groups have sprung up 

that will serve to strengthen our congregants. 

And I cannot say enough about the Touro staff. People who come to work every day but treat it 

nothing like a job. The care and concern that they all show for every congregant and every activity is beyond measure. 

I appreciate them every day for making our lives so much richer. Please know that literally everything that you see or 

do at Touro Synagogue would not and could not happen without them, and let them know that you realize that. 

Thank you for the opportunity you have given me these past two years. It has allowed me to learn more about Touro 

Synagogue, our congregants, and myself. 

Hal M. Shepard, President

To Hal Shepard– an Open Letter 

Dear Hal, 

I know I take a big risk in doing this, in that you are truly humble of spirit. Public admiration and adulation are 

not your favorite experiences. But, I simply have to express to you – and allow the congregation to know – what a 

magnificent President you have been for Touro Synagogue. 

A few months back, after a particularly supportive gesture you offered, I told you that you should absolutely 

write a book on how to be a congregational president. The chapters, which could communicate your expertise and 

profound aptitude, might include these titles: 

- Supporting Your Rabbi (even when you disagree with her and/or she’s feisty) 

- Creating a Staff Culture of Joy and Courage 

- Representing Your Congregation with Honesty and Kindness 

- SHOWING UP: It’s Most of the Thing 

- The Real Work: Big Jobs and Tedium; The Hammer and the Gavel 

- Snacks: Chocolate Means Love 

- The Purpose of a Synagogue: Let’s Just Say There are a Lot of Facets 

And the final, most important, chapter: 

- Sticking Around After: the Post-Presidential Legacy 

You are a dear, kind, big-hearted, thoughtful, hard-working, tireless, selfless soul. You have been an exemplary 

congregational president. I have enjoyed every single moment of working with you, and I’m honored to have 

served alongside you. I will miss your partnership and collaboration (see final chapter of your book), however I 

know you are going nowhere. You’ve promised! I know you lovingly pass the baton to Phyllis, as we all eagerly 

anticipate her brilliance, wisdom, and gentle strength. 

Thank you, my friend. I’m so grateful to you, and I can’t wait for the coming years to unfold. 

With deep admiration and affection, 


Hal Shepard enjoying one of the pleasures of 

being president-- handing out Consecration 

certificates to excited Kindergarten students. 

September, 2010. 

2

Introducing Cantor Jamie Marx 

I am very pleased to announce to the congregation that Cantor Jamie Marx 

has accepted the position of Cantor of Touro Synagogue. Cantor Marx will 

be a fully invested cantor as of May of 2011 having completed his studies at 

Hebrew Union College in New York. 

Cantor Marx has extensive experience as a student cantor, has served as a 

B’nai Mitzvah tutor, written music, plays the guitar, and has also served as 

a youth group advisor. In summary, he will be a wonderful addition to our 

clergy. 

He and his wife, Anna, along with their beautiful daughter, Ellie, will be 

moving to New Orleans in June and I know that they look forward to meeting 

their new friends and Touro Synagogue family. Please find an opportunity to 

meet them and introduce yourself. 

I would like to thank the people involved in this search. Many of you made 

time to meet the candidates, lead them on tours of the city, and dine with 

them. A special thank you to those committee members that worked so hard 

for all or part of the search process: Diane Africk, Phyllis Alltmont, George 

Dansker, Kitty Greenberg, Lauren Greenberg, Bernie Jaffe, Julie Koppman, 

Walter Levy, Julie Grant Meyer, Stacy Weinreb, Lee Zurik, and Rabbi Berk. 

And a very special thank you to the chair of this committee, Susan Good, who, 

when I asked her in February of 2010 if she would lead this group on a very 

important mission for the sake of Touro Synagogue, responded that she would, 

as long as she was through before her second grandchild was born. Megan is 

now 11 months old, and she as well as all of the rest of Touro Synagogue is so 

appreciative of Susan for staying with this task. 

We have been very fortunate to have had Cantor Jason Kaufman serve as 

our cantor during this interim year and we all wish him the best of success 

as he moves forward in his professional career. And we are also so very 

fortunate to be able to welcome Cantor Jamie Marx, Anna, and Ellie to New 

Orleans and Touro Synagogue. 

Hal M. Shepard, President 

Cantor Jamie 

Marx, 

his wife Anna, 

and their 

daughter Ellie 

Welcome to 

your 

new home! 

SAMUEL EVAN BAUM 

will become a Bar Mitzvah Saturday, May 21 

Because I want to do 

something to help people in 

need, I will be participating 

in the Desmond Project for 

my mitzvah project. Every 

Saturday night, volunteers 

meet at Touro Synagogue 

to make a healthy, great 

tasting and nutritious meal 

that anyone would love. 

Then they bring the food 

to the mission and serve it to all of the hungry 

people who come. It puts a great feeling inside of 

the hungry people who just ate and inside of the 

people who dedicate their time to the Desmond 

Project. The mitzvah project continues the great 

feeling of being a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. It is the 

offi cial turning point from a kid to an adolescent 

in Judaism. It is the starting point of being 

able to say that I did something, this was me. It 

delivers a great feeling of success and happiness. 

SAMMY IS THE SON OF JAYMI AND MARK BAUM; 

BROTHER OF MAX AND BENJAMIN ZWAIN; 

GRANDSON OF LOUISE AND GEORGE BACHMAN & 

THE LATE TERRY AND KARL BAUM 

Summer Union 

Services 

JUNE 

CONGREGATION GATES 

OF PRAYER 

4000 WEST ESPLANADE AVENUE. METAIRIE 

(885-2600) 

Shabbat Evening Service - 8:00 pm 

Shabbat Morning Service - 10:30 am 

JULY 

TEMPLE SINAI 

6227 ST CHARLES AVENUE, NEW ORLEANS 

(861-3693) 

Evening Service - 6:15 pm 

Morning Service - 10:15 am 

AUGUST 


4238 ST. CHARLES AVENUE, NEW ORLEANS 

(895-4843) 

Shabbat Evening Service - 6:00 pm 

Shabbat Morning Service - 10:30 am 

Forgotston Chapel 

3

Learning Opportunities 

TEA AND TALMUD 

Unlock some of the most beautiful, complex teachings in Jewish 

tradition. Share an afternoon of learning and insight with your 

friends at Touro and enjoy a brisk cup of tea. 

Last Chance for the Year! 

Tuesday, May 10, 2:00 pm 

Mautner Learning Center 

Contact Arlean to get on the class list 

afermanis@tourosynagogue.com 

JEWISH JOURNEYERS 

A New Program For Those Considering 

Conversion 

Have you been thinking about the possibility of conversion to Judaism? 

Do you know someone who might be interested in becoming Jewish? The 

Jewish Journeyers program, designed by Rabbi Berk and Rabbi Loewy, 

is a new vehicle to help those who are embarking on this particular journey. 

Twice-monthly sessions center around the multiple facets of it means to be 

Jewish. Through experiential moments, outside reading and some formal learning, 

this program will help guide those who are seeking a home in Judaism. 

There will be only one session in MAY 

Touro Synagogue, Saturday May 7, 9:00 am-10:15 am 

To participate in the program, contact Arlean at 895-4843 

or afermanis@tourosynagogue.com. 

Lunch and Learn 

A Year of Responsa 

Re•spon•sa[ri-spon-suh]–noun 

The branch of rabbinical literature 

comprised of authoritative replies, in 

letter form, made by noted rabbis or 

Jewish scholars to questions sent to 

them concerning Jewish law. 

LAST CHANCE 

FOR THIS YEAR! 

Upcoming Dates 

Uptown: 5/5 

Downtown: 5/12 

The Uptown sessions are held at 

Touro Synagogue. The Downtown 

sessions meet at the office of Leon 

Rittenberg III, Baldwin Haspel 

Burke & Mayer, L.L.C., 2200 

Energy Center, 1100 Poydras 

Street. 

Bring your own lunch; beverages 

are provided. Sessions begin at 

noon; newcomers are welcome. 

Contact Arlean (afermanis@ 

tourosynagogue.com) to be placed on a 

reminder list. 

M itzvah & Caring 

Chicken Soup for the ailing Jewish Soul - In a Bag? 

Mitzvah & Caring now has “get well soon” bags for delivery to family or friends feeling out of sorts. From a cold 

or flu, to a more serious illness, we aim to brighten your day with a small gift from Touro Synagogue which will 

be left on the doorstep of you, your friend, or a relative who needs a pick-me-up. Call the Mitzvah and Caring Line 

by calling our main number, 895-4843, and 

pressing #2. Give us the name, address and 

illness of the person you wish us to support 

and we will do the rest. (It’s like chicken 

soup in a bag!) 

Wishing you, R’fuah Shelama--a complete 

recovery, 

Julie Schwartz, 

Mitzvah and Caring Chair 

Wishing you 

“R’ fuah Shelama” 

a complete recovery. 

4

Blessings surround us all, always. As I approach the end of my time at Touro Synagogue as Interim 

Cantor, it is not difficult for me to see the blessings that have surrounded me this year. Living in 

New Orleans this past year and having the ability to serve this historic synagogue has been an 

immense gift to me, and one that I will not soon forget. I have been blessed to work with Rabbi 

Berk and Eileen Hamilton. I have taught with them and learned from them. They are truly a 

gift to the entire New Orleans Jewish community, as are the entire Touro 

Synagogue team, Leigh, Arlean, Mona, Donna, Ulysses, and Anthony, and 

of course the Touro Synagogue Board led by our President, Hal Shepard. I am grateful for their guidance and support. 

Of course another blessing has been the musical heights and experiences that we have been taken to by Terry Maddox 

and the Touro Synagogue choir. Participating with Jazz Fest shabbat was an amazingly inspiring experience. Thank 

you to every single individual who over the past 20 years helped to create the sheer excitement behind this year’s 

service! 

From my Uptown Hebrew students, to Shabbat Club, to the students and teachers at Religious School, to all those I 

have had the opportunity to sing duets with on Friday night, to Temple members with whom I have had the privilege 

of interacting, I want to say I have enjoyed getting to know every single one of you. And finally, and most especially, 

I am grateful to my dear friend Dr. Diane Africk, whose kindness and generosity brought tremendous beauty and 

warmth to my year. Thank you to everyone. 

With love and gratitude, 

Cantor Jason Kaufman 

Notes from the Cantor 

Nisim B’chol Yom – Blessings for Everyday Miracles. 

INTERIM CANTOR JASON KAUFMAN 

LIVING OUR FAITH ~ Dinner and Dialogue 

with our friends from Masjidur Rahim (Mosque of the Merciful) 

Jewish/Muslim conversations promise to be rich and real if we bring our 

honest selves to the table. Won’t you join us? 

TOPIC: 

How do our religions inform our commitment 

to social action? 

How do we translate that commitment into 

real action? 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 6:00-7:30PM 

at Touro Synagogue 

FEATURED PANELISTS: 

Rabbi Alexis Berk, Imam Rafeeq Nu’man, Teri Hunter, 

Dan Checkman, Aisha El-Amin and Nasr Nance 

Please RSVP by May 10 to Arlean: 

afermanis@tourosynagogue.com; 895-4843 

TOURO SYNAGOGUE ADULT CHOIR 

Rehearsals 

Thursdays at 7:30 

May 5, 12, 19, 26, 

Choir Shabbat - May 20 

MAY BIRTHDAY Bl.ESSING 

FRIDAY, MAY 6 

The blessing will be during 

Shabbat Evening Services for all 

birthdays in the month of May. 

The Braided Candle 

An Interfaith Couples Chavurah (Fellowship) 

May 21 at 6:30pm 

Please join us for our first event - a Havdalah dinner at the home of Sara Mayeux and Ernesto Montano. 

Send your RSVP and/or questions to Sara at sara.mayeux@ubs.com or call 504-251-2961. 

5

What a Year! 

EILEEN HAMILTON, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION 

Every year we all say, “Wow, time really flies; I can’t believe the school year is almost over.” This 

has never rung so true as this year when we observe Pesach at the end of April and then pack it up 

for the year. What a crazy schedule and a crazy order in the curriculum material. But, fun too! 

We have celebrated a lot of wonderful holiday observances together as a community since the 

beginning of the year. We had our first Sukkot/Ushpizin dinner in September with Uptown 

Hebrew. It was a packed event and so much fun. We quickly followed that success with the 

festivities of Simchat Torah just one week later. Pey Dalid had us dancing on that Sunday. Then 

Sam Glaser performed a concert for us near Chanukah, again on a Wednesday. 

And now we are planning the new year, seeking those wonderful and built-in opportunities for Sunday and 

Wednesday holiday observances, so we can spend them together as a school, as a community, and as friends. On 

April 17th, we celebrated Pesach as a school in our “minute to win it” Seder and hopefully we can leave our spirits 

high and on a high note for the year as we look forward to what will come next in the fall. I can’t wait! 

Eileen Hamilton, 

Director of Education 

Touro Religious School 

http://www.tourosynagogue.com/education/religious-school/ 

Tot Shabbat 

Rocks! 

The Tot Shabbat 

Rocks!! 

May 14 

9:30 –10:10am 

Forgotston Chapel 

Come Celebrate 

Israel’s 63rd Birthday 

with a Party! 

Contact Mona to be put on the reminder list: 

895-4843; Mona@tourosynagogue.com 

6

TEACHERS SHABBAT 

This year we will especially honor our Director of Education, 

Eileen Hamilton. 

Eileen has run our Religious School for eighteen years. From Tot Shabbats to Post Confirmation 

programming, Family Fun Days to Shabbataramas, Field Trips to Special Days, NFTY Conclaves to 

Confirmation trips, Eileen has been the creative force behind all our innovative programming, and has 

developed a curriculum that continues to merit national accreditation. 

So come and say a special Thank You to our very own, inimitable, extraordinary, energetic, 

creative and fun-loving “Miss Eileen.” We love you Eileen!! 

SATURDAY, MAY 14 

10:30 am 

Together let’s thank all of our Religious School and Uptown Hebrew teachers 

and all the teachers who work with your children every day at school. 

Invite your child’s grade, middle or high school teachers today! Forms available on our web page: 

http://www.tourosynagogue.com/education/religious-school/. 

All the teachers who participate as our guests will be given a boutonniere to wear and will be invited to a special 

Kiddush Luncheon following the service. 

We need an RSVP This Week to ensure the individual flowers will be ready for them, 

and to plan for our sumptuous lunch. 

FORMAL DRESSES 

are needed by 

SOPHIE B. WRIGHT students 

for their 

FALL PROM 

Bring your donations to Eileen Hamilton at the General Pershing entrance during 

office hours. This collection will continue until the beginning of AUGUST 2011. 

COMMUNITY-WIDE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL PROGRAM 

YOM HASHOAH 

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2011 AT 7:00 PM 

NEW ORLEANS JCC-UPTOWN ~ MINTZ AUDITORIUM 

SPEAKER: GERDA WEISSMANN KLEIN 

Author, Academy Award Winner, Holocaust Survivor 

7

Cantor Kaufman - We Wish You Well! 

One of our earliest impressions of Cantor Jason Kaufman was of a cantor with an exceptional voice; one of 

our most lasting impressions will be the compassion and pathos that he conveyed in his rendition of L’dor 

Vador on April 15th, the Shabbat Service during which our Czech Holocaust Torah Scroll was honored. 

Many of those present were brought to tears. 

But it is not just his voice that has endeared us to Jason in his brief tenure with us, it is his sense of humor, 

his love of life, and the complete and absolute joy and abandon with which he embraced Mardi Gras. 

Jason, we thank you for all that you have brought to our Shabbat Services and all that you have offered to 

our community during this past year. You will be missed. 

Please join us as we say farewell and thank you to Jason during Shabbat Evening 

Service on Friday May 20th and afterwards at a special oneg. 

END OF THE YEAR CELEBRATION 

& ANNUAL MEETING 

SUNDAY 

MAY 22, 2011 

10:30 am - 1:00 pm 

10:30 - 11:30 am - Annual Meeting for Adults 

Supervised Activities for Kids 

NEW MEMBERS 

Please celebrate with us as we take the opportunity to welcome new 

members to the Touro family and share a special moment to acknowledge 

those who have joined in the last year. 

11:30 am - 1:00 pm - Fun for All! 

Lunch and Festivities Continue! 

8

Touro Synagogue 

Notice of Annual Meeting 

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held in the Forgotston Chapel of Touro 

Synagogue, 4238 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana, on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 

10:30 a.m., for the purposes of considering those matters requiring Congregational action at its 

Annual Meeting and taking action with respect to any other business which may come before 

the meeting. The treasurer’s report, endowment report and the congregational president’s report will be presented. 

Below is a copy of the report of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Trustees. 

Scott Silbert, Secretary 

Report of the Nominating Committee 

The following individuals are nominated for a two-year term as officers of Touro Synagogue. 

President 

Executive Vice-President 

Vice-President 



Secretary 

Treasurer 

Phyllis Alltmont 

Scott Silbert 

Bernard Jaffe 

Andrew Braun 

Teri Hunter 

Julie Koppman 

Andrea Lestelle 

The following individuals are nominated to be Members of the Board of Trustees of the Congregation for 

a two-year term: 

Steven Bain 

Gilbert Braunig 

Juan Gershanik 

Lauren Greenberg 

Jill Israel 

Lisa Katz 

Susan Krinsky 

Danielle Levine 

Sara Mayeux 

Mia McGuire 

Jonathan Nussdorf 

Julie Wise Oreck 

C. Lawrence Orlansky 

Ellen Zakris 

The following individuals have one-year remaining of a two-year term as members of the Board of 

Trustees of the Congregation: 

Diane Africk 

Martin Goldstein 

Samantha Guichet 

David Hammer 

Lisa Herman 

Chris Kahn 

Thaia Pick 

Leon Rittenberg III 

Julie Schwartz 

Jay Shames 

Karen Turkish 

Nancy Willis 

Jennifer Zurik 

9

The following individuals, by virtue of their current offices held on National/Regional URJ/WRJ/NFTB 

Boards serve as Ex-Officio members of the Board of Trustee: 

Jack Schulman Louis K. Good, III William D. Norman, Jr. 

The following individuals are Ex-Officio Members of the Board: 

Hal M. Shepard, Immediate Past President 

Stacey Weinreb, Sisterhood President 

Adrian Jutner, Brotherhood President 

William D. Norman, Jr., Director of Endowment 

The following individuals have one-year remaining of a two-year term as Touro Synagogue 

Commissioners on the Board of the Hebrew Rest Cemetery Association, Inc: 

Ira M. Kohn Laurie Rosenberg Carol Good 

The following individuals are nominated to serve as Touro Synagogue Commissioners on the Board of 

the Hebrew Rest Cemetery Association, Inc. for a two-year term: 

Marvin L. Jacobs Stephen L. Sontheimer Alan B. Singer 

Respectfully submitted, 

Walter E. Levy, Chair 

Nominating Committee 

Kehillah Mega Mission Trip to Israel, April 2011 

Members of Touro Synagogue gather for a picture at the Western Wall in Jerusalem 

Pictured from 

Left to Right: 

Allan Bissinger, 

Brook Bissinger, 

Nancy Bissinger, 

Doug Ferrell, 

Jody Braunig, 

Nancy Sternberg, 

Alan Franco, 

Leigh Goodman, 

Susan Good, 

Lou Good, 

Stacey Weinreb, 

Michelle Soll, 

Shea Soll, 

Julie Wise Oreck, 

Carol Wise 

Not Pictured: 

Ann Fishman 

10

Social Action 

http://www.tourosynagogue.com/education/religious-school/ 

LGBTQ Support, Education, Advocacy 

Touro Synagogue is developing a platform of support, education, and 

advocacy for issues affecting the Lesbian, Gay, 

Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) 

community. 

We welcome input from all members of the 

community, gay and straight. We’d love to see you 

at our next meeting! 

Our next meeting is Thursday, May 19 

7:00pm 

Mautner Learning Center 

Please contact Dani Levine: danielle.z.levine@gmail.com. if you are interested in getting involved. 

SOCIAL ACTION 

OPEN MEETING 

MAY 17 

6:00 - 7:30 PM 

WE NEED YOU! 

We are now selling beautiful Kippot! 

Pre-order yours for only $10 for one or $15 for two! 

Kippot will be delivered to the sisterhood 

giftshop for convenient pick-up. 

Please email your order requests to 

Lisa Keleher at lisatreece@yahoo.com or 

Dani Levine at danielle.z.levine@gmail.com. 

Proceeds from the sale of the kippot will be used to fund the LGBTQ 

group’s activities for next year. 

The Ethical Taste Test 

(Not Just Another Happy Hour) 

How do we maintain 

momentum? 

How do we grow? 

In what areas do we grow? 

Join us for an important discussion 

about what the Social Action has 

been this year ... 

... and what it can become and 

where it will go in the year ahead. 

The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) asks ... 

Join the RAC 

for a fun-filled 

GREEN evening on 

Thursday May 26th 

at the Edible Schoolyard 

and find out what 

it means to be a 

sustainable foodie, and 

eco-Kosher. 

Hear from James 

Bea rd Awa rd-Wi n n i n g 

Chef Frank Brigtsen 

(Brigtsen’s Restaurant), 

explore the 

Edible Schoolyard, 

and mix and mingle 

with other young 

professionals over a 

cocktail and some 

delicious earthfriendly 

hors d’oeuvre. 

Doors open at 6:00pm. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 

For more information, and to register, go to: 

https://secure.rac.org/ethical-taste/ 

Hollygrove Market and Farm is 

offering a way to buy local, seasonal 

food directly from a farmer. 

We’re working with Hollygrove 

Market and Farm to revamp produce 

delivery right to Touro Synagogue. 

We need at least five people interested 

in picking up a produce box from 

Touro on Friday, before or after 

services. For only $25 a week you’ll 

get a brimming box full of delicious 

local, seasonal, sustainable produce. 

Please email Dani Levine at danielle. 

z.levine@gail.com, or Vanessa Bridges at 

vabridges@gmail.com 

11

You are cordially invited to attend 

L’DOR VADOR & CONFIRMATION 

Friday May 27, 2011 

23 Iyar 5771 

6:00 pm 

Touro Synagogue, Main Sanctuary 

Rachel Victoria Bernstein 

Daughter of David H. Bernstein 

Brett Weber Davis 

Son of Ina and Richard Davis 

Samuel Polmer Fischman 

Son of Debra J. Fischman 

Meghan Elizabeth Kessel 

Daughter of Joan and Gary Kessel 

Rachel Claire Leader 

Daughter of Charlotte and Barry Leader 

Elizabeth Claire Margolin 

Daughter of Jeanne Rademacher 

and David Margolin 

Benjamin Lockman Townsend Mark 

Son of Jeff Lockman, Rebecca Mark, 

and Mark Townsend 

Laura Miriam Nussdorf 

Daughter of Jonathan David Nussdorf and 

Mary Lenore McCormick 

Margaret Jean Willis 

Daughter of Nancy and David Willis 

AN ONEG SHABBAT WILL FOLLOW THE SERVICE. 

CELEBRATE SHAVUOT ~ JUNE 7 & 8 

Tikkun Leil Shavuot 

Erev Shavuot 

Tuesday June 7, 7:00-10:00 pm 

Join us as we celebrate the giving of Torah – for 

ourselves and for one another. 

Please RSVP with your name and covered 

dish contribution to Arlean at 895-4843 or 

afermanis@tourosynagogue.com. 

Shavuot Festival Service with Yizkor 

Wednesday June 8, 10:30 am 

Please join us as we celebrate Shavuot on 

Wednesday June 8 at 10:30 am. The celebration 

will include a Yizkor/Memorial service. If you 

have names you would like read during the 

service please submit them to Arlean by calling 

the office at 895-4843 or emailing Arlean at: 

afermanis@tourosynagogue.com. 

TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT 

EAT, THINK, AND BE HOLY - 

a gastronomical, intellectual, and spiritual smorgasbord! 

EREV SHAVUOT 

TUESDAY JUNE 7 

7:00-10:00 P.M. 

FOOD FOR THE BODY, MIND, 

AND SPIRIT! 

7:00 pm – Sumptuous Potluck Dairy Dinner 

8:00 pm – Study of Torah 

9:30 pm – Sacred Moment of Torah in the 

Sanctuary 

12

Touro Sisterhood 

o What a Year it Was! 

It is almost the end of another programming year and I would like to highlight how our Sisterhood helped to enrich 

our collective Touro experience. This year we introduced two new recurring Jewish educational programs: Tea and 

Talmud and the God Series. We lent our time and talents to Social Action initiatives including Sophie B. Wright 

and the Bullying Panel and partnered with Brotherhood to feed the Hungry at the New Orleans Mission. TLC was 

poured into our Break the Fast (which is always free and open to the community), Hanukkah dinner and Second 

Night Seder. 

Our children were entertained by Calliope Puppets and the Model Seder and Tot Hanukkah Party both educated and 

entertained our Religious School children. 

January’s Sisterhood Shabbat was extra special this year as we presented the first Betty Kohn Woman of Valor 

Honor with ten Past Presidents in attendance. 

Looking ahead to September, I ask that you show your support of these hard working, dedicated and talented 

women by circling September 10, 2011 on your calendar, as you prepare to join us for BINGOTINI, Sisterhood’s 

major fundraiser for 2011. 

Thanks to all for a wonderful first year as your Sisterhood President 

Stacey Weinreb, Sisterhood President 

sjwinnola@att.net or 504/835-1586 

P 

d 

MONDAY M M 

MAY 23, 10:30 

0 

AM 

Book Club 

Visit our web page at 

Book Club 

May Selection 

The Glass Room, 

by Simon Mawer 

Monday, May 23 

10:30 am, Mautner Library 

Jewish newlyweds Viktor and Liesel Landauer meet with architect 

Rainier von Abt, to plan their dream home, a “modern house... 

adapted to the future rather than the past..” World events, however, 

are about to overtake the present in 1930s Czechoslovakia. 

TOURO BROTHERHOOD -- FEEDING THE HOMELESS EVERY WEEK 

Our commitment to the Desmond Project continues every week at Touro Synagogue 

EVERY SATURDAY ~ 4:30pm - 8:30pm ---- throughout the summer. 

Teens and adults welcome. Contact Brotherhood President Dan Checkman at: dpc47852@yahoo. 

com or (522-0971) or John Antonucci at antonucci_john@yahoo.com for more details. 

To Our Graduating High School Seniors 

If you are graduating from high school in 2011, we want to feature YOU in our next bulletin! Please send in the 

following information by MAY 13 (firm deadline) along with an OFFICIAL senior photo: 

• Name of graduate 

• Parents names 

• High School 

• Academic Awards 

• Sports 

• Clubs 

• College attending in fall 

• Course of study 

We need to hear from you no later than MAY 13, 2011 with ALL the information, and an 

OFFICIAL senior photo, so we can ensure placement in the next bulletin. Mail to Touro Synagogue, Attn. Mona. 

13

Jewccy -- Jewish Crescent City Youth 

http://Jewccy.org 

JewCCY News 

It’s hard to believe that JewCCY first began just 8 months ago. It has been an incredible first year for the group and 

everyone is excited for the years to come. In April, JewCCY attended Spring Conclave in Birmingham, AL. There, 

they learned about Israel and talked about their future plans and dreams. It was a great weekend as the teens got to 

say goodbye to the 2011 seniors of NFTY Southern. 

On April 10th, JewCCY participated in J-Serve, a community-wide teen service day. Over 55 kids from around New 

Orleans gathered in a community garden where they pulled weeds, picked peas, constructed bed covers and transferred 

dirt. They also participated in a program which educated them about the environment. Working with the organization 

NOLA Green Roots was a really special experience. JewCCY looks forward to more J-Serve events in the coming 

years. 

This month, JewCCY will be holding an end of the year party on Sunday, May 29th (memorial day weekend). It will 

be a lock-in at Gates of Prayer that will include a private party at Adventure Quest Laser Tag. At this bash, we will be 

holding elections for next year as well as giving out prizes and awards for our wonderful JewCCY participants. Don’t 

miss it! 

And guess what? JewCCY will NOT being going away for the summer! Keep your eyes peeled to our website, e-mails 

and mailings to find out what JewCCY has in store for the summer months. We are planning a camping trip, as well 

as some art and athletic classes for teens during the summer. And our trip to Blue Bayou in August is on! Can’t wait 

to see more of you in the coming months. 

Kiki Kamenetz, JewCCY Advisor 

End of Year 

Party !! 

Sunday May 29 

Congregation Gates of Prayer 

~ Lock-in, Laser Tag, prizes, & 

elections for next year’s ofcers. 

Don’t miss it! 

Watch the website for summer 

fun events!! 

http://jewccy.org/index.html 

Help us welcome the following families 

who have joined our congregation since 

our previous bulletin. 

Let us celebrate each of them for 

choosing to support Touro Synagogue. 

Robert Cohn 

Mallory Gershen 

TORAH STUDY @ TOURO 

UNWRAPPING ANCIENT WISDOM 

IN A POST-MODERN WORLD 

Torah Study is held at 9:00am every Shabbat 

morning, 52 weeks a year, 

in the Mautner Learning Center. 

It is never too late to start; 

Torah resources and bagels provided. 

PARASHOT 

May 1 - 7: Emor 

Leviticus 21:1-24:23 

Ezekiel 44:15-31 

May 8 - 14: B’har 


Jeremiah 32:6-27 

May 15 - 21: B’chukotai 


Jeremiah 16:19-17:14 

May 22 - 28: B’midbar 

Numbers 1:1-4:20 

Hosea 2:1-22 

May 29 - June 4: Naso 

Numbers 4:21-7:89 

Judges 13:2-25 

Go to urj.org/torah for other resources. 

Pulpit Flowers 

Family of Sara Baskind Smith 

Ellen and Stephen Manshel 

Nancy and Gary Silbert 

Elizabeth and Jeffrey Laufer 

Jane Kelly Morais 

Kiddush Luncheon 

Dr. Sylvia Fields and 

Barbara and Beryl Laufer 

Dr. Steven and Mrs. Mathile Abramson 

Oneg Shabbat 

JewCCY Members 

Dr. Sylvia Fields and Family 

Kelly and David Abramson 

14

DIVINE WINE SUPPORTERS 

SOMMELIER 

Joy and Andy Braun 

Jill and David Israel 

Kathy and Hal Shepard 

Julie and Scott Silbert 

WINE MAKER 

Phyllis and Jack Alltmont 

Celia Katz 

Laura and Walter Levy 

Lois and Ralph Shepard 

Robert Steeg 

OENOPHILE 

Judy Barrasso and 

Brent Barriere 

Rhonda and Michael Chernekoff 

Linda and Richard Friedman 

Ellen and Bruce Gandle 

Charles Glaser 

Shannie and Rabbi David Goldstein 

Susan and Lou Good 

Lisa and Mike Herman 

Marlene and Bernard Jaffe 

Carole and Morton Katz 

Lisa and Brian Katz 

Ruth and Larry Kullman 

Andi and Terry Lestelle 

Christine Montz 

Naomi and Larry Orlansky 

Julie Schwartz and 

David Radlauer 

Robert I. Shepard 

Gary Silbert 

Amy and Mark Stein 

Karen and Lance Turkish 

Marjorie and Roy Weiner 

Ellen and Marc Yellin 

Renee Zack 

Jenny and Lee Zurik 

MANY 

THANKS! 

DONORS 

Diane Africk 

Lisa and Cary Amann 

Aimee and Steven Bain 

Arlene and Paul Barron 

Ina and Richard Davis 

June Leopold and Martin Goldstein 

Kitty and George Greenberg 

Barbara Herman 

Dorothy and Marvin Jacobs 

Julie Koppman and Brian Bain 

Marilyn Kullman 

Mara and Stephen Kupperman 

Gary Lazarus 

Sara Mayeux 

Mary McCormick and 

Jonathan Nussdorf 

Rickie and Gordon Nutik 

Joyce and Sidney Pulitzer 

Phyllis and Jay Shames 

Ken Tedesco 

Stacey Weinreb 

Ruth Weisler 

Nancy and Dave Willis 

Carol Wise 

Jan and Steven Yellin 

TASTER 

Ava and Michael Alltmont 

Jaymi and Mark Baum 

Helaine and Bill Braunig 

Jody and Gilbert Braunig 

Leigh and Dan Checkman 

Marianne and Isidore Cohn Jr. 

Ana and Juan Gershanik 

Dollie Gill-Katz 

Linda Green and Michael Brown 

Samantha and Joseph Guichet 

Lucia and David Hammer 

Teri and Jonathan Hunter 

Chris and Marc Kahn 

Beverly Katz 

Marilyn Kullman 

Sharon and Larry Lahoste 

Sheri and Stephen Levine 

Susan Krinsky and Hugh Long 

Mia McGuire 

Sharon and B. Ray Mize 

Sarah Rabin 

Leon Rittenberg III 

Joshua Rubenstein 

Dana and Louis Shepard 

Ellen and Lee Sucherman 

Ellen Zakris 

MANY 

THANKS! 

15

DONATIONS 

TOURO SYNAGOGUE FUND 

In Honor of: 

Wedding of Michael Alltmont and Ava Brucato 

By: Sarah and Joe Pasternack, Jr. 

Peggy Bennett 

By: Rosalyn Allison 

In Memory of: 

Jack Fielkow 

By: Mat and Michael Berenson 

The Rubenstein Family 

Julie and Marshall Oreck 

Kitzi and Peter Goldman 

Leonard Rothstein 

By: Mat and Michael Berenson 

Julie and Marshall Oreck 

Naomi and Larry Orlansky 

Lucile Bodenheimer & Jim Holiday 

Karen and Lance Turkish 

Monroe S. Samuels 

By: Barbara Samuels 

Betty Fosberg 

By: Marjorie and Roy Weiner 

Helen Fishel 

By: Renee Zack 

Patti Ann Schwartz 

By: Adrien and Errol Genet 

Gilbert Bernstein 

By: David Bernstein Family and 

Gulnare Marks 

Charlotte Millman 

By: Theone and Alvin Halpern 

Ann Bruder 

Stjepan Juttner 

By: Adrian Juttner 

Bernice Israel Mexic 

By: Rosalie and Harris Dulitz 

Celia Katz 

Laura and Walter Levy 

Mitchell Samuelson 

By: Joyce and Sidney Pulitzer 

Lillian Kessler Koretzky 

By: Karen and Lance Turkish 

Donations: 

By: Beverly Katz/Exterior Designs, Inc. 

Temple De Hirsch Sinai/Seattle, WA 

CARING SUPPORT 

In Memory of: 


By: Joan and Elliott Bain 

CHOIR MUSIC SUPPORT 

In Honor of: 

Bar Mitzvah of Samuel Matthew Laufer, 

grandson of Barbara and Beryl Laufer 

By: June Leopold and Martin Goldstein 

In Memory of: 


By: Janice and Jeffrey Smith 

JAZZ FEST SHABBAT SUPPORT 

Donations: 

By: Lois and Joey Sutton 

GIFT OF ISRAEL SUPPORT 

In Memory of: 

Lola S. Bernstein 

By: Phyllis and Joe Berstein 

PULPIT FLOWER SUPPORT 

In Memory of: 

Gissella Caplan 

By: Dorothy and Alvin Caplan 

Julian K. Opotowsky 

By: Kathy and Randy Opotowsky 

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SUPPORT 

In Memory of: 

Genevieve A. McCormick 

By: Nancy, Maggie, and Dave Willis 

ADELAIDE BERGMAN MUSIC FUND 

In Memory of: 

Mina Bollag 

By: Babette Kesler 

BUILDING PRESERVATION FUND 

Donations: 

By: Succession of Esther Sylvia Frank 

DEBRA VAN DER LINDEN SIDELNIK 

MEMORIAL FUND 

In Memory of: 

Debra Van der Linden Sidelnik 

By: Elaine and Bernard Van der Linden 

DONALD MINTZ FUND 

In Honor of: 

Wedding Anniversary of Leona and Stanley 

Shlosman 

By: Susan and Byron Kantrow, Jr. 

JACKIE WOLFF SCHOLARSHIP FUND 

In Honor of: 

Mia McGuire receiving the Touro Synagogue 

Sisterhood-Betty Kohn Woman of Valor Award 

Teri Hunter in connection with Touro Synagogue 

receiving the 2011 Fain Award 

By: Frankie Wolff 

In Memory of: 


Betty Pearlman Fosberg 

Lillian Kessler Koretzky 

By: Frankie Wolff 

CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND 

In Honor of: 

Bar Mitzvah of Samuel Matthew Laufer 

By: Pat Reardon and Richard Latner 

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND 

In Honor of: 

Graduation of Rebecca Russell from graduate 

school 

Birth of Max Kolb Braunig, son of Jody and 

Gilbert Braunig 

Stacey Weinreb on a great 1st year as Sisterhood 

President 

By: Sara Mayeux and Ernesto Montano 

Wedding of Michael Alltmont and Ava Brucato 

By: Phyllis and Jack Alltmont 

Their Wedding 

By: Beth Shapiro and Austin Lavin 

In Memory of: 

Peter E. Moss 

By: Family of Peter E. Moss 

Bernard Alvin Goldman 

By: Shirley Goldman 

Donations: 

By: Elissa Sachs-Kohen 

YAHRZEITS 

Perpetually enshrined on the Yahrzeit Tablets of Touro 

Synagogue are the following loved ones for whom 

Kaddish will be recited at Touro Synagogue for the 

month of MAY. 

FRIDAY, MAY 6/SATURDAY, MAY 7 

Maurice Blumenfeld, Alvin Cohen, M.D., David Gansar, 

Estelle Friedman Gervis, Harold Greer Goldenberg, Avram 

Charles Herman, Mrs. Isidore Manasses, Mrs. Beryl 

Alaynick Marchiz, Max U. Marcus, Max Marx, Sara Meyers, 

Peter E. Moss, Dr. Jacob W. Newman, Elkin Rubenstein, 

Louis Scherck, Louis Seidenbach, Barbara Borinsky Stiles, 

Abraham Ullman, Max Zelden. 


William Adler, Jennie A. Bennett, Leon E. Ber, Samuel 

Edelstein, Ione Singerman Fellman, Joseph Frank, Dr. 

Abe Golden, Julius Goldman, Shirley Weil Greengus, 

Meyer Handelman, Bernard Hirsch Herman, Bertha K. 

Hochstein, Ruth Bennett Katz, Kate Friedlander Koppel, 

Julian Opotowsky, Goldie Philipson Steuer, Henry Weil, 

Joseph Zelden, Lucien Zilbermann. 


Mina Levy Bollag, Elizabeth Edelstein, Rose Kasdan Enelow, 

Arnold Falk, Annie Harry H. Goldstein, Henry Hirsch, Dr. 

Morris William Levy, Alex Lith, William Mayer, Bernard 

David Mintz, Mitchell P. Samuelson, Adele Schwartz, 

Morris B. Sontheimer, Percival Stern, Samuel Julius Weiss, 

David Bertram Young, Charles A. Zucker. 


Benjamin Abbot, Gary Steven Bennett, Lena Miller Burk, 

Ruth Mosberg Cohen, Isadore M. Enelow, Marguerite R. 

Falk, Annie Campbell Fishman, Florette Simon Geismar, 

Anna Kay Goldstein, Karl Edward Heinemann, Augusta R. 

Hirsch, Dora Garritson Levy, Edna E. Levy, Max Margolis, 

Byron Mayer, Dora Rubenstein, Constance Wolff Samuel, 

Minnie R. Sherman, Caroline H. Thalsheimer, Eva S. Weil, 

Jonas Weill. 

IN MEMORIAM 

MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE FOR A BLESSING 

Douglas A. Goff 

Father of Madelyn Goff and 

former husband of Lisa Goff 

Bernard Alvin Goldman 

Brother of Ruth Asher 

Genevieve A. McCormick 

Mother of Mary McCormick 


Mother of Janice Oppenheim 

Patti Ann Schwartz 

Sister of Ellen Yellen 

16

29 30* Memorial 

Day – Office 

closed 

31 

Summer Union Services 

June – Congregation Gates of Prayer - Friday – 8 pm/Saturday – 10:30 am 

July – Temple Sinai – Friday – 6:15 pm/Saturday – 10:15 am 

August – Touro Synagogue – Friday – 6:00 pm/ Saturday – 10:30 am 

22 *Annual Meeting w/Election of 

Officers – 10:30 am 

*End of the Year Celebration – 

11:30 am 

23 *Sisterhood 

Book Club – 

10:30 am 

24 25 26 *Choir Rehearsal – 

7:30pm 

27 *Shabbat Evening 

Service/ Confirmation with 

L’Dor Vador - 6 pm 

28 *Torah Study – 9 am 

*Shabbat Morning Service – 10:30 am 

*Brotherhood Cooking for Desmond 

Project – 4:30 pm 

Open Meeting – 6 pm 

15 16 17 * Social Action 

18 19 *LGBTQ Support, 

Education, Advocacy – 

7 pm 

*Choir Rehearsal – 

7:30pm 

20 *Shabbat Evening 

Service/ Choir Shabbat – 

6 pm 



Bar Mitzvah of Samuel Evan Baum 



8 9 10 *Tea & Talmud – 

2 pm 

11 * Living Our Faith 

– Dinner/Dialogue – 

6:00 pm 

12 * Lunch and Learn – 

Downtown – 12 pm 

*Choir Rehearsal – 

7:30pm 

13 *Shabbat Evening Service 

– 6 pm 


*Tot Shabbat Rocks! - 9:30 am 

*Shabbat Morning Service/ Teacher 

Shabbat – 10:30 am 



1 *Religious School with Pre-K, 

9th and Confirmation - 9 am/ 

Closing Day & Awards - all grades 

*Yom Hashoah Community 

Program-7:00 pm - JCC 

“Spirituality in the 

City” – 12:30 pm- 

Jesuit Church of the 

Immaculate 

Conception 

2 3 * First Tuesdays 

4 *Uptown Hebrew 

/ Closing Day and 

Awards– 4 pm 

5 *Lunch and Learn – 

Uptown – 12 pm 

*Choir Rehearsal– 

7:30pm 

6 *Shabbat Evening Service/ 

Birthday Blessings– 6 pm 





Sunday Monday Tuesday Wed. Thursday Friday Saturday 

May 2011 – Touro EventsataGlance 

17

FRIDAY, MAY 6 

6:00 pm Forgotston Chapel 

Birthday Blessings 


10:30 am Forgotston Chapel 

FRIDAY, MAY 13 

6:00 pm Forgotston Chapel 



Teacher Shabbat 

SHABBAT SERVICES 

May 2011 

TORAH STUDY AT 9:00AM 

Every Saturday Morning 

throughout the summer 

MAUTNER LEARNING CENTER 


6:00 pm Main Sanctuary 

Choir Shabbat 

SATURDAY, MAY21 

10:30 am Main Sanctuary 

Bar Mitzvah of Samuel Evan Baum 


6:00 pm Main Sactuary 

Confirmation with L’Dor Vador 



Summer Union 

Services 

FOR TIMES SEE 

PAGE 3 

JUNE 

CONGREGATION GATES OF 

PRAYER 

4000 WEST ESPLANADE AVENUE. METAIRIE 

(885-2600) 

JULY 

TEMPLE SINAI 

6227 ST CHARLES AVENUE, NEW ORLEANS 

(861-3693) 

AUGUST 


4238 ST. CHARLES AVENUE, NEW ORLEANS 

(895-4843) 


Interim Cantor Jason Kaufman 

Rabbi Emeritus David Goldstein 

Cantor Emeritus Ralph H. Slifkin 

Hal M. Shepard, President 

Eileen A. Hamilton, 

Director of Education 

Leigh S. Goodman, 

Executive Director 

Terry D. Maddox MM, 

Music Director 

William D. Norman, Jr., 

Director of Endowment 

Non-Profit Org. 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 

New Orleans, LA 

Permit No. 412 



Founded 

Founded 

in 1828 

in 1828 

Touro Synagogue • 4238 St. Charles Avenue • New Orleans, LA 70115 • (504) 895-4843 

TSmail@tourosynagogue.com • www.tourosynagogue.com

May 2011 Bulletin - Touro Synagogue

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