Moving to New Orleans after Katrina offered a great change for our family. It was quite a different life from what my wife and two children were used to in New York. Coming from the largest Orthodox community in the United States – with all the amenities to spoil us – to a small community in the midst of recovering and rebuilding will take some adjustment. While the community here is inviting and warm, that alone wasn’t enough to bring us here. While the financial incentives may speak to some, that is not what drew us to our new home. And while the city is rich with culture and entertainment, we had enough of that in New York.
For our family, the most attractive offer on the table was the opportunity to make a difference. To help rebuild Jewish life in New Orleans. Unlike large Jewish metropolises around the country, our community offers each member the gift of necessity. Regardless of age, background, profession, or level of observance, in the Jewish community of New Orleans every person matters and his or her presence can make a tremendous impact on the quality of our daily Jewish experience.
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, let us activate our souls and show our Creator that we have risen to the challenge of rebuilding this city and renewing our Jewish community, and may we look forward to a New Year without any more such tests.
