The Jewish community in New Orleans is one of the oldest in the country with synagogues that have been in existence for over 150 years. While small, the community is very vibrant. It boasts 9 synagogues, 2 Jewish Day Schools, 2 Jewish Community Centers, and several Jewish religious schools. The Umbrella Organization of the community is the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans.
2 of the local synagougues are located on historic St. Charles Ave. One of them is Touro Synagougue, which was founded by the philanthropist, Judah Touro, over 150 years ago. Another synagougue, Anshei Sfard, is a beautiful old building which has been designated a historical landmark and has been featured in pictorials of US synagogues.
Three more synagogues, as well as the two Jewish Day Schools, are located in Metairie (Jefferson Parish). These institutions include the Chabad Center of Metairie, and Torah Academy, a Chabad-run Jewish Day School that has experience a 25% boost in enrollment this year.
Beth Israel Congregation is located in the Lakefront, near the 17th St. canal, where the levee breach occurred.
Tulane University, with 30% of its 6000 undergrads from Jewish families, is served by the Chabad Jewish Student Center, as well as the Hillel Center Of New Orleans.
The Jewish Community Center on St. Charles Ave. serves the New Orleans Community, while the Jewish Community Center in Metairie was recently built to serve Jefferson Parish, and the greater community.