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ChabadNewOrleans Blog

An Interview with Matthew Willard

Thursday, July 24, 2025 - 2:49 PM

I recently interviewed State Rep. Matthew Willard, who is running for Council-at-Large, on October 11. I will preface my questions with MR, and Rep. Willard’s replies with MW. It goes without saying that this should not be seen as a political endorsement. I am simply sharing a discussion that is of interest to the readers. I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with other candidates for this race or any other. Each of you should consider the issues and vote your conscience. I thoroughly enjoyed my wide-reaching conversation with Mattew Willard. He is refreshingly creative and solution oriented. He has already accomplished plenty in the state legislature. He seems like a real Mensch!

MR: Please tell us about yourself and what motivated you to enter the race for NOLA City Council.
MW: I am a native New Orleanian, raised in Gentilly. I attended Corpus Christi, Stuart Hall, Jesuit, and then UNO. I was working in Marketing when I was invited to join a Bio-Tech startup affiliated with Tulane University, now an independent, private business headquartered in Texas. I began my term in the State House six years ago. I am the head of the Democratic Caucus. I like to think of myself as a doer rather than a talker. My focus has been on issues of economic justice, addressing the maternal mortality rate in Louisiana, lowering homeowner’s insurance and property assessments through proposed reforms and tax credits. As a NOLA district Rep, I have been involved in local issues such as legislation involving the inaccurate billing at SWB, which allowed the City Council to hire the outside agency to address billing woes. I have taken interest in the NOPD manpower shortage by supporting legislation that allows civilians to fill administrative roles at Police Departments around the state.

MR: Why do we have a high maternal mortality rate in our state?
MW: We have high co-morbidity rates. We have high levels of domestic violence. There is evidence of racial bias in healthcare, that disproportionately affects black women who are pregnant. Many doctors are not willing to recognize the urgency of a health complaint until it is too late. There may be costs in co-pays that prevent people from seeking proper care.

MR: What is a legislative initiative you are proud of?

MW: I founded and chair the STEM Innovation Caucus. My vice chair is a Republican. We have worked on improving economic health and workforce development by focusing on STEM education at every level in our state. This is critical for the future of our economic health. We have companies considering Louisiana only to determine that there is not a local STEM educated workforce pool from which to hire. My own company was acquired by a large corporation, in a move that was very exciting for Tulane University and the region. Unfortunately, the corporation moved our company to Texas for much of the same reason. We have to get our young people excited about math and science, about engineering and technology, so that they will pursue futures in those areas and stop the brain drain in our state. We work with stakeholders such as Defense, NASA, and IT companies who look towards a stronger STEM future for our area. Our young people must know that if they put in the effort, there will be good jobs waiting for them.

MR: Why do we have so many law enforcement agencies in this city? Wouldn’t we be better off combining agencies? This could mean real savings.

MW: That is certainly something to consider. Often in the hostility between political leaders and turf protection, the people get neglected. In general, we must prioritize our citizens, not our positions. We need to work on infrastructure, teacher pay, housing affordability. We are pricing our people out of the city due to high rents.

MR: Would you agree that the inflated cost of homeownership, along with rising taxes and ridiculous insurance rates, are also making it difficult for many longtime homeowners to maintain their residency?

MW: Absolutely! After the 3 storms in 2020, Laura, Delta, and Zeta, Lake Charles legislators filed bills to address insurance affordability and transparency. This began the conversation that became relevant to New Orleans in 2021 with Hurricane Ida. I was involved in the fortified roofing bill and expanding the grants to homeowners for those roofs. We sought to make it a permanent program and expand the budget by millions. We also sought to address the transparency of the claims process. We grappled with the Insurance Commissioner over the increase in LA Citizens premiums and tried to halt for two years. Although that was not successful, on the senate side they are using that same idea to advance a similar bill. I also proposed an increase in the homestead exemption, the first in over 40 years.

MR: Do you have a family connection in local politics? I remember a councilwoman named Cynthia Willard Lewis.
MW: She is my aunt. As kids, we were always involved in campaigning and the local civic scene. I became the president of our neighborhood association until it became impossible to juggle that with my role in the legislature. When I won the State House race in 2019, my father told me “don’t be a sore winner.” I made sure to keep a positive connection with others, including my rivals. Eugene Green, who l beat in that race, ultimately became the Councilman for my district. We have a good relationship. He was very happy when I turned down the request to run for Council District D a few years ago.

MR: Why the move from the State House to the City Council?
MW: To help the city! I enjoyed my time at the legislature, but I am looking for an opportunity to have a direct impact, and that happens at city hall. There are so many issues that are only addressed locally. Our population is becoming disenfranchised. People are leaving. Our population is in decline each year. Living in New Orleans has been tough. The streets, the flooding. I want to stop the bleeding and get people to start moving back to New Orleans and attract new people. We want to pivot from surviving to thriving.

MR: What is your take on the need for the new mayor and the new council to cooperate with each other?
MW: It is critical that they work together. There needs to be strong emphasis on communication and collaboration. We need to streamline the Office of Safety and Permits. We need to work on finishing the drainage improvements that have been 20 years in the making. In fact, mismanagement has been so bad that we have lost access to some of the Katrina funds. Communication between agencies is so bad that there are new areas flooding despite all the work that has been done. We need to address blight and graffiti. We need to deal with litter and tire dumping. We need to change the culture by showing progress and giving hope to our citizens.

MR: Have you heard of the term “mensch?” It is Yiddish. It literally means a man. But it used to describe a person that is respectful, honorable, cooperative… The biggest obstacle to cooperative politics is the ego. A “mensch” is someone who learns how to keep that ego from getting in the way of communication and collaboration.
MW: We definitely need more transparency and respectful interactions between civic leaders.

MR: Why Council-at-Large?
MW: I want to help as many people as possible. I look forward to working with all people. I have good relationships with the others that are on the council, as well as those running for the open seats, and some of the mayoral candidates. I have a history of working with people with whom I disagree, to find areas in which we can be collaborative.

MR: Thank you for your time. One final question. As you know from attending the Jewish Federation’s legislative breakfast, we have been significantly burdened with security costs over the last 7 years. I know that budgets for these things are at the federal and state levels, however, a candidate for a different office that I spoke to mentioned that there might be a creative solution by allowing reserve Sheriff deputies to allot their required service time to provide security at vulnerable houses of worship and faith-based agencies. What do you think of that idea?
MW: That sounds like something that could be done. They have those required hours that could certainly be used in that manner. I would also encourage you to not give up on trying to get funding from the state for this. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to meet and talk.

MR: Thank you again for your time. Best of luck with your endeavors going forward!

Three Layers of You

Friday, July 18, 2025 - 12:01 PM

This time period is called “The Three Weeks” during which we mourn for the destruction of our two Holy Temples (in 67 CE and in 423 BCE).

It is a good time to study about the Temple, and to reflect on our loss, while also increasing the hope of rebuilding. As we contemplate the Temple, it is critical that we recall the fundamental teaching based on the original command to construct the Temple, “Make for Me a Sanctuary and I will dwell within them.” Why does it not say, “within it” (singular)? To teach us that Hashem dwells within every one of us. As such, every aspect of the Temple exists within us.

One of the primary elements of the Temple was the Ark of the Covenant. It was upon the Ark that the Divine Presence – the Shechina – was manifest. The Torah instructs us to make an ark of acacia wood, coated inside and outside with gold. The Talmud describes how it was designed. They fashioned three boxes that were able to fit into one another. The first box was gold. The second box, made slightly larger, was wood. The third box, made slightly larger, was gold. The first gold box was inserted into the wood, and the two of them were then inserted into the second gold box, then the top was sealed with a gold coating.

The Chassidic masters teach that these three boxes represent three layers of ourselves, our core identity, how we experience ourselves, and how we project beyond ourselves.

The inner gold box corresponds to our core identity, the essence of the soul. This is pure gold, a point of connection to Hashem that cannot be sullied.

The wood box corresponds to how we experience ourselves, our ideas and feelings, our mindsets and attitudes. We all know that these are not always something to feel proud of. Sometimes they are plain or even ugly.

The outer gold box corresponds to how we project beyond ourselves. Our behaviors, our words, and even our thoughts as they emerge from a contemplative state. One might think that there is no point in ensuring that our behaviors are “beautiful” if our inside is plain or ugly.

The lesson of the ark is that the outer box was gold. When you are doing the right thing, even when not fully aligned with your inside, you are not a hypocrite. Because you have a deeper layer of gold that is your core identity. Of course we want to work on our inside as well. But a plain or even ugly inside should not prevent us from ensuring a golden outside, which is in complete alignment with our core identity.

The Shechina was manifested upon the Ark. This is true of our personal Ark as well. Despite the plain wooden middle, Hashem is proud to dwell upon our golden Ark, all of the good that we do in this world.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Rise Like a Lion

Friday, July 11, 2025 - 9:33 AM

Legendary comic Jackie Mason once did a bit where he contrasted Jews and another ethnic group regarding fighting abilities. He pointed out that Jews don’t like to fight. But put a uniform on them and organize an army, they are the best in the world. The other group will fight anywhere, anytime; but put them in an army and they are incompetent.

In this week’s Parsha we read the “blessings – prophecy” of Bilaam. He declares, “Behold a nation rises like a lion.” As we all know, the military operation against Iran was titled Rising Lion to reflect this verse. In fact, Prime Minister Netanyahu placed a prayer petition into the Kotel that included a quote from that verse shortly before the operation began.

Obviously, the image of a rising lion conveys the sense of what Israel is trying to project with this military operation. Indeed, there have been amazing miracles which demonstrate the Hand of Hashem in these victories over the enemies of the Jewish people.

At the same time, it is critical for us to remember that there is another front in this war, a spiritual front. This front is as important as the physical front. The power of the Jewish people to rise as a lion against our enemies comes only from Hashem. We must never make the mistake and proclaim, “It is my power and the strength of my hand that achieved this great success.” We must do our part to utilize every advantage that we have within the natural order. We must gather the best intelligence. We must develop the smartest strategy. We must implement the finest military tactics. In the end we must “remember the L-rd your G-d, for it is He that gives you strength to achieve success.”

To appreciate this, we peek into Rashi’s commentary to the words, “Behold a nation rises like a lion.” He explains that the Jewish people rise like a lion to fulfill the Mitzvot such as wearing a Tallit and Tefillin and reciting the Shema. That is our true power. When we are resolute to live a Jewish life, committed to the Mitzvot of Hashem, that power is projected onto our military success.

The underlying Operation Rising Lion has been the surge in Jewish commitment since October 7, the increase in Mitzvah observance, the heightening of Jewish identity, and the recognition that our power comes from Hashem. Because this operation has been successful, success has been realized on the military front.

So, my nation of lions, rise up and seize the opportunity to be part of these historic developments for the Jewish people. Grab hold of those Mitzvot and share the chance to do a Mitzvah with your friends. Together we will experience the sweetness of victory, the victory of light over darkness with the complete and final redemption through the coming of Mashiach.

Chabad of Louisiana mourns the passing of Richard Friedman. Richard was a sweet man, with a million-watt smile that infused you with positivity. Together with his wife, Linda, may she be well, they dedicated the Brian R. Friedman Memorial Menorah that was used for the Chanukah celebration with the New Orleans Pelicans. May his memory be for a blessing to his family and all those that were touched by his kindness and friendship.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

Relax Your Defensive Posture

Friday, July 4, 2025 - 12:21 PM

Most people would say that peace, love, and unity are high on their list of values. Most people yearn to have them as central to their life experience. We see this demonstrated in the Parsha when the Torah tells us that the entire nation of Israel (men and women) mourned for the passing of Aharon because of his role as a peacemaker and promoter of love and unity between couples, and society in general.

Yet, most of those same people continue to sabotage the opportunities they get for experiencing peace, love, and unity. We allow perceived differences, be they religious, political, cultural, socio-economic, or anything else, to get in the way of our potential feelings of brotherhood.

As Jews, we know that our greatest strength comes from our togetherness. Yet we manage to consistently fight and sow discord. There are the divisions between religious and the “so called” secular. The divisions between the political left and right. Sectarian divisions within the religious population. Just when we think we are ready to be united, something comes along to give us an excuse to practice divisiveness.

These man-made walls that we put up between ourselves leave us with preconceived notions of how interactions will go between members of these “different segments.” We enter a situation with a defensive posture set in place, assuming that the “otherness,” be it political, religious, sectarian, cultural etc., will automatically ensure that our interactions will be strained.

We are convinced that our “otherness” will cause the people with whom we are interacting to treat us differently. And we are equally convinced that their “otherness” will cause us to have a negative experience when interacting with them.

How do we get ourselves to relax our defensive postures when approaching these experiences?

I heard this anecdote on the Meaningful People Podcast in an interview by Nachi Gordon with Rabbi Shlomo Katz of Efrat, Israel. He told of a man that visited Efrat for Shabbat (I think it was for a Simcha). This fellow had major religious and political differences with most of the people in that community. He told Rabbi Katz that he would come to Shul, but he would decline to participate in Birchat Kohanim (priestly blessings) although he was a Kohen. (In most of Israel the blessings are recited every Shabbat.) Why? Since the blessings are preceded by the bracha “to bless His people of Israel with love,” he didn’t feel that he could honestly profess that love towards the people, or Hashem for that matter.

This conversation took place on Friday afternoon. The next morning, Shabbat day, when it came time to recite the Birchat Kohanim, Rabbi Katz notices that this fellow was up there with the rest of the Kohanim. After services he approached him and congratulated him on the decision and asked what prompted the change.

The fellow replied that Friday night, during the services, the joy and love that he felt from the people in the community, who were so welcoming and loving, caused his defensive posture to relax, and he was able to recite the Kohen’s blessing with true love in his heart for them all.

We ask Hashem, “Barcheinu Avinu Kulanu K’echad – bless us our father, all as one.” We want to be united. We want to love and feel loved by one another. Let us learn to relax our defensive postures when regarding each other. Let us allow the love that we have for each other be the dominant force in our lives. In doing so, the blessings from Hashem will flow to us with love.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin

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