In just over a week Chabad of Louisiana will be concluding our annual raffle campaign with a drawing on July 9 for $10,000.00 and additional prizes of a lovely piece of jewelry from BEJE (Betsy & Jeff Kaston) and jewelry & accessory sets from David’s Antiques Edry Family).
This raffle benefits the programs and activities offered by Chabad (Uptown). Other Chabad of Louisiana affiliates are financially independent (including, Chabad of Metairie, Chabad at Tulane, Chabad of Baton Rouge, Chabad of Southern Mississippi, and Camp Gan Israel).
Chabad is completely supported by the direct contributions to our organization. We do not receive financial support from the Worldwide Chabad Movement. All contributions to Chabad remain local and support Chabad’s programs and activities in this area.
I would like to share with you a sampling of what (our branch of) Chabad does so that you will have an understanding of what your investment achieves.
Real Relationships: Chabad does not have membership we have relationships. We are there for people in their happy times and their challenging times. Chabad Rabbis and their wives have counselled and have invested in the lives of NOLA Jews for over 40 years. On any given day we will connect with community members about a wide range of issues. It may be a bride one moment, and grief or end of life issues the next moment. For some it is spiritual advice for others it is guidance for financial trouble or relationship issues. Common among them all is that they turn to Chabad.
Our Synagogue has the only daily morning Minyan, hosting regulars as well as visitors, and locals needing a minyan for Kaddish or a joyous occasion. Our publications, such as the Jewish art calendar, holidays guides and family magazines, are mailed to Jews all across the state and region, for some their only Jewish lifeline. Nearly 1,200 people receive our weekly email newsletter.
Adult Education: Chabad’s weekly study sessions, monthly classes, lectures and adult educational opportunities are open to and attract people from all across the spectrum of the NOLA Jewish community.
Prison Chaplaincy: Chabad Rabbis have been visiting this forgotten segment of our Jewish population for decades. Whether it is the Jews at the Federal Correctional Complex in Oakdale, LA, a lone Jewish woman at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women in St. Gabriel, LA or a Jew at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, LA or Dixon Correctional, they know that Chabad is there for them. We have served Jews in Parish Prisons as well.
Israeli Patient Services: Over the past 7 years, Ochsner has become a magnet for Israeli patients seeking major organ transplants. Currently there are 2 patients and their loved ones. Two families just left and there are more on the way. Chabad serves as their home away from home and surrogate family. We assist with their medical as well as social and religious needs.
Seniors: Chabad Rabbis have relationships with the staff at several local Senior Living Centers. A Chabad Rabbi has been visiting Lambeth House for a program called Shmoozing with the Rabbi for over 12 years.
Young Professionals: Chabad has been offering programming (Shabbat, holiday, educational and social) for young Jewish professionals in our community. Chabad Rabbis and their families have also opened their homes and hearts to these young Jews just getting started on their independence and sometimes needing a warm home, caring smile and listening ear.
Living Legacy Workshop Series: Chabad offers five workshops to youth and adult groups that have been presented at every Synagogue and Jewish organization from Lake Charles to Biloxi. They include the Shofar Factory, Olive Press, Matzah Bakery, Torah Factory and Mezuzah Factory. To date several thousand children and adults have participated.
Holiday Programs: Many of you are familiar with Chabad's signature event, Chanukah @ Riverwalk. This year's event drew over 700 participants. Chabad also holds an annual Sukkot party for over 200. Several Purim events draw hundreds. Simchat Torah @ Chabad has a reputation that is well established. Folks come from all over just to be there. High Holidays, Passover, Shavuot and the list goes on.
This is just a sampling. Please partner with us in serving our community by purchasing tickets. The cost of a ticket is $50, 3 for $100 or 6 for $150. For more info go to www.chabadneworleans.com/
We thank you for your partnership. Our Mitzvah is your Mitzvah!
Heartfelt condolences to Dr. Samuel & Gila Lehrer, Mordechai, Ruby and Nikki, upon the passing of their daughter/sister, Sandra. May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin