Last month the baton at the Jewish Federation passed from the hand of Alan Franco to his successor as president, Morton Katz. I ran into Alan at the JEF dinner this week and jokingly asked how his vacation is going. He quipped back, “yeah right, in this world or the next?” On behalf of Chabad of Louisiana, I would like to thank Alan for his ongoing leadership. There are many individuals in leadership positions in this community but in my opinion Alan Franco is unique.
There are three qualities that demonstrate his distinct ability. The first is vision. Alan has the ability to envision a better future and the strength to implement the changes needed to achieve that vision. The second is his willingness to make efficient use of resources even at the expense of convention. The third quality is broadmindedness. Alan is open to learning about different opportunities and to get behind things that were not previously on “the radar.”
We wish him well as he continues to fill an important role as a community leader. We look forward to working with Alan for the betterment of our New Orleans Jewish community for many years to come.
Our condolences to Oscar Tolmas and the Tolmas family upon the passing of Mrs. Marjorie Tolmas.
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Yochanan and Sarah Rivkin upon the birth and bris of their son Sholom Dovber.
Mazal Tov to Itai and Chana (Marie Bruno) Waitzman upon their recent marriage in Israel. We look forward to wishing you well in person very soon.
We extend a warm welcome to Rabbi Michoel and Leah Kerendian, who have moved to New Orleans, where Rabbi Kerendian assumes his new position as director of Torah Academy.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin