40 years ago, on Purim night, 1976, the doors of the first Chabad House in New Orleans opened at 7037 Freret St. It was a memorable Purim celebration. Judge Sol and Jackie Gothard served as hosts of the event. Many supporters and friends of the newly minted Chabad House joined students for what would launch a 40 year long (and counting) adventure in Jewish growth and development for the NOLA Jewish community.
40 years later, on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM, we will once again gather at the same address (albeit in a building that has gone through significant change and improvement) for another Purim party. But that is not all. In the past 40 years Chabad has expanded to Metairie, Biloxi and Baton Rouge as well as a Chabad Center at Tulane - each of which will be hosting their own successful Purim events over the course of the holiday.
Finally Chabad's Grand Purim Feast - Purim In Outer Space - will take place on Thursday at 6 PM - at Torah Academy - 5210 West Esplanade Ave.
We look forward to celebrating with you at one or all of these events. Please also see below for a Megillah reading schedule.
Wishing you a very joyous Purim!
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin