Rabbi Uri Topoloski interviewed for Jewish Press
Jan 6th, 2009 |
In 2007, Rabbi Uri moved to New Orleans with his family to serve at Congregation Beth Israel. He was interviewed by The Jewish Press about his move to New Orleans from
New York, and about his perspective on the current state of the Jewish community here.
- Rabbi Uri, his wife Dahlia, and their two sons, Elyon and Itai, enjoy themselves at the AVODAH New Orleans Launch Party, held on October 19, 2008
What is the current feeling in the New Orleans Jewish community?
The Jewish community is very much back on its feet and forward-thinking about all it does. The Jewish federation has led the charge with a well-done strategic planning process and has encouraged rebuilding initiatives. There is better communication between the different Jewish agencies in town, and some consolidation of resources and positive partnerships developing. And the community has launched a newcomers incentive program to attract new Jews to town and welcome them into the community.What do you feel are the biggest misconceptions about the Jewish community of New Orleans? What would you say to dispel those myths?
Many people think there are few or no Jews in New Orleans, and that perhaps the city is still under water. But the truth is that the Jewish community has a long history in this immigrant city and is a heavily invested component of many of its parts, including the museums, parks and cultural landmarks. The Orthodox community in particular has a tremendous amount of infrastructure at its disposal, such as a mikvah, two kosher restaurants, a kosher market, JCCs, synagogues, a daily minyan, and an eruv project in the works.
Read the entire interview here.
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