New Orleans temple celebrates 145th anniversary

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (Press Release)– In 2015, Temple Sinai marks 145 years of serving the New Orleans community. The largest Jewish congregation in Louisiana invites the entire community to help celebrate its long history, as well as the congregation’s future, vibrancy and diversity.

“Though we’re the first Reform congregation in Louisiana, we pride ourselves, both clergy and laity, on extending a personal welcome to all,” said Temple Sinai Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn. “Many of our Temple families are descendants of our original founders, while others are newcomers who are engaged in our congregation’s multifaceted programs of education, worship and religious action.”

A group of 37 New Orleanians dedicated Temple Sinai on July 3, 1870. Mostly Western European immigrants, they included local legends Isidore Newman and Leon Godchaux. The new congregation offered the local Jewish community what was described as a more modern and relevant place of worship compared to the stricter Orthodox synagogues. Over the past 145 years, Temple Sinai has continued to be both progressive and inclusive while balancing its rich tradition.

The congregation was at the forefront of desegregation in New Orleans when, in 1949, it hosted the first integrated public meeting of its size in New Orleans. Dr. Ralph Bunche, the U.N. Arab-Israeli mediator and future Nobel Peace Prize winner, spoke to a standing-room-only crowd of 2,000 white and black attendees at the synagogue in conjunction with the Interracial Committee of New Orleans. Though he was a well-known black diplomat, he was denied a place to speak in the city to an integrated audience until Temple Sinai opened its doors, and the synagogue continues this tradition of open-mindedness. The New Orleans Human Relations Commission, the municipal agency that enforces the city’s Human Relations Rights laws, still holds its meetings at Temple Sinai today. The congregation also recently hosted a special Martin Luther King Day Shabbat service featuring former New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu and Xavier University President Dr. Norman Francis.

In addition to facilitating interracial interactions, Temple Sinai also has contributed to bringing together people of different religions. In the 1960s the congregation was an integral part of the first Project Understanding, a series of interfaith events hosted at the synagogue and participating Christian churches, fostering dialogue and better understanding for much of the city. Over its history the synagogue has also opened its doors to ecumenical services as well as other faith communities needing a meeting place, including Felicity Street Methodist Church after its fire in 1887 and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Temple Sinai is bringing the interfaith tradition into 2015 with a co-hosted event with Loyola on March 14. The groups are bringing Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” to the stage with a full orchestra and chorus. Taking place at Temple Sinai at 7:30 p.m., the performance features a large group of acclaimed artists, including New Orleans native Alfred Walker. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_id=3292075.

Today, the congregation is as diverse and exciting as New Orleans itself. Under Rabbi Cohn’s leadership, Temple Sinai has become the Jewish address for interfaith families; Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Jews; and those coping with addictions. Temple Sinai constantly strives to build a community that stretches beyond the walls of the synagogue, maintaining relationships with organizations and other faith communities across the city.

“Though we’re 145 years old, our community is brimming with youthful energy,” said Carla Rose Jacob, Temple Sinai congregant. “Judaism at Temple Sinai is accessible to all.”

Its rich history also includes a tradition of providing quality Jewish programming in the community for all ages and interests. The Temple develops and maintains successful programs addressing the history, language, music and theology of Jewish culture. From pre-school through adulthood, the congregation has established programs that educate and entertain its members in important areas of Jewish life.

To celebrate its 145th anniversary, Temple Sinai will be hosting a gala in New Orleans on April 11. The event is open to the community and more information about the event can be found at http://www.templesinaino.org or (504) 861-3693.

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Preceding provided by Temple Sinai of New Orleans.