What a Journalist's Visit Reminded Me About Jewish New Orleans

Roni Bossin, Owner and Lead Guide, Tours N' Tales

A few months ago, I received a call from Professor Ilana Horwitz of Tulane University. She told me that Benyamin Cohen, a senior writer for The Forward, was coming to New Orleans to research a story about Touro Synagogue and its remarkable growth over the past few years. She asked whether I'd be willing to spend an hour introducing him to the Jewish history of New Orleans before he continued his reporting.

Of course, I said yes.

Private tours are always conversations, but guiding a journalist is a little different. Instead of simply asking "What happened here?" the questions tend to become "Why does this matter?" and "How does this fit into the bigger story?" It's a different kind of curiosity, and I enjoy it immensely.

Rather than beginning at the synagogue itself, we met near New Orleans' Founder’s Monument (AKA Bienville Place), just a few minutes on foot from the Mississippi River. From there, we walked along the river and through the French Quarter, following a path that I often take with guests interested in the city's Jewish heritage.

One of our first stops was the Holocaust Memorial overlooking the river. The memorial itself is a kinetic sculpture by renowned Israeli artist Yaacov Agam, who recently passed away. The New Orleans’ Holocaust Memorial is one of those places that many visitors never expect to find in New Orleans, yet it often opens the door to conversations about memory, resilience, and the ways communities preserve their history. 

New Orleans' Holocaust Memorial created by Yaacov Agam - photo by Roni Bossin

As we continued walking, we talked about some of the remarkable people who helped shape both New Orleans and Jewish history.

Naturally, the story of Judah Touro came up.

Most visitors quickly learn that Touro Synagogue and Touro Infirmary bear his name. What many don't realize is that his generosity reached far beyond New Orleans. After his death, part of his fortune helped finance Mishkenot Sha'ananim (Peaceful Dwellings in Hebrew), the first Jewish neighborhood built outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City in the 1860s. At a time when overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions made life inside the ancient walls increasingly difficult, that project offered Jewish families a chance to build healthier lives outside them.

I've always found that connection fascinating. One philanthropist from New Orleans helped leave a lasting mark not only on this city but also on Jerusalem.

The Hebrew inscription reads, in part: "Mishkenot Sha'ananim, established from the money bequeathed by Judah Touro... from the holy community of New Orleans... under the supervision of Sir Moses Montefiore..." - photo by Roni Bossin

Later in our walk, another story came to mind—one that connects New Orleans' Jewish community across denominations.

After Hurricane Katrina, Beth Israel Congregation's synagogue on Canal Blvd. was devastated by floodwaters. While they rebuilt, Gates of Prayer, a Reform congregation, welcomed the Orthodox congregation into its own building. Years later, in 2012, Beth Israel built their new synagogue side-by-side right next to Gates of Prayer. If you’ve ever wondered why a Reform synagogue sits right next door to a Modern Orthodox one on West Esplanade in Metairie, this is the reason. It's one of my favorite examples of how, when disaster strikes, labels often become less important than people.

Today, Beth Israel continues to play an important role in Jewish life in New Orleans, even providing the kosher certification for Café du Monde's famous beignets—one of those unexpected facts that always makes visitors smile.

Of course, no one-hour tour can cover everything. That's one of the things I appreciate about private guiding. Every conversation takes on its own direction depending on the interests of the people walking beside me.

Looking back, that one-hour walk reminded me why I love private guiding. Sometimes it's not about seeing more places—it's about asking better questions. Benyamin came to New Orleans to write about one remarkable synagogue, but together we explored how Jewish history is woven throughout the city itself.

Touro Synagogue, New Orleans - photo by Roni Bossin

If you're interested in New Orleans, Jewish history, or simply enjoy thoughtful storytelling, I highly recommend reading Benyamin Cohen's excellent article in The Forward. It captures not only the story of one remarkable synagogue but also the resilience, creativity, and sense of community that continue to shape Jewish life in our city today.

Interested in exploring New Orleans' Jewish heritage? Learn more about my private Jewish Heritage Tour or get in touch to customize an experience.