Tikkun Olam

Touro’s Tikkun Olam committee is gearing up for another year of social justice action with many opportunities for engagement:

  • Climate Action Task Force
    Led by Touro members Penny Freistadt and Larry Gottfried, our Climate Action Task Force meets monthly to create a Climate Action Plan that will reduce Touro’s environmental footprint. This plan is to be adopted by the board on Tu B’Shevat 2025 and submitted as the key requirement of Touro’s membership in the Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition.
  • Reproductive Rights
    Our reproductive rights committee works in concert with the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) which is a leader in the effort to ensure Jewish values are not suppressed. We have a vibrant presence in this work, coordinated by Touro member Gail Pesses. We are hoping to host a series of reproductive rights Havdalah services at Touro this year, as well as learning and action opportunities for adults and teens.
  • Combating Hunger
    Touro continues to partner with Broadmoor Community Food Pantry and Second Harvest and is looking forward to a new partnership with Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church this fall as re-launch our initiatives focused on addressing food insecurity in our community. We are excited to create new ways for members of the congregation to engage in this important work, including volunteer opportunities at Touro as well as reimagining our on-site gardening options.
  • LGBTQ Advocacy
    Touro remains committed to supporting our LGBTQ congregants and advocate for the community where necessary as we watch developments at the state and federal level.
  • Voting Rights
    Touro will continue to work with the Emerging New Voices and Voters Coalition as well as Together New Orleans, and other ways to engage our community in voter engagement, registration, and participation. More information to follow.

If you want to know more about Touro’s Tikkun Olam initiatives, reach out to Co-Chairs Erika Zucker and Chris Lorenzen.

Caring and Mitzvah: Celebrating and Supporting Our Members

The Caring and Mitzvah Committee helps the Touro community to celebrate and support members for lifecycle events and sacred occasions. Caring and Mitzvah seeks to build an engaged and connected congregation that generously supports each other. Some of our current initiatives are included below, but we welcome new ways to make connections and further support the Touro community.

The Caring and Mitzvah Committee celebrates and supports Touro members for simchas and during difficult times with:

  • Meal Trains
    Our committee members happily cook (or order) and deliver meals to families who recently welcomed new babies and those undergoing medical treatment.
  • Planting Trees in Israel
    Touro plants a tree in Israel as an expression of sympathy for families who have lost a loved one.
  • Shiva Support
    The Caring and Mitzvah Committee offers assistance and support to those organizing and sitting shiva following the loss of a loved one.
  • Care Packages
    Members provide pre-assembled or home-baked gifts to bring a little comfort to those recovering from illness or surgery, or those who need some extra hugs in the form of challah and tea.

To make suggestions, get involved, or if the Caring and Mitzvah Committee can support you in any way, please contact Caring and Mitzvah Co-Chairs, Beth Lavin and Ellen Kempner.

Ongoing Food Collections

Touro continues to collect nonperishable food items for distribution to Second Harvest. Help fight food insecurity in New Orleans by bringing bags of groceries to Touro Synagogue, Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Collection bins are located in the Shushan Assembly. We encourage each Touro family to provide food for a comparable size family in need. Monetary donations can also be made to Rabbi Bauman’s Discretionary Fund.