Important Update on Pedestrian Safety
Currently, our renovation project requires removal of the full sidewalk area in front of the Main Sanctuary, from the bottom of the synagogue steps to the curb, for the installation of bollards. For this reason, there’s unfortunately no safe pathway for pedestrians approaching our campus from the General Pershing/St. Charles Ave. side.
The concern for pedestrian safety is paramount; so, we’re requesting that all congregants and guests approach the synagogue from the Milan St./St. Charles Ave. side, and enter through the main gate into the courtyard.
The ...
New Fencing in Place; Bollards to Be Installed
Additional construction fencing has been put in place in front of the Main Sanctuary, as preparation is underway for the installation of security bollards to protect pedestrians from vehicular traffic. (Bollards are short posts used to create a protective or architectural perimeter. When installed, they guide traffic and mark boundaries.)
The cost of the bollards will be covered by a security grant Touro Synagogue was awarded in 2021. As an added plus, we’ll be getting a brand new sidewalk as part of the process! Please know that the fencing and bollard ...
Renovation Begins on Education Building and Administrative Offices
L'Shanah Tovah! This week marks the exciting next phase of our Lifting the Sky capital project, as we begin the renovation of our education building and administrative offices. This will include the installation of an elevator, new library and reading rooms, an all-gender bathroom, third-floor bathrooms, new air conditioning, and an expansion of the main foyer area. Construction is expected to last approximately six months.
As part of this phase, Touro's administrative offices are being temporarily relocated to the upstairs classrooms and Shushan Assembly ...
A Refresh for the New Year
Noticed our spiffed-up look over Rosh Hashanah? We’re excited that the courtyard, the chapel, and the St. Charles Ave. façade of the sanctuary have all been refreshed with a good cleaning and tuckpointing. (Tuckpointing is the process of removing the older mortar that sits between the bricks of a building. After the old mortar is removed, it's replaced with fresh mortar, making everything look fresh and new and improving a building’s structural support.) In addition, we now have a new roof on the chapel and the main entrance gate.
These efforts are part ...
L’Shanah Tovah! A Message from Our Campaign Chairs
As we begin 5784, we are thrilled to see the revitalization work on our cherished home begin. Over the next year, we will be making many enhancements including:
Creating a beautiful new library and other learning spaces for children and adults upstairs on the second floor;
Refreshing our classrooms and installing suitable restrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floor so our children, teens, and synagogue committees can use them effectively;
Installing an elevator in the Education Building so that all of us can reach those spaces;
Expanding of our office spaces and ...
Occasional Restricted Access to Pitt and General Pershing Streets
From time to time, lift equipment will block access to Pitt and/or General Pershing Streets temporarily for the unloading of materials. While we hope to have advance warning of blockages, the ebb and flow of work may not allow for it. We understand the need to minimize these disruptions and ask for your patience. Thank you!
Exterior Cleaning and Masonry Restoration Continues; Roof Work Beginning This Week
Progress Update
A first-pass cleaning of the Norman Synagogue House, Bowsky Garden and Main Sanctuary is nearly complete, and work has begun on higher elevations of the Main Sanctuary exterior using a pump jack scaffolding system which provides more flexibility to work around trees and plants.
Of particular note is the replacement of caulking in the joints of the cast stone motif which encompasses the Synagogue House. This was just in time, as the original caulking was at end-of-life and just beginning to fail in numerous areas, leading to ...
Fence Installation and Exterior Cleaning
Initial construction-support fencing has been installed alongside the Education Building and Jacobs Social Hall on Pitt St., and the Pitt St. entrance is now designated for contractor use only. All other parking areas, and our main entrance gate on St. Charles remain available at this time.
Exterior cleaning work has begun in the courtyard and along the front of the Main Sanctuary and Chapel!
The Revitalization of Our Home has Begun!
A Note from President Laura Levy:
As we approach the return to our cherished home for Summer Union, I have exciting updates to share about the renovations to our historic building over the coming year.
As many of you are aware, Touro Synagogue is thriving, driven by a congregation that is passionate about and committed to this spiritual space and the impact it has on the broader New Orleans community and beyond. Our congregation is housed in one of the finest historic buildings in New Orleans, one that is over 110 years old. As you can imagine, this magnificent ...