After some consideration, I decided to review this synagogue from both an architectural and…read morespiritual perspective, keeping the synagogue's current place in the community in mind. For an in-depth look at the earlier history of the Jewish community which formed this synagogue I recommend you go to Touro's website, tourosynagogue.com. I researched for this review there and at knowla.org. Touro synagogue was named for Judah Touro (1775-1854), a descendant of the Touro family of Newport, R.I., and an important figure in New Orleans, who bequeathed his fortune to many charitable institutions. The building was designed by New Orleans local architect Emile Weil, who, at 29 years old, won the synagogue's design competition in 1907. The building was completed in 1908 and dedicated on January 1, 1909. The Neo-Byzantine structure features a low dome with pale green tiles interspersed with yellow and blue tiles. The main auditorium has two walls of stained glass windows in shades of green and yellow. The exterior is constructed of beige pressed brick and ornamented with glazed terra cotta bands and comices. It's a beautiful Uptown landmark, located on the south side of St. Charles Ave. So yes, a lovely historical landmark building, which would be a lot less meaningful without excellent clergy and staff. Here's where we're truly blessed. As of this writing, Rabbi Alexis Burke leads the flock, with Rabbi Todd Silverman (the newest member of the team) serving as Rabbinic Director of Lifelong Learning. Cantor David Mintz, with his beatific singing voice and musical talent, leads the congregation in song and prayer. You can even find Russell the Pastoral Dog in the office many weekdays. Some clerical teams just seem to gel, and this one definitely does, at least from my perspective. Both rabbis have a great talent for public speaking, and bring humor and entertainment to a rather serious task. Rabbi Burke exudes warmth and caring. There is an uplifting spirituality and prayerfulness to Cantor Mintz's musicality that often brings me comfort and a sense of joy. As with all Reform synagogues, there is much opportunity for members to volunteer and get involved here. Their website lists learning and social events, membership information and service times. You can even stream the services on your electronic device. Guided tours are available by appointment with at least 24 hours notice. I recommend you see this lovely landmark building first hand, either on a guided tour or by attending a Friday night or Saturday morning service.

While most of the older clergy are kind, many aspects of the congregation frustrating…read more Most services are often held in the chapel instead of the main sanctuary. The space becomes extremely crowded, making it difficult to move around and causing long delays getting in and out. The setup creates safety concerns in an emergency. Parts of the liturgy are recited and sung in English, which are unappealing and make it feel protestant. Shabbat meals are generally "kosher-style" rather than kosher, which is fine, but there have even been occasions where meat and dairy were served together. Children's programming is terrible. Saw kids being allowed to be disrespectful toward babysitters and teachers with no consequence, and there's very little emphasis on the kids actually learning. Children are regularly encouraged to do writing and crafts on Shabbat. They regularly alter their schedule to accommodate Christian holidays. For example, services may be canceled when Shabbat falls on Christmas, and Hanukkah programming almost never occur during Hanukkah when it's too near Christmas. They usually celebrate holidays on the shabbat closest instead of celebrating the actual holidays. Almost all programming is geared either toward families with young children or older adult. Communication can be difficult, and despite frequently describing itself as welcoming, that was not my personal experience.