Jewish Travel Guide to New Orleans

Overview
Known for its distinctive Creole culture, jazz music, and festive spirit, New Orleans is a one‑of‑a‑kind destination for Jewish travelers. The Crescent City’s cobblestone streets and wrought iron balconies blend French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. Although the Jewish community here is smaller than in coastal metros, it is one of the oldest in America and has contributed richly to the city’s commerce and culture.

Jewish Heritage & Community
New Orleans’s Jewish roots stretch back to the early 19th century. In 1828, founders created what would become Touro Synagogue—one of the first Jewish temples outside the thirteen original colonies【314614790138517†L51-L78】. The congregation grew from two communities, Gates of Mercy (Shangarai‑Chasset) and Nefutzot Yehudah, which reunited in 1881 and named themselves Touro Synagogue after the philanthropist Judah Touro【314614790138517†L65-L78】. Today, Touro Synagogue (Reform) remains a vibrant spiritual anchor and hosts Jazz Fest Shabbat each spring. Other congregations include Orthodox Beth Israel in Metairie and the Modern Orthodox Anshe Sfard near the Garden District. The recently opened Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience on Howard Avenue explores Jewish life across the South with artifacts and interactive exhibits. Tulane University’s Jewish Studies Department and Hillel enrich academic life and offer events open to visitors.

Kosher Dining
Kosher options are limited but growing. **Kosher Cajun New York Deli & Grocery** in Metairie serves pastrami sandwiches, matzah ball soup, and New York‑style deli fare plus a market for kosher groceries. At Tulane Hillel, **Rimon** offers a dairy/vegetarian menu with salads, grain bowls and pizzas—great for lunch or dinner. During Mardi Gras and festival season, look for kosher food trucks from Chabad. Several supermarkets, such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, stock kosher packaged goods.

Shabbat & Synagogues
Plan ahead for Shabbat: contact Touro Synagogue or Anshe Sfard to confirm service times and arrange home hospitality. Chabad of Louisiana welcomes travelers for Shabbat meals and offers prayer services near the French Quarter. Beth Israel hosts daily minyanim in Metairie. Hotels in the Central Business District, French Quarter and Uptown are within reasonable walking distance of these congregations.

Must‑See Attractions
- **French Quarter & Jackson Square** – stroll through iconic wrought‑iron balconies, vibrant street performers and the majestic St. Louis Cathedral.
- **Garden District** – admire antebellum mansions and tree‑lined streets; stop by Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
- **National WWII Museum** – one of the world’s premier World War II museums.
- **Mississippi Riverfront** – ride the historic St. Charles Streetcar, or take a steamboat cruise.
- **Mardi Gras World** – tour floats and costumes; if visiting during Carnival, experience a family‑friendly parade.
- **City Park & New Orleans Museum of Art** – expansive park with botanical gardens, art museum and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Travel Tips
New Orleans is hot and humid from late spring through fall; the best times to visit are October–April. Hurricane season runs June–November, so monitor forecasts. The compact downtown is best explored on foot or by streetcar, but use taxis or rideshares for neighborhoods like Metairie. Book hotels early for Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras or major conventions, and make Shabbat meal reservations in advance. Respect synagogue security policies by carrying photo ID and arriving early for services.