Dear Touro Synagogue Family,

This is a very challenging time for our Jewish community and the world, a fact none of us ever forgets. And yet, we are beginning to feel that Carnival energy coursing through the city. Touro Synagogue is blessed to have, quite literally, a front row seat to the biggest, most colorful, most creative party in the world, and that gives us both responsibilities and opportunities to increase the joy. While carrying our sadness and worry, let us join the parade as it passes by our doorstep.

As many know, Mardi Gras at Touro is a time of unique delight when we combine our Shabbat observance with the spirit of New Orleans during Shabbati Gras; a time of community and connection as we enjoy parades together comfortably and safely within our Touro campus; and most importantly, a time of service and loving kindness as we host our Krewe of VIPS, those with disabilities or special needs who view Mardi Gras parades from our wheelchair accessible platform. (The fact that we are able to do all this is not a given in the face of our construction, and we all offer our most heartfelt thanks to our Touro Synagogue Building Committee who worked hard to ensure it could happen.)

Under the leadership of Juan Gershanik, Hal and Kathy Shepard, and other devoted volunteers, we are expanding a strong team of congregants who are committed to creating this experience for the congregation and our Krewe of VIPS. Even if you’ve never been involved before, please consider starting a new tradition this year. Mardi Gras at Touro is a gift we give each other! 

Below are the ways to plug in and do a Mardi Gras Mitzvah!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW DATES AND PICK YOUR SHIFT(S)

1

THE GRANDSTAND BUILDING TEAM

Handy with a hammer? Able to follow directions from someone who is? We are seeking volunteers to help assemble the wheelchair-accessible stands outside the sanctuary on Monday, January 29 and to disassemble them on Wednesday, February 14.

2

THE SECURITY AND HOSPITALITY TEAM

Parade viewing with a purpose! We are seeking volunteers to welcome members at the gate of Touro and ensure that everyone who comes in receives a wrist band and is checked in on our list, for security reasons. This includes receiving payments from non-member guests who have not paid in advance.  

3

KREWE OF VIPS HOST TEAM

 It is our honor each year to host the Krewe of VIPS, and we are seeking volunteers who can welcome and chaperone the group, making sure the children and their families have everything they need to enjoy the parades.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW DATES AND SIGN UP

TOURO PARADE SCHEDULE 2024

Below you will find a schedule of when the synagogue will be open for members who would like to join the revelry of Carnival in New Orleans. Please note, the parades roll in light rain. The officials will only postpone if the weather is predicted to be severe. The local TV and radio news stations (such as WWL Radio) broadcast the hour by hour updates. You can also use the Parade Tracker App to track the parades. Touro will still celebrate Shabbat even if the parades are cancelled due to inclement weather. Feel free to bring your coolers and snacks! Remember, no pork, shellfish, or glass (except that which you are bringing for recycling) allowed.

Our weekly prayer for the release of captives and the protection of civilians will be incorporated into our 5:00pm service during Shabbati Gras.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2

4:00PM Gates open for parade watching

5:00PM Shabbat prayers and candle lighting followed by

Krewes of Oshun and Cleopatra.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3

10:00AM Gates open for parade watching

10:00AM Contemporary Shabbat Morning Service followed by

Krewes of Pontchartrain, Choctaw, and Freret

Stands are reserved for Krewe of VIP Kids

 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8

4:30PM Gates open for parade watching

Krewes of Babylon, Chaos and Muses

Stands are reserved for Krewe of VIP Kids

 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9

4:00PM Gates open for parade watching

5:00PM Shabbat prayers and candle lighting followed by

Krewes of Hermes, d’Etat and Morpheus

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10

10:00AM Gates open for parade watching

10:00AM Contemporary Shabbat Morning Service followed by

10:30AM Shabbati Gras Rocks followed by

Krewes of Iris and Tucks

Stands are reserved for Krewe of VIP Kids

Touro’s facility will be closed for all other

Uptown parades that are not listed on this schedule.



Shabbati Gras Rocks!

For Ages 0-5

Saturday, February 10, 10:30am

Click Here to RSVP

Parents, children five and under, and their siblings are invited to a special Mardi Gras edition of Shabbat Rocks on Saturday, February 10 at 10:30am. Join us for singing, praying, playing, Torah, and of course, challah and juice! Stick around for more fun as we watch Krewes of Iris and Tucks roll by. 

Please RSVP so we know you are able to attend and can prepare the right amount of materials. It's a huge help.

STORE YOUR LADDER!

With a donation of $50 your ladder will be made available on all the open days listed above. Please call the Touro office to arrange a drop-off beginning Tuesday, January 30. We kindly ask that all ladders are picked up by Friday, February 23.

Be sure to add a "ladder storage" memo to your donation. Thank you!

IN THE COMMUNITY