About the program

The Newcomers Incentive Program is designed to reach out to Jews outside of the Greater New Orleans area to encourage them to make New Orleans their home. 

The Jewish community of Greater New Orleans dates back more than 250 years, and continues to thrive to this day, with Jews of all denominations collaborating closely to ensure a vibrant and engaged future.  Recently branded by The Jewish Week as the “new mecca of tikkun olam [repairing the world],” the Greater New Orleans Jewish community offers both a rich history and a fresh and youthful approach to  communal life—from the Jewish Federation’s Young Adult Division to Moishe House, Young Jews of the Crescent City and AVODAH. Our mid-sized community offers all of the benefits of a large city with the hospitality of a small town—with kosher dining options, two Jewish day schools, two Jewish Community Centers and nine synagogues to explore.

This innovative program is catching the attention of those outside the Jewish community—the New Orleans City Council recently honored Jewish newcomers to the city with a special city proclamation in their honor.  Local and national media have likewise made note of the community’s efforts to attract newcomers.

About the local economy

It’s no secret that the national economy is turbulent—around the United States, the job market is uncertain for many and the news is dire.  But a recent MSN.com poll named New Orleans one of the “Top 15 Coolest Cities” in the country, while Manpower, Inc. ranked the area as one of the top cities for continuing job growth in the country.  Even BusinessWeek has weighed in, including New Orleans in their list of the best cities to weather the recession. 

About the newcomers

Participants in the Newcomers Incentive program have moved to the Greater New Orleans area from all over the country and all over the world.  Some were past volunteers who came down to volunteer with Jewish Funds for Justice or Hillel and fell in love with the city. Others wanted a new start for themselves and their families in a community fresh with the transformation of rebuilding and rife with job opportunities. 

In all, more than 800 Jewish newcomers have moved to Greater New Orleans since 2005.

Click here to download more information about the program.