Get Outta Town with Jewish Community Day School Gala Auction Items

The Jewish Community Day School Gala “Homecoming 20! — Looking Back, Moving Forward” celebrates the Metairie school’s 20th anniversary of providing academic excellence, on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. at Temple Sinai.

According to JCDS Head Sharon Pollin, in August of 1995, for the very first time, a small group of five-year-olds walked through the doors of the New Orleans Jewish Day School and it was a landmark event in the life of the New Orleans Jewish community.

“Through their efforts, this group of dedicated parents had brought their school vision to reality,” Pollin said. “It was a vision of academic excellence in a nurturing environment, and of Jewish values meaningfully brought to life for today’s world, that welcomed all members of the Jewish community.”

Now 20 years strong, JCDS will honor Bill Norman and Judy and David Fried. Norman is a passionate Jewish Day School advocate, current board member and founder of NOJDS, the predecessor to JCDS. Judy Fried is a teacher in the school’s innovative Pre-K, K and 1st grade Early Childhood program and a member of the school’s first faculty. David Fried was a longstanding JCDS treasurer for nearly 20 years. Their children Haley and David are JCDS alumni.

Homecoming 20! Gala Honorary Chair is Joan Berenson. Co-Chairs are Lis and Hugo Kahn and Dashka Roth Lehmann and Larry Lehmann. The featured entertainer is Atlanta singer and songwriter Rabbi Micah Lapidus, who will bring his wisdom and talent to the evening’s festivities. He will also lead JCDS students in arrangements of his upbeat original compositions as well as some well-known favorites.

A wide range of Silent Auction items have been lined up for this milestone event, including trips, including airfare and accommodations. Available trips include:

San Francisco Wine Country: Explore the quaint streets of San Francisco and the rolling hills of Napa Valley.

France: See the excitement and beauty of Paris and visit the chateaux and vineyards of the finest wine region of France.

Heels, Wheels and Deals: This Italian vacation includes the fashions of Milan, the romance of Tuscany and the pride and prestige of Ferrari.

Castles of Ireland: An eight-day exploration of Ireland with stays in grand castles and manor homes.

Panda Adventure: The wonders, mysteries and ancient traditions of China.

Greek Island Adventure: Soft sands and crystal-blue seas off the beaten path.

Alaska: See what life is like at the edge of the Northern Wilderness sailing the Inside Passage.

James Bond Hideaways: A different way to see Europe, living the secret agent life in secret locations and with martinis.

You’re going to Hollywood: And it’s for the Emmy Awards, brushing elbows with the biggest stars.

South Africa Photo Safari: A 10-day trip to Cape Town includes visits to the wild animal preserves of South Africa, but enjoy fine wines when not seeing the animals. Airfare not included in this package.

Additionally a fine diamond and pink sapphire ring donated by Rothschild Diamonds and appraised at $2,650 will be raffled off at the end of the evening.

For tickets, visit jcdsnola.org.