Nola Interfaith Center partners with 18Doors, seeks new director

The Sherry and Alan Leventhal Family Foundation Center for Interfaith Families in New Orleans announced a partnership with 18Doors, along with a search for the Center’s next executive director.

Launched in 2020, the Sherry and Alan Leventhal Center for Interfaith Families — an in-house initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans — is designed to foster a broader and more inclusive Jewish community through programs and community partnerships for families and households who identify as interfaith regardless of age, observances, and where they fall on the Jewish spectrum.

In collaboration with area synagogues, Jewish organizations, and non-Jewish partners, the Leventhal Center creates opportunities to explore and connect to Jewish community, values, traditions, experiences, texts and spirituality to support an individualized Jewish or Jewish adjacent journey.

18Doors, formerly InterfaithFamily, was founded during the early stages of interfaith acceptance in Jewish communities, and is ever evolving to serve the unique needs of a changing Jewish and interfaith community. The organization has served as the industry leader in making Jewish more welcoming and inclusive, creating accessible entry points to explore Jewish identity and expansive perspectives for interfaith couples and families.

Through individualized professional coaching and myriad learning opportunities, 18Doors supports Jewish organizations across North America — from Jewish Federations and synagogues to Jewish Day Schools, Jewish Community Centers, and Jewish summer camps. 18Doors can now count the Leventhal Center as one of its partner organizations.

“This partnership with the Leventhal Center is critically important,” said 18Doors CEO Jodi Bromberg. “It furthers the reach of 18Doors’ programs and resources. Now, interfaith couples and families who come to the 18Doors’ website or find us on social media will know that there’s a local organization in New Orleans that they can trust — that will welcome and include them.”

Teri Hunter and Alex Gershanik, Leventhal Center co-chairs, said “18Doors has been the gold standard leader in making Jewish life and meaning more welcoming and inclusive for individuals and families in interfaith relationships. As a partner in their network, the Leventhal Center is now a part of a national network of support, connection, and education for interfaith families.”

Information about the executive director position can be found here. Deadline for applications is Dec. 26.