About Us

The Crescent City Jewish News (CCJN) is the result of the passion of longtime Jewish journalist and editor Alan Smason. Smason has written for several local Jewish publications including the Jewish Civic Press, the Deep South Jewish Voice and Southern Jewish Life magazine. He is also a former staff reporter for the Cleveland Jewish News during his extended time away from the city through the Hurricane Katrina recovery period. He is a proud award-winning journalist as cited by the Press Club of New Orleans.

Arlene S. Wieder is a native New Orleanian, who has worked as a schoolteacher, most recently in New Orleans. Her attachment to journalism goes back to her time in high school when she was editor of the newspaper. Her commitment to the CCJN and its purpose means she will be working with advertising and marketing.

Amy Thomas is an account executive with the CCJN. She can help you get your message through display advertising in our two annuals:  “Best of the Crescent City Jewish News” and “Best of the Crescent City Jewish News SOURCE” community resource directory.

The CCJN is a proud member of the American Jewish Press Association, the organization which has for many decades represented the interests of the American Jewish media.

The CCJN is also proud to now offer continuous news of the Jewish people via JTA, the Jewish News Service. This will enhance our local coverage, which is first and foremost to the mission of this website. (See Mission Statement)

The CCJN receives regular coverage from JNS.org, another news service through which “The Menschkins” cartoon and other features are distributed.

The CCJN is also an award-winning member in good standing of the Press Club of New Orleans.

We also are a proud member of the Southern Jewish Historical Society.