Rosina and Joseph Slater Torah Academy dedicated
By ALAN SMASON
The Rosina and Joseph Slater Torah Academy was officially dedicated on Thursday afternoon, September 13, in ceremonies at the school located at 5210 Esplanade Avenue. Rosina Slater, who donated $1.8 million for naming rights to honor both her and her late husband, was on hand to personally accept the thanks of the school’s administrators, parents and children.
Rosina Slater listens as the children of the Slater Torah Academy perform for her. (Photo by Alan Smason)
Sarah Attias, a parent and event committee member, served as the emcee for the event that started shortly after 5:30 p.m. She introduced two speakers from Chabad Lubavitch of Louisiana. The first was Rabbi Zelig Rivkin, who spoke about the past Jewish schools of which he was familiar. Next was the school’s director of development, Yossi Chesney, who thanked Slater for her gift and also acknowledged donors.
“Torah Academy is part of the revitalization and continuing growth of the New Orleans Jewish community over the course of the last 13 years,” Chesney stated. Following Hurricane Katrina, the school was down to just 20 students, but as of this year, now boasts more than 70 students.
Rabbi Chesney’s wife, Rivky, presented a 24-carat gold plaque with the “Eishet Chayil” (“Woman of Valor”) prayer to Slater.
Board president Henry Miller represented the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans. “Jewish education is one of the top priorities in our community and the Slater family donation will ensure the continued education of future generations of our community,” he said.
A special song composed by Nechama Kaufmann was sung by the school’s children to the Yiddish tune “Ofen Pripichik,” reportedly Slater’s favorite song. Later, entertainment was provided by the Panorama Jazz Band.
Photos from the event:
