The Northshore Jewish Congregation grew from a small chavurah which, in the early 1980's, envisioned the possibility of a synagogue on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain.  Members of the chavurah began talking the synagogue into existence and held its first community-wide Passover Seder in the mid-1980s.  By the Fall of 1995, the first Shabbat service was held in a local Methodist Church.  Shortly thereafter, the synagogue grew to 40 charter members.
 
Within 10 short years, a 10,000 square foot building was purchased, a Rabbi was hired and the NJC became a full-service synagogue in a central location.  The Rabbinic leadership evolved from student Rabbis to part-time Rabbis, and finally a full-time Rabbi.  The ritual furnishings, ark, ner tamid, lecterns and most importantly, the Torahs, were donated.    
 
Today, the NJC has grown to more than 100 families.  Volunteer musicians lead the congregation in prayer and song at most Shabbat and Holiday services.  Past innovative programs include creative services that are popular with congregants of all ages, including "Blue Jeans Shabbat," "Pizza and Ice Cream Shabbat," "Chardonnay Shabbat," "Nature Walk Shabbat," as well as “Zoo-mobile and Canoe Havdalah” events.
 
The NJC enables its members to develop a relationship with G-d through communal worship, study of Torah, religious education and assembly.  The Religious School was chosen by the Institute of Southern Jewish Living to implement its pilot Religious School Curriculum.  Each of the B’nai Mitzvah and Confirmation students completes a Tikkun Olam Project and the confirmands write and conduct their entire service.  
 
The NJC is truly a congregation of volunteers, who put in countless hours because of the love for Judaism and the desire for a strong Jewish community, committed to the values and conduct of the individual, the family and the society in which we live. 

Events, important dates and NJC news.  Download a copy of the current newsletter below:

1403 North Causeway Blvd. | Mandeville, LA  70471 | (985) 951-7976