The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans is proud to request nominations for the annual Oscar J. Tolmas L’dor V’dor Award. Born in 1920, Oscar was a lifelong New Orleanian. He graduated from Tulane in 1941 with a bachelor’s degree and, again in 1943, with a law degree. After law school, he served as a naval officer during World War II before embarking on careers spanning law to real estate development to even horse racing.
 
Oscar was raised to believe in the Jewish value of tzedakah, which encourages charitable giving to those most in need—so much so that, upon his death in 2013, his entire estate was left to the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. Led by Vincent Giardina and Lisa Romano, the Trust supports numerous local organizations in their quest to help better our community.
 
The Oscar J. Tolmas L’dor V’dor Award celebrates the unsung heroes of the Greater New Orleans Jewish community, who quietly and consistently aid in repairing the world around them. Those nominated for the award should reflect the values of tzedakah and tikkun olam, within the Jewish community and/or across the broader New Orleans community alike.
 
Anyone may submit a nomination, but to be eligible for the award, a nominee must:

-be a member of a Jewish household (which includes interfaith members)
-be a member of the Federation (having made a gift of any amount to the 2023 Annual Campaign)

Nominations are open until October 6, 2023, and the recipient will be chosen by a committee consisting of the trustees of the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, as well as Federation lay leadership. The award will be presented at the Jewish Federation's Annual Celebration on November 30 at the Jerome S. Glazer Audubon Tea Room.