Judah Touro

By Bear Gruzen

When discussing instances of American Jewish philanthropy, it would be remiss to neglect discussing Judah Touro. Judah Touro was a fascinating man, although not originally from New Orleans, he was a defining figure in New Orleans Jewish history and American Jewish identity. Judah Touro was born into a Jewish family on June 16th 1775 in Newport, Rhode Island–a day before the Battle of Bunker Hill; the United States had not yet been created, along with much of the idea of Jewish identity beyond the 13 Colonies. Judah Touro was the son of a refugee, with his parents originating from the Iberian Peninsula. Due to mounting pressure against Jews at the time, his parents fled to the Netherlands, then later to the West Indies, then later arrived in Newport, Rhode Island. Judah’s father, Isaac Touro, was a minister of the Newport Jewish Congregation, and his mother was Reyna Hays, sister of successful American banker Moses Michael Hays.

During the American Revolution, due to increasingly troubling times for the Jewish community in Newport, Touro’s family moved to Kingston, Jamaica. Judah Touro and his family later moved back to New England after the death of his father in 1787– this time to the city of Boston. Through his uncle’s connections and success, Judah had multiple avenues to begin his career and develop his education. Eventually, and somewhat spontaneously, Touro moved to New Orleans somewhere between 1801-1802. The particular reasons for his hasty leave aren’t truly known, although it's speculated because he wished to marry his cousin, Catherine Hays, but his uncle refused to let him do so. His journey to New Orleans was met with great troubles, as somewhere along the way he was robbed of $100 – all the money he had at the time. When the boat arrived in Havana, he was broke and alone in Cuba. From there, he worked up enough money to finally continue his voyage to New Orleans– nothing was going to stop him from achieving his goal. Upon arriving in New Orleans, Touro established himself as a merchant within the city, and his business quickly grew–along with the respect for his role as a charitable man.

Touro’s selflessness was later exemplified with the War of 1812, in which he put his business efforts on hold to enlist as a soldier; in addition, he volunteered to aid in carrying shot and shells to American artilleries during a British cannon battle. However, during this, he was shot by a 12-pound shot on New Year's Day of 1815, and was left for dead. Miraculously, his dear friend Rezin D. Shepherd found him and rescued him from the brink of death. Upon returning to New Orleans after his time in the war, he expanded his business massively– focusing on export goods from New England such as soap, cod, and candles– in addition he made many investments in property and ships which grew his wealth massively.

Judah Touro’s success story is one fantastic example of influential Jewish figures in New Orleans– and American— history. His role as a philanthropic figure in the city can’t be understated; upon his death in 1854, he gave away half a million dollars to various charitable organizations, with 1⁄3 of the money going to Jewish organizations. In his will, he donated large amounts of his real estate to Jewish congregations; he also gave a large sum of his land to be used for the Hebrew Hospital of New Orleans– it would later be called the Touro Infirmary – which can be found on Foucher Street. The rest of his will consists of a long list of charitable donations – both land and money– to various organizations, communities, and charitable funds. While his remains were buried in his hometown of Newport, it's undeniable his influence on New Orleans made a lasting impact on the Jewish community and the city’s population as a whole.