 Beth Israel started " The <unk> Project " in 2008 , an effort to attract 10 ( see minyan ) new Orthodox families to New Orleans . The families were given " generous financial assistance " , and in return had to " commit to providing community service , from maintaining the <unk> enclosure that 's due to be completed within the month to assisting in kosher supervision at a local supermarket . " According to Topolosky , with the move of four new families to the area , New Orleans likely had proportionately the fastest growing Modern Orthodox community in the United States . In April of that year the Orthodox Union gave the congregation $ 235 @,@ 000 towards a new building . At the time , Beth Israel had 80 member families , and 80 " associate member " families ( families who belonged to other synagogues as well ) . 
