Stephen shares a brief history of his family and describes his childhood in New Orleans generally and the New Orleans Reform Jewish community specifically.  After completing law school, Kupperman served on the board of JFA [Jewish Family Services] and became more involved in Jewish non-profits.  He was on the board of the Touro Infirmary during the time of hurricane Katrina.  He, his parents, and one son, remained in New Orleans during the storm.  Kupperman decided to relocate them all to Touro Infirmary.  He depicts the intense difficulties the staff and patients faced, including the loss of the generators, the inability to communicate with the outside world, and, eventually, the loss of running water.  Kupperman illustrates the complete disarray of the rescue efforts and remains disillusioned with the federal government for their poor response to the disaster.  While he wanted to stay in the hospital to help, Kupperman evacuated with his son and parents to make sure they safely got out of the city, first traveling to Layfette, Austin, and then settling into Baton Rogue.  He remained in communication with the Touro Infirmary and did what he could to help from afar.  Ultimately, all the patients were evacuated to safer locations.  Kupperman mentions the impact of the storm on his law firm.  He reflects on the changes to Touro he's witnessed since returning to New Orleans and the differences he's noticed in the city's culture and communities.