A message from OVS President Semon Akbashev
07/02/2020 10:44:33 AM
Semon Akbashev
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The last time we all met as a congregation, in person, was the weekend of March 14th. It was a special weekend for us, as we had the privilege of meeting Rabbi Hearshen and his family as they vied for the opportunity to join the OVS family. Last weekend, the Hearshen’s moved from Tampa and joined us here at OVS. Last Sunday, many of us attended a drive-by parade in front of the Hearshen home to welcome our new Rabbi and his family into our...Read more...
A message from OVS President Semon Akbashev
06/25/2020 02:28:41 PM
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I hope this note finds you safe and well. I’ve been continually heartened by the strong sense of community and closeness that the Keilah has shown in the last few months.
As we work to welcome Rabbi Hearshen and his family to our Keilah, our “Reopening” Committee has been hard at work to determine the quickest and safest way to reopen our building. As a reminder, that committee is made up of
Dr. Mikhail...Read more...
A message from OVS President Semon Akbashev
04/29/2020 03:33:54 PM
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I hope this note finds you safe and well. These are truly unprecedented times, but I'm continually heartened by the Keilah's strong sense of community and closeness.
Since we decided to close the physical Keilah building, our members have worked hard to stay in touch over weekly Kabbalat Shabbat services, Tuesday morning "bureka baking" Zooms, weekly Torah study, and so much more. I'm heartened every time I get to see you over the...Read more...
A message from OVS President Semon Akbashev
04/14/2020 02:53:03 PM
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As we end week three of schools being closed and of course enter the third weekend where we will not be attending services at Or VeShalom itself, I wanted to call your attention to quite a few opportunities to participate together in online services...Read more...
A Message from OVS President Semon Akbashev
04/14/2020 02:51:07 PM
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We hope everyone is doing well adjusting to our temporary new normal as we all do our part to #flattenthecurve. Per our previous correspondence, we will be holding a Special Congregational meeting this Sunday, March 29th, at 10 AM,
via Zoom for the Congregation to discuss and vote on the Rabbinic Search Committee's Recommendation to hire Rabbi Joshua Hearhsen, which was overwhelmingly approved by the...Read more...
A Message from OVS President Semon Akbashev
04/14/2020 02:49:28 PM
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After much deliberation, and in response to guidance from the CDC and the State of Georgia last Thursday, we decided to temporarily close Or VeShalom to the public effective immediately until further notice. This was a very difficult decision but ultimately we think the right one. Issues of Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life) are at stake, and when it comes to Pikuach Nefesh even with a doubt we must act stringently. Unfortunately, we are in the...Read more...
A message from OVS President Semon Akbashev
04/14/2020 02:47:28 PM
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Our highest priority is the safety, health, and well-being of our children, community members, and staff. We're consulting with our state public health agencies and the CDC, who are providing guidance as we monitor the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). We're also instituting some new policies and making some new announcements as it relates to the virus.
We're requiring that anyone who visits a country with a level 3 Travel Health...Read more...
A message from OVS Board President Semon Akbashev
01/23/2020 04:00:50 PM
Semon Akbashev
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As you are aware, as the Rabbinical Search Committee continues its search for a new permanent rabbi, we have begun our Interim Rabbinical Coverage Plan. Profiles of the interim rabbis can be found on our website.
In this transition period, we ask that you share any upcoming lifecycle events with the office (bnei mitzvahs, weddings, baby namings, etc.) which you may have previously discussed with Rabbi Kassorla, so that...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
01/09/2020 05:20:08 PM
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This Saturday, January 11, will be our Installation Shabbat at Congregation Or VeShalom - where we welcome our new synagogue president and the 2020 OVS Board of Directors.
It has been a true privilege and honor for me to have served my term as President of Or VeShalom. While we have seen some challenges as a congregation, I’m proud of how we have maintained civility, unity, and a commitment to the future of OVS.
Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
01/02/2020 03:52:03 PM
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Thank you to everyone who attended our Congregational dinner last Friday; we had a wonderful turn-out. I hope that we can continue this monthly event in 2020, honoring Shabbat as a congregation, and enjoying Margot’s amazing menus.
This Shabbat, we will begin our Interim Rabbinic Plan, with one of our 3 regular rotating rabbis. More details about the Rabbinic Plan will be mailed out to our membership shortly. Our lay leadership has...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
12/26/2019 03:40:53 PM
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This Friday, we will be holding a congregational dinner honoring Rabbi Kassorla; please come celebrate Hanukkah and Shabbat with your family, friends, and your community.
I know that some of our members have children and other family members who are home for the holidays - why not give yourself a break, bring the family to OVS, and let us take care of the cooking!? So many of our...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
12/19/2019 12:58:01 PM
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Thank you to all who attended services last Shabbat, honoring Rabbi Kassorla. It was beautiful to see a full sanctuary, and hear so many kind words about Rabbi Kassorla and our congregation. Thank you to everyone who helped make this tribute a success.
On Shabbat, we shared a reminder about the memory book being prepared for Rabbi Kassorla: please send your letters, memories and photos by December 31st (deliver to OVS office or email...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
12/12/2019 03:57:07 PM
Michael Bouhadana
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This coming Shabbat, we will be honoring our beloved Rabbi Kassorla with a special tribute Kiddush. Rabbi, who will be ending his tenure at Congregation Or Ve’Shalom at the end of this month, has meant so much to our congregation, and I hope that everyone in our community will be able to join us in celebration.
Rabbi Kassorla has brought such honor, kindness and intellect to Or Ve’Shalom, with his tremendous wealth of knowledge,...Read more...
12/05/2019 04:22:53 PM
Michael Bouhadana
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The Annual OVS Hanukkah Bazaar will be held this Sunday, December 8. This is a tremendous fundraiser for our kehilah, and a well-known event in the Atlanta Jewish community. Please join us of for the festivities on Sunday: we’ll have delicious baked goods (burekas sell out quickly!), children’s activities, a diverse group of vendors, and many purchasing opportunities - the book sale is an especially great value! Of course the best part of...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
11/07/2019 03:39:06 PM
Michael Bouhadana
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After a long stretch of holidays, you would think that we would need a break from celebration- but not at OVS! We had the honor last Shabbat of joining the Sandel/Aaron family and the Badalbayev family in celebrating their children's birthdays: the families went all out with beautiful decorations and a delicious kiddush. I’d like to thank the Sandel/Aaron family and the Badalbayev family for including the congregation in their simcha, and...Read more...
10/10/2019 02:27:42 PM
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It was wonderful to see so many of our members in attendance on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
The inspiring words from Rabbi Kassorla, the beautiful melodies from Chazan Rabbi Sultan, and the enthusiastic participation in singing, combined to deliver meaningful and memorable experiences.
Thank you to the High Holydays committee, OVS staff, volunteers and teachers, who devoted their time to planning and staffing the...Read more...
09/26/2019 03:43:42 PM
Michael Bouhadana
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L’shana Tova!
I hope that everyone has their plans in place for the holidays - and that those places include joining us for Rosh Hashanah services!
I always enjoy seeing the large turnout on Rosh Hashanah, and hope that this year is no different. We have so many wonderful plans in store: Chazan Rabbi Avraham Sultan will be...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
09/19/2019 04:23:44 PM
Michael Bouhadana
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It’s hard to believe that Rosh Hashanah is less than two weeks away!
While many of you are likely preparing for meals and gatherings, I know that there are some members who are away from family and don’t yet have plans. If you are hosting a luncheon or dinner over the holidays, and have room for one or more additional guests, please notify the OVS office. It is our pleasure to help ensure that none of...Read more...
A Message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
08/22/2019 02:58:03 PM
Michael Bouhadana
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The High Holidays are fast approaching; please ensure that you receive your packet, being sent out next week. Our High Holyday committee has been working hard to ensure that the programs meet the needs of all our members, incorporating feedback received last Fall. I’m particularly looking forward to the return of master guest Chazan, Rabbi Abraham Sultan and the wonderful teamwork between him and our own Rabbi...Read more...
A Message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
08/15/2019 04:41:55 PM
Michael Bouhadana
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Our August Congregational Dinner was a beautiful event. Though a small group, we enjoyed a delicious and refreshing summer meal prepared by Margot Alfie, as well as an enlightening D’Var Torah from Rabbi Kassorla.
We are looking forward to our next Congregational Dinner in September; Margot is already thinking of ideas for a Sephardic Rosh Hashanah meal!
Also upcoming is a...Read more...
A Letter from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
08/01/2019 02:21:24 PM
Michael Bouhadana
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Our community recently lost a couple of longtime members, and I know that these special women are greatly missed by their families, friends, and our community at large. I hope that those experiencing loss have found comfort in our tradition of communal grieving, and I sincerely appreciate all of our members who have taken the time to attend shiva, bring food, or offer condolences to those in need.
Our community comes together in times...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
07/18/2019 04:42:05 PM
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After having been away last Shabbat, I am looking forward to attending services this week. As I know it is for many in our congregation, the routine of coming to services and connecting with my community is something that I find so enjoyable at the end of a busy week.
I hope that others in our congregation, perhaps those who have been traveling, will reconnect with the OVS community as well. Whether it’s attending services, joining...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
07/03/2019 02:38:16 PM
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As we head into the long weekend, I hope we can all take a moment to reflect on how blessed we are to live in the United States of America. I know that our membership is composed of many immigrants and descendants of immigrants, who deeply understand the value of living in this great country.
While this is a weekend when many people travel, I hope that if you are in town, you will join us for Shabbat...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
06/20/2019 04:16:53 PM
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I'm always grateful for the effort that our OVS Board of Directors, our Sisterhood, and many other volunteers contribute to our synagogue. However, I'm especially aware of this work when we're in the midst of planning for a major event or holiday.
While Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are both several months away, the High Holiday Committee has been busy planning for the mitzvot auction, holiday services, and other activities. Over the...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
06/13/2019 03:13:06 PM
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The skies are finally clearing in Atlanta, and it looks like a beautiful weekend ahead; perfect for Father’s Day.
We will be honoring the fathers in our OVS congregation and in our lives, with a special Kiddush after Shabbat services. Father’s Day happens to be well-timed with this week’s Torah portion, which features the Priestly Blessing. This passage is said by the Kohanim to...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
06/06/2019 04:15:31 PM
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This weekend brings us not only Shabbat, but the holiday of Shavuot, the commemoration of the giving of the Torah.
As with any Jewish holiday, there are a number of customs associated with Shavuot, including hearing the Ten Commandments, reading Megillat Esther, all-night study sessions, and eating dairy foods. The public reading of the Ten Commandments is central to the holiday, as the Jewish people
symbolically receive...Read more...
A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana
05/30/2019 01:12:44 PM
Michael Bouhadana
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I hope that everyone enjoyed the Memorial Day holiday despite the scorching hot weather, it was a beautiful weekend in Atlanta!
I had the pleasure of meeting the extended family of Rabbi Ichay (z”l) following Shabbat services last week. It was wonderful to meet these warm people, who traveled from Great Britain and Singapore to celebrate a family wedding. You never know who you might meet at services - come join us this...Read more...
Tue, January 19 2021
6 Shevat 5781
My Preferences for Contact
Upcoming Programming
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Sunday ,
JanJanuary 24 , 2021
Sunday, Jan 24th 2:00p to 4:00p
Celebrate Tu B'Shvat - the birthday of the trees and beautify our Kehila. Activities for all ages. We'll be gardening, planting, painting flower pots and more. Advanced registration required. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. -
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 4 , 2021
Thursday, Feb 4th 8:00p
Join us for our next Sisterhood Book Club. The book will be The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner. Discussion on Zoom will be lead by Rubisa Carrie Hearshen. Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83261925390?pwd=eFBKVjQ2ZWVhTVVVcU9XK3NkTmNydz09. Passcode: bureka1914 Meeting ID: 886 0316 7121 -
Sunday ,
FebFebruary 7 , 2021
Sunday, Feb 7th (All day)
Order Kosher Take Out for Super Bowl Sunday. Prepared by Chef Alex in the Congregation Or VeShalom kitchen. Orders will be available for pickup at OVS on February 7 from noon - 2:00 pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Backpack Buddies, a program to supply economically disadvantaged elementary school children with food for the weekend. Order deadline is Monday, February 1.
Today's Calendar
Bureka Making : 10:00a |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Bo
Shabbat, Jan 23 |
Candle Lighting
Friday, Jan 22, 5:40p |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Jan 23, 6:35p |
Tu B'Shvat
Thursday, Jan 28 |
OVS Feature Video