A message from OVS President Michael Bouhadana

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

I hope that everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather; this week; it looks like Shabbat should be a beautiful day as well.

I’m also looking forward to our monthly Congregational Dinner, being held Friday night. I take great joy in seeing our members come together to socialize and share a meal, while reflecting on an always-insightful d’var Torah from Rabbi Kassorla. It looks like...Read more...

Tomorrow night, we are hosting our monthly Congregational Dinner. I always look forward to these dinners, as I never know which friends, or strangers, will be seated at the table. This is part of what makes coming to OVS so special; I meet so many wonderful people, and get to interact with countless different combinations of members and visitors.

It is my hope every month that our dinners are filled to...Read more...

Chag Sameach!

I hope that you are all enjoying the Purim holiday, and are filling up on delicious treats!
 

I was excited to hear about the tremendous turnout for our Wednesday night Megillah reading. Unfortunately, I am away on business and could not attend (don’t worry - I still heard every word of the Megillah!), but my...Read more...

Last week’s Congregational Dinner, held in honor of Shabbat Across America, was a huge success. Thank you to Rabbi Kassorla for his wisdom, and to Margot Alfie for her creative ethnic dishes.  It is always a joy to gather with friends and family, and I am grateful to everyone who helps to make these evenings a success, both in planning and attending. 

As Rabbi Kassorla recently reminded us, the joyous holiday of Purim...Read more...

This Sunday marks the 51st Sisterhood Donor Luncheon. This event allows us to look back on all that the Sisterhood has done to invigorate and support our congregation over the past year - while looking forward to future Sisterhood contributions.  
 
The OVS Sisterhood raises funds for our synagogue throughout the year, through a variety of fundraising events. This coming year, the Sisterhood is planning to put...Read more...

We had a great turnout last week for Scout Shabbat; it really warmed my heart to see so much support for Josiah Benator and Troup 73. I hope that services will be just as well attended this week. Although I will not be able to attend, I know that Rabbi Kassorla will be delighted to see everyone.

This week, we are holding our monthly Congregational Dinner. These Friday night dinners offer a tremendous opportunity to learn and socialize...Read more...

I hope that you will join us this upcoming Shabbat for the installation of the 2019 OVS Board of Directors.  While the slate of the OVS board was already approved at the General Meeting in December, the Installation Shabbat allows for the official recognition and appreciation of new and returning board members.  We are arranging for a kiddush luncheon; please bring your spouses, children and extended family. I am honored to serve as...Read more...

This weekend, we are honoring two longtime members of our Or VeShalom family, in tandem with our annual Israel Bonds Brunch.

I feel so fortunate to have gotten to know the two honorees, David and Pearline Franco, and am so grateful for all that they have done for our community.
 
If you are unable to attend the brunch, I hope that you will still extend your congratulations to David and Pearline, for being selected for...Read more...

Last Shabbat, many gathered to celebrate the memory of a beloved member of our congregation, Saundra Russo.  Rabbi Kassorla delivered a heartfelt and thought-provoking sermon, reminding us all to be more mindful of the blessings in our midst. 

After we said the kiddush, Rabbi announced that the two newest members of our congregation were joining us for the first time: Ella Akbashev and Miriam Sendel. The juxtaposition of...Read more...