A message from the OVS President

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...