A message from the OVS President

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...

I hope that everyone enjoyed a Happy Hannukah, and had the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. I am sure that you all enjoyed many delicious treats over the course of the 8 nights (perhaps along with all those burekas you purchased at the Bazaar), but if you have not sufficiently met your deliciousness quota, please join us for a one-of-a-kind feast, catered by our own Margot Alfie!
 
Our monthly Congregational...Read more...

This coming weekend is one of the most wonderful times of the year; it's the annual OVS Bazaar. As many of you know, we have activities for the whole family and lots of opportunities for shopping - and my favorite, eating. I also always enjoy finding interesting books in the book sale. Our Sisterhood has been working very hard to plan the event, while also baking Sephardic pastries
and other treats to sell.

Perhaps some of you...Read more...

Our congregation will be holding the 2018 Annual General Membership meeting on Sunday, December 9th, at 10:00 a.m. 

Please save the date on your calendars and make the effort to attend with your spouses, adult children and extended families. This meeting is critical for all members, as we present our plans and direction for the future. 

The Future of OVS committee will present its findings from the interviews...Read more...

While I always look forward to Shabbat, I’m especially excited this week for the opportunity to welcome the Shabbat with the congregation at our
monthly Congregational Dinner.  

These dinners offer terrific food, great company and interesting conversation-
and of course, thoughtful insights from Rabbi Kassorla.  Last month, I learned some new-to-me information about Sukkot, and I can’t wait to hear what...Read more...

Our 2018/5778 board has made tremendous progress this year on multiple initiatives including education, promotion, high holidays and congregational survey.

Our nominating committee is reviewing the slate of Or VeShalom board members for 2019/5779. The committee consists of Richard Maslia, Diane Benatar, Scott Galanti, Guy Harari, Bryan Lavine,  and Zina Aaron. Please call the office before October 28 if you would like...Read more...

Thank you to Rabbi Kassorla for leading us through an inspirational High Holiday service; our visiting chazzan Rabbi Sultan for increasing our Kavanah (intention and concentration) through melodies in prayer; our high holiday committee led by David Franco and all our ushers; our sisterhood led by Sisterhood President Elise Meyer; the synagogue board; and to our office staff led by our Executive Director Adam Kofinas; Publications...Read more...