Rabbi Hearshen
Rabbi Hearshen
Rabbi Hearshen has a BA in Social Relations from Michigan State University, an MA in Rabbinic Studies and Rabbinic Ordination, both from the University of Judaism. Prior to coming to OVS, Rabbi Hearshen was Rabbi of Rodeph Sholom (Tampa, FL), Assistant Rabbi at Herzl Ner-Tamid (Mercer Island, WA) and Associate Rabbi at Midway Jewish Center (Syosset, NY). In addition to his work at OVS, he is active in AIPAC, serves as a crisis counselor for Crisis Textline and serves on staff at Camp Ramah Darom.
Rabbi Hearshen credits an engaged Jewish upbringing and his Sunday School teacher, a Holocaust survivor, for his path to the rabbinate. He enjoys teaching concepts in new and unique ways that grab people’s attention and keeps them active. He plays a central role in bringing young adults and young families into synagogue life through innovative programming and personal connections. Rabbi Hearshen has been recognized for excellence in education by the Bureau of Jewish Education in LA and with the national Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award.
Rabbi Hearshen believes the best metaphor for a rabbi is Israeli Tour Guide: he educates all who hunger, creates spiritual encounters, heals wounds, journeys with those amongst him, solves problems as they arise and creates opportunities for people to grow in their love of the Jewish people and Judaism. He strives every day to inspire, engage and expand community. A community prays, socializes, enjoys life, learns together, and longs to be together when apart.
Rabbi Hearshen and his wife, Carrie, met in college and have been together ever since. Carrie is an accomplished Jewish educator who teaches at Atlanta Jewish Academy. She previously served on the faculty of the Hillel Academy in Tampa, FL, and wrote educational materials for Torah Aura Productions. While Rabbi Hearshen carries many titles, he often tells people his favorite one is “Abba,” as he and Carrie treasure every moment they have with their daughters, Ayelet and Galit. In his spare time, Rabbi Hearshen reads, plays percussion instruments and the ukulele, plays hockey, cooks, writes and roots for the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightening.
Mon, October 2 2023
17 Tishrei 5784
Worship Services
Coming Soon at OVS
-
Tuesday ,
OctOctober 3 , 2023
Tuesday, Oct 3rd 8:00p to 10:00p
Join us for Poker in the Sukkah. $10 buy in. Winner chooses an OVS fund for the proceeds. Snacks and drinks provided. -
Wednesday ,
OctOctober 4 , 2023
Wednesday, Oct 4th 6:45p to 9:00p
Join us for an evening of friendship and fun, meet the new Sisterhood Board and leave with your very own piece of art. Members and guests welcome. -
Thursday ,
OctOctober 5 , 2023
Thursday, Oct 5th 8:00p to 9:30p
Join us for wine, chocolate & an evening with Emily Kapit of Refresh Your Step Networking & Career Advice. Learn strategies for how to handle the common “Tell me about yourself” question, prepare your optimal response, and practice under the stars at this innovative and engaging Sukkot event. Event for ages 40 and under -
Saturday ,
OctOctober 7 , 2023
Shabbat, Oct 7th 5:30p to 7:00p
Join us to celebrate Simchat Torah with dancing, food, drinks and more! Featuring Wildlife Critters Rehabilitation Center’s petting zoo for kids of all ages. -
Thursday ,
OctOctober 19 , 2023
Thursday, Oct 19th 7:00p to 9:00p
We are all ill-prepared for the most difficult and important time in our lives. When a loved one is dying or has died, it is far too late to learn about how to navigate the unwelcome waters one finds oneself in. This series will enable us to learn together about death, dying, grief, mourning, funerals, cemeteries and so much more. -
Thursday ,
NovNovember 9 , 2023
Thursday, Nov 9th 8:00p to 9:00p
Join us for our next Sisterhood Book Club on Zoom. The featured book is Waking Lions by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen. Discussion will be led by Rubisa, Carrie Hearshen. -
Sunday ,
NovNovember 19 , 2023
Sunday, Nov 19th 11:00a to 3:00p
The OVS Sisterhood Hanukkah Bazaar & Food Festival will feature food, shopping and more kids games and activities than ever before.
The Sephardic Cooks
My Preferences for Contact
Today's Calendar
Chol Hamoed Sukkot |
Candle Lighting
Friday, Oct 6, 6:57pm |
Havdalah
Sunday, Oct 8, 7:48pm |
Chol Hamoed Sukkot
Monday, Oct 2 |
OVS Feature Video