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.
Sat, July 27 2024
21 Tammuz 5784
Worship Services
Coming Soon at OVS
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Thursday ,
AugAugust 8 , 2024
Thursday, Aug 8th 6:00p to 8:00p
Unleash your inner artist, get to know other young adults, and make a masterpiece to take home. After splatter painting, there will be an optional After Party at Battle & Brew next door. For young adults up to age 40. Standard Price $36. Optional After Party not included. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 11 , 2024
Sunday, Aug 11th 6:30p to 8:30p
Join us for a Cuban dinner hosted by Clare and Robert Habif. All proceeds benefit OVS. -
Tuesday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2024
Tuesday, Aug 13th 8:00a to 10:00a
We will be observing Tisha B'Av on Monday, August 12 and Tuesday, August 13. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 18 , 2024
Sunday, Aug 18th 4:30p to 6:30p
Join us for a congregational welcome back BBQ at the Hearshen's house. RSVP by Monday, August 12. Park at OVS and take the shuttle bus. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 25 , 2024
Sunday, Aug 25th 5:00p to 7:00p
Join us for our annual Mitzvot Auction and Keftes Dinner on Sunday, August 25 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Now featuring a live band of OVS musicians including Rabbi Hearshen, David Falkenstein, Hal Rabinowitz and Graham Levitas, a professional auctioneer and online purchasing. Dinner is $20 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Complimentary Childcare with advanced registration. -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 2 , 2024
Monday, Sep 2nd 10:30a to 12:30p
Join us for a fun morning of picking apples for Rosh Hashana, visiting the petting zoo and more. Bring your lunch and join us for a picnic. Caravan from OVS at 9:00 am or meet at the orchard at 10:30 am at 9131 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, Georgia 30536. Members and non-members welcome. Participants will pay the orchard directly for entry and apples. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 8 , 2024
Sunday, Sep 8th 10:00a to 12:00p
Building Blocks Sunday School at Congregation Or VeShalom is for children nursery age through 5th grade. Learning will focus on Sephardic Jewish heritage, holidays, Hebrew, and Israel education will be infused into the program. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 8 , 2024
Sunday, Sep 8th 4:00p to 5:30p
OVS Sisterhood will join Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder and MACoM for Art and Uplift. Create a unique mezuzah to take home. $18 per person. Mezuzah parchment available for purchase. -
Sunday ,
OctOctober 6 , 2024
Sunday, Oct 6th 11:00a to 5:00p
Intergenerational Field Day, including Tashlich service, will be held at Camp Ramah Darom. Registration fee includes gourmet lunch, snacks, a boxed dinner to take home and all activities. $18 per person.
Burekas & Biscochos
The Sephardic Cooks
My Preferences for Contact
Today's Calendar
Shacharit : 8:46am |
Mincha/Maariv : 7:40pm |
Havdalah : 9:17pm |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Pinchas
Shabbat, Jul 27 |
Candle Lighting
Shabbat, Jul 27, 8:23pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Jul 27, 9:17pm |
Shabbat Mevarchim
Shabbat, Aug 3 |
OVS Feature Video