Rabbi Kassorla
Rabbi EMeritus, Hayyim Kassorla
Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla is a native New Yorker who brings an infusion of energy, excitement, humor, member participation in services, and a love for our Sephardic traditions. Descended from the Jews of Rhodes/Turkey, the Rabbi follows in the footsteps of rabbis from Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco and Uruguay, making him the first American-born religious leader of OVS. He came to our keilah in March 2004, and has served as a pulpit Rabbi for more than 25 years at Sephardic congregations in San Francisco, Rockville, Maryland, and Great Neck, New York, and as a student rabbi at the Spanish-Portuguese synagogue, Shearith Israel in New York.
Rabbi Kassorla encourages us to build on our past as we plan for our future. He emphasizes that everyone is invited to OVS to participate in the synagogue’s life.
“Sephardic Jews lived in harmony with their neighbors, and that attitude has been passed down. We have always welcomed Jews of all backgrounds – and opinions.”
Rabbi Kassorla ended his tenure at OVS in December 2019 and lives near our synagogue with his wife, Dr. Yael Kassorla, and their two children.
Tue, March 19 2024
9 Adar II 5784
Worship Services
Coming Soon at OVS
-
Friday ,
MarMarch 22 , 2024
Friday, Mar 22nd 5:30p to 8:30p
This special Erev Shabbat includes: Erev Shabbat Services - 6:00 pm Dinner - 7:30 pm SAVOR Presentation - The Enduring Influence of Music & Food at the Heart of Sephardic Culture Dinner will feature recipes by Sephardic Chef & Writer Susan Barocas and prepared by Chef Alex. $35 per person. $10 per child ages 10 and under. -
Saturday ,
MarMarch 23 , 2024
Shabbat, Mar 23rd 12:30p to 1:30p
Join us for Kiddush following Saturday morning services on March 23. Kiddush will feature recipes by Susan Barocas and prepared by Chef Alex. -
Saturday ,
MarMarch 23 , 2024
Shabbat, Mar 23rd 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Susan Barocas for a cooking class on Saturday, March 23 at 6:00 pm. Stay for evening services and Megillah reading at 7:30 pm. -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 24 , 2024
Sunday, Mar 24th 4:00p to 7:00p
Celebrate Purim at OVS with Gaga (Israeli dodge ball), video games including Just Dance, PJ Library Stories and songs, inflatable slide and more. Food will be available for purchase. NEW this year - Bureka Bakeoff! -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 24 , 2024
Sunday, Mar 24th 4:00p to 7:00p
Enter our Bureka Bakeoff! A maximum of 12 individuals or teams will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. We can't wait to taste the entries. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 21 , 2024
Sunday, Apr 21st 11:30a to 1:00p
Our special program will include make your own stuffed animal for the kids, a Passover Chametz Hunt, and hot dogs for lunch outside. RSVP by Tuesday, April 16.
Burekas & Biscochos
The Sephardic Cooks
My Preferences for Contact
Today's Calendar
Bureka Making : 9:30am |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Vayikra
Shabbat, Mar 23 |
Candle Lighting
Friday, Mar 22, 7:33pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Mar 23, 8:27pm |
Taanit Esther
Thursday, Mar 21 |
OVS Feature Video