Sunday, September 11 10 am–12 pm
Ohef Sholom Temple will host an open house for prospective members to learn about the congregation.
Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg, who brings warmth, vitality and wisdom to her spiritual leadership; Cantor Wally Schachet-Briskin, who inspires worship with his beautiful voice and music; and Interim Associate Rabbi Deborah Bodin Cohen, noted children’s author who heads up OST’s interfaith efforts, will all be there.
Tours of Ohef Sholom’s building, including its Greek Revival sanctuary, which will soon celebrate its 100th birthday, will take place. The Children’s Service led by the clergy, will be open to attend, as well as a mini-Torah Study session led by Dr. David Metzger of OST’s Adult Ed Committee.
Committees will also be explained. For example, for those who consider themselves a “Jew of the Heart” who finds inspiration in the Services and spirituality of Judaism, the Worship Committee or Mussar program might be of interest. Those who consider themselves a “Jew of the Mind,” who are motivated by the philosophy and heritage of American Reform Judaism, might want to consider the Adult Ed Committee. And those who are a “Jew of the Hand,” inspired by Tikkun Olam (healing of the world), who might want to hear about the Caring Committee. These and numerous other Committees will have representatives on hand to talk about their mission and upcoming programs.
OST’s director of Family Learning, Chris Kraus, will talk about the exciting changes he has been instituting at the Religious School, the area’s largest. OST students explore Judaism not only in the classroom but also via cooking, dance, yoga and other exploratory experiences.
The Judaica Shop, which offers one of the largest collections of Judaica in Tidewater, will also be open.
For more than 170 years, Ohef Sholom has served as one of the leading congregations in Tidewater. “A House of Prayer for All Peoples,” the inscription above its famed columned sanctuary entrance, reinforces the congregation’s mission to accept, foster and nurture Judaism in all its dynamic variations.
Ohef Sholom is located at 530 Raleigh Avenue in Norfolk. For more information, call the office at 625-4295.