Events

Or Olam in the Loop — Our Weekly Bulletin On All Things TOO

Loop

Torah Service and Kabbalat Shabbat March 11

For over the Tabernacle a cloud of YHVH rested by day, and fire would appear in it by night.

We have just reached the very end of the book of Exodus, giving us all a wonderful opportunity to chant the words that go with such an accomplishment: Hazak, hazak, v’nitchazeyk!

The end of our scroll speaks to the presence of YHVH in the holy space the Israelites have created.  During this service we will explore the imagery of this text and explore its meaning for our own practice.

Please remember to bring something to share at our oneg!

Date: March 11
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC

Jewish With FeelingJewish With Feeling — A Temple Or Olam Adult Education Program – Starts this Sunday!

Still time to join in!

Rabbi Zalman opens up your heart and soul space in his well-known introduction to the Jewish Renewal movement in Jewish With Feeling. Here you will find an accessible, delightful explanation of “open-sky” Judaism; here you will learn how Jewish Renewal seeks to find ways to pray, ways to live, and ways to learn how delightful it is to be Jewish with feeling.

Read with us, meet with us, and explore. Rabbi Barbara will provide a set of guiding questions for each chapter. Our first session will explore the first two chapters of Jewish With Feeling and will be held via conference call on Sunday, March 6 from 10:00-11:30 AM. Other sessions may be held in people’s homes or in restaurants. There is no charge except for the purchase of the book which is not at all expensive and can be purchased online (see urls below…)

http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Feeling-Meaningful-Practice-Backgrounds/dp/158023691X

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&tn=Jewish+With+Feeling

http://www.jewishlights.com/page/product/978-1-58023-691-1

IMPORTANT Please RSVP to Marilyn Atlas, our Director of Adult Education at adult-education@or-olam.org by 2/28/16.

Housing the Wild… Our  Tikkun Olam Project Continues on March 12 birdhouses

On February 21 we completed a total of 12 birdhouses, and there are 14 more in the works!  Now for the next step….

On March 12 we will take the birdhouses to a local island for placement.  The island is located on Lake Norman (just south of the Hwy 150 bridge).  It is only accessible by boat, and is completely uninhabited by humans.  If you plan to come along for this part of the project keep in mind that it will involve riding on a boat as well as hiking through mud and thick foliage.  Please dress accordingly and also keep in mind that there will be about a 10-15 degree wind chill on the water.  There are no facilities on the island, other than trees of course, but there will be at least some at the boat launch area.

The plan for the day is to meet at the McCrary Creek Access Area which is next to Queen’s Landing on Hwy 150 at 10am.  We will be returning homeward at about 4pm.  For meeting onsite, Queen’s Landing address is below, since Will King, who is organizing this project, could not find a listed address for McCrary Creek Access Area.

Will can also have a group meet and leave from Concord at 9am.  If you are interested, contact Will at the email address below.

Will be bringing drinks and snacks, but please pack a lunch for the day, though I will have plenty of drinks and snacks available.  If you are only able to make it for part of the day please let Will know in advance so I can go ahead and plan to have shuttles at certain times during the day.

Email Will at: vicepresident@or-olam.org

If you want to meet us there, here is the location: Queen’s Landing, 1459 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117

Or Olam in the Loop — Our Weekly Bulletin On All Things TOO

Loop

Lay-Led Creative Kabbalat Shabbat Service – February 26

This lay-led service promises a range of spiritual experience!

Rebekkah Grossman, Jacob Groves, Marilyn Atlas, William King and Lyle Champion will be leading this creative collaboration. There will be dancing, guided imagery, breathing exercises, singing and a discussion group. Questions will be posed like: “With only being out of slavery for a few weeks, your leader being gone and with your leader’s brother being a part of building the Golden Calf, what would be the likelihood of you joining in the worshiping of the Golden Calf?” We are looking forward to you joining us for a evening of fun and thought provoking discussions.

Please join us, and if you do, please also bring something to our oneg to share with others.

Date: February 26
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC

Jewish With FeelingJewish With Feeling — A Temple Or Olam Adult Education Program

Rabbi Zalman opens up your heart and soul space in his well-known introduction to the Jewish Renewal movement in Jewish With Feeling. Here you will find an accessible, delightful explanation of “open-sky” Judaism; here you will learn how Jewish Renewal seeks to find ways to pray, ways to live, and ways to learn how delightful it is to be Jewish with feeling.

Read with us, meet with us, and explore. Rabbi Barbara will provide a set of guiding questions for each chapter. Our first session will explore the first two chapters of Jewish With Feeling and will be held via conference call on Sunday, March 6 from 10:00-11:30 AM. Other sessions may be held in people’s homes or in restaurants. There is no charge except for the purchase of the book which is not at all expensive and can be purchased online (see urls below…)

http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Feeling-Meaningful-Practice-Backgrounds/dp/158023691X

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&tn=Jewish+With+Feeling

http://www.jewishlights.com/page/product/978-1-58023-691-1

IMPORTANT Please RSVP to Marilyn Atlas, our Director of Adult Education at adult-education@or-olam.org by 2/28/16.

Housing the Wild… Our February 21 Tikkun Olam Project Results Are In…

Our hard-working crew created TWELVE birdhouses to put up in a local island habitat on March 12.  Please stay tuned for more details on the second part of our project.

Many thanks to our President Steve Smith,  Vice President Will King,  Robbin Smith,  Sherry and Lyle Champion, Jack Stein, and Yeshecah Jackson for their hard work.  Much appreciated.

 

Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

LoopHousing the Wild… Our February 21 Tikkun Olam Project

This weekend on February 21, from 10am – 4pm, we will be building bird houses as part of the NC Wildlife Federation’s Island Habitat Program.  We will be building these in the warehouse of Sun Drop Bottling Co. of Concord.

The warehouse is heated but can still be fairly cool, though nowhere near as cold as it may be outside, so dress in layers!

There are tools and materials available for this project.  If you have a favorite hammer or pair of gloves feel free to bring them.  Do please come dressed in work attire, example being; jeans, t-shirt, sweat shirt, work shoes/boots.  Snack items and food for lunch will be provided, but feel free to bring something to eat if you like.  Please let Will King know if you are planning to attend at vicepresident@or-olam.org

Date: February 21
Time: 10 am- 4 pm
Location: Sun Drop Bottling Co warehouse: 360 Old Salisbury-Concord Rd. Concord, NC 28025.  Located on the corner of Hwy 3 and Old Salisbury-Concord Rd., not too far from Historic Downtown Concord.

Lay-Led Creative Kabbalat Shabbat Service – February 26

This lay-led service promises a range of spiritual experience!

Rebekkah Grossman, Jacob Groves, Marilyn Atlas, William King and Lyle Champion will be leading this creative collaboration. There will be dancing, guided imagery, breathing exercises, singing and a discussion group. Questions will be posed like: “With only being out of slavery for a few weeks, your leader being gone and with your leader’s brother being a part of building the Golden Calf, what would be the likelihood of you joining in the worshiping of the Golden Calf?” We are looking forward to you joining us for a evening of fun and thought provoking discussions.

Please join us, and if you do, please also bring something to our oneg to share with others.

Date: February 26
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC

 

Jewish With FeelingJewish With Feeling — A Temple Or Olam Adult Education Program

Rabbi Zalman opens up your heart and soul space in his well-known introduction to the Jewish Renewal movement in Jewish With Feeling. Here you will find an accessible, delightful explanation of “open-sky” Judaism; here you will learn how Jewish Renewal seeks to find ways to pray, ways to live, and ways to learn how delightful it is to be Jewish with feeling.

Read with us, meet with us, and explore. Rabbi Barbara will provide a set of guiding questions for each chapter. Our first session will explore the first two chapters of Jewish With Feeling and will be held via conference call on Sunday, March 6 from 10:00-11:30 AM. Other sessions may be held in people’s homes or in restaurants. There is no charge except for the purchase of the book which is not at all expensive and can be purchased online (see urls below…)

http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Feeling-Meaningful-Practice-Backgrounds/dp/158023691X

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&tn=Jewish+With+Feeling

http://www.jewishlights.com/page/product/978-1-58023-691-1

IMPORTANT Please RSVP to Marilyn Atlas, our Director of Adult Education at adult-education@or-olam.org by 2/28/16.

 

Loop…. P.S.!

Jewish With FeelingJewish With Feeling — A Temple Or Olam Adult Education Program

Rabbi Zalman opens up your heart and soul space in his well-known introduction to the Jewish Renewal movement in Jewish With Feeling. Here you will find an accessible, delightful explanation of “open-sky” Judaism; here you will learn how Jewish Renewal seeks to find ways to pray, ways to live, and ways to learn how delightful it is to be Jewish with feeling.

Read with us, meet with us, and explore. Rabbi Barbara will provide a set of guiding questions for each chapter. Our first session will explore the first two chapters of Jewish With Feeling and will be held via conference call on Sunday, March 6 from 10:00-11:30 AM. Other sessions may be held in people’s homes or in restaurants. There is no charge except for the purchase of the book which is not at all expensive and can be purchased online (see urls below…)

http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Feeling-Meaningful-Practice-Backgrounds/dp/158023691X

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&tn=Jewish+With+Feeling

http://www.jewishlights.com/page/product/978-1-58023-691-1

IMPORTANT Please RSVP to Marilyn Atlas, our Director of Adult Education at adult-education@or-olam.org by 2/28/16.

Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

LoopTOO’s Annual Love Song Service

Just in time for Valentine’s Day….

Why has this service become such a beloved part of Temple Or Olam’s own liturgical year?

It’s fun, for one thing. We sing everything from Cat Stevens to the Beatles, from Elvis Presley to Leonard Cohen.

We confess: At TOO we enjoy discovering creative and innovative ways to express our spiritual life. This is one event that has had proven success in doing just that.

Fun and lightheartedness – these things are at a premium in a world that so often presents us with grief and sorrows. But it’s not just all serendipity. There is depth to this service.

That depth comes from the kavannah that grounds what we are doing. Each song we choose is sung according to the cycle of Hebrew prayers that we chant each Friday night.All we need is love

Example: How do we begin a traditional Kabbalat Shabbat service? With songs about the delight we find in being together, in enjoying the world. Shabbat Shalom, we sing. Hiney ma tov: behold, how good it is to be brothers and sisters! We might be Feelin’ Groovy in just the same way.

The passionate prayer Yedid Nefesh includes this gorgeous line: “You light up the universe, my soul is faint with love and longing for you.” It’s another, older way to say I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.

We choose love songs we can imagine singing to God. They are songs of thanks and songs of praise. They offer us a chance to put our innermost spiritual longings into words.

The V’ahavta commands us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. I need your love… eight days a week might be sung, with the right kavannah, as a variation on that command.

Day and NightWe look forward to this service every year because it gives us a new way to pray ancient prayers. Through the Love Song service we learn, again, that there are songs that encompass the varied yearnings we might offer during the Amidah. We reinvest in the hope of Aleynu by singing John Lennon’s Imagine. We acknowledge that to understand the sheer power of God’s oneness what the world needs (now) is love, sweet love.

Our Love Song service is a learning opportunity. We can rediscover the beauty of our liturgy through words of modern songwriters. After all, they are expressing the same longings, the same hopes, the same desires of the heart as the author of Adon Olam.

Please join us!  After all, Love is all you need.

Date: February 12
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC

 

Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

Loop

Tu B’Shevat Seder  January 24

This year, as we come out of the depths of winter the trees must begin again. To celebrate the new year for trees Temple Or Olam is holding a Tu B’Shvat seder. We will drink wine, eat fruit, and hear excerpts from Talmud and Midrash.

Join us as we explore the mystical meanings behind the seder’s offerings, consider Tu Beshavat Seder Platequestions of sustainability, and discuss the ways in which our community can help protect the world. Please feel free to bring your favorite songs, poems, and stories about trees. The seder will take place at the Leders’ house at 7pm on January 24. Please come out and celebrate with us.

Mah Jongg – An Adult Education Event!  (January 31)

Have you ever wanted to learn Mah Jongg? Join us in a fun and entertaining adult education activity. Learn this great game on Sunday, 01/31/16, from 2-4 pm, at Linda VanArsdale’s home in Concord. Sure to be an afternoon of fun. Ma Jongg

RSVP by 1/24/15 to….

TOO Director of Adult Education, Marilyn Atlas at adult-education@or-olam.org or lindavanarsdale@gmail.com.  You can also call Linda for directions at 980-621-8822.

Date: January 31
Time: 2-4 p.m..
Location: 5537 Lemley Road, Concord, NC 28027.

Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

LoopKabbalat Shabbat and Torah Service This Friday, January 15

This is the Sabbath of Parshat Bo, when the final and terrible plagues of darkness and the death of the firstborn force Pharaoh to relent and release the Israelites, who he names as a people for the first time.  We’ll explore the complicated relationships and challenging questions of this parsha at our service, which will also include prayerful reflection on how we win — and maintain — our freedom.

Please join us, and please also bring something to our oneg Shabbat to share with others.

Date: January 15
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC

Tu B’Shevat Seder  January 24Tu Beshavat Seder Plate

This year, as we come out of the depths of winter the trees must begin again. To celebrate the new year for trees Temple Or Olam is holding a Tu B’Shvat seder. We will drink wine, eat fruit, and hear excerpts from Talmud and Midrash. Join us as we explore the mystical meanings behind the seder’s offerings, consider questions of sustainability, and discuss the ways in which our community can help protect the world. Please feel free to bring your favorite songs, poems, and stories about trees. The seder will take place at the Leders’ house at 7pm on January 24. Please come out and celebrate with us.

Mah Jongg – An Adult Education Event!  (January 31)

Have you ever wanted to learn Mah Jongg? Join us in a fun and entertaining adult education activity. Learn this great game on Sunday, 01/31/16, from 2-4 pm, at Linda VanArsdale’s home in Concord. Sure to be an afternoon of fun. Ma Jongg

RSVP by 1/24/15 to….

TOO Director of Adult Education, Marilyn Atlas at adult-education@or-olam.org or lindavanarsdale@gmail.com.  You can also call Linda for directions at 980-621-8822.

Date: January 31
Time: 2-4 p.m..
Location: 5537 Lemley Road, Concord, NC 28027.

Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

LoopKabbalat Shabbat and Torah Service January 15

This is the Sabbath of Parshat Bo, when the final and terrible plagues of darkness and the death of the firstborn force Pharaoh to relent and release the Israelites, who he names as a people for the first time.  We’ll explore the complicated relationships and challenging questions of this parsha at our service, which will also include prayerful reflection on how we win — and maintain — our freedom.

Please join us, and please also bring something to our oneg Shabbat to share with others.

Date: January 15
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC

Tu B’Shevat Seder  January 24Tu Beshavat Seder Plate

This year, as we come out of the depths of winter the trees must begin again. To celebrate the new year for trees Temple Or Olam is holding a Tu B’Shvat seder. We will drink wine, eat fruit, and hear excerpts from Talmud and Midrash. Join us as we explore the mystical meanings behind the seder’s offerings, consider questions of sustainability, and discuss the ways in which our community can help protect the world. Please feel free to bring your favorite songs, poems, and stories about trees. The seder will take place at the Leders’ house at 7pm on January 24. Please come out and celebrate with us.

Mah Jongg – An Adult Education Event!  (January 31)

Have you ever wanted to learn Mah Jongg? Join us in a fun and entertaining adult education activity. Learn this great game on Sunday, 01/31/16, from 2-4 pm, at Linda VanArsdale’s home in Concord. Sure to be an afternoon of fun. Ma Jongg

RSVP by 1/24/15 to….

TOO Director of Adult Education, Marilyn Atlas at adult-education@or-olam.org or lindavanarsdale@gmail.com.  You can also call Linda for directions at 980-621-8822.

Date: January 31
Time: 2-4 p.m..
Location: 5537 Lemley Road, Concord, NC 28027.

Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

LoopIn the Rabbi’s Library: Praying with Direction, Focus, and Feeling: A Workshop for Lay Leaders

And yes, there is still time to let us know you are joining us….

During this workshop, we will learn the basic architecture of a Shabbat service, explore the trajectory and purpose of our prayers, and brainstorm different ways lay leaders can offer a prayerful experience to others.

We’ll begin by learning about the seven essential stages of the Shabbat service. Once we’ve understood both kevah (order) and kavanah (intention), we’ll workshop in small groups, using a set of different service models. These will include chant services, services structured around meditation and journaling, services structured according to text and story, and services centered on prayerful acts of study.  library

This workshop is open to our members – even those who might not want to actively lead a service, but hope to learn how services are led.

After the class and workshop, potluck brunch.

And then, an Hour of Jewish Rhythms — An Introduction for Beginners

Our long-awaited drum class with TOO’s percussionist Ralf Thiede will follow our morning activities and lunch.  Tuition: $15 for members and $25 for non-members.  Please be sure to bring a darbouka drum with you!

Date and Location: January 3, In the Rabbi’s Library (please email Rabbi Barbara for directions at Rabbi.Thiede@or-olam.org)
Time:
10 am – 12 p.m. for class and workshop; 12-1 pm potluck lunch and 1-2 p.m. for drum class.

What’s Ahead in January….

Kabbalat Shabbat and Torah Service January 15

This is the Sabbath of Parshat Bo, when the final and terrible plagues of darkness and the death of the firstborn force Pharaoh to relent and release the Israelites, who he names as a people for the first time.  We’ll explore the complicated relationships and challenging questions of this parsha at our service, which will also include prayerful reflection on how we win — and maintain — our freedom.

Please join us, and please also bring something to our oneg Shabbat to share with others.

Date: January 15
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC

Mah Jongg – An Adult Education Event!  (January 31)

Have you ever wanted to learn Mah Jongg? Join us in a fun and entertaining adult education activity. Learn this great game on Sunday, 01/31/16, from 2-4 pm, at Linda Van Arnsdale’s home in Concord. Sure to be an afternoon of fun. Ma Jongg

RSVP by 1/24/15 to….

TOO Director of Adult Education, Marilyn Atlas at adult-education@or-olam.org or lindavanarsdale@gmail.com.  You can also call Linda for directions at 980-621-8822.

Date: January 31
Time: 2-4 p.m..
Location: 5537 Lemley Road, Concord, NC 28027.

Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

LoopHanukkah, O Hanukkah – With Temple Or Olam

So…. if you are planning to attend our Hanukkah Party this Shabbat, please remember to…

  1. Bring a Hanukkiah and candles, and…
  2. Bring a White Elephant gift, and…
  3. Bring something to share at our pot-luck dinner.

Schedule below:

HanukkiahsFrom Darkness to Light: Crossing the Threshold at Hanukkah: Adult Education (4:30 p.m.)
Hanukkah is a story of heroism and rededication. But it is also a festival with deep mystical and spiritual significance. How does Hanukkah ask us to press the reset button so that we can continue the work of so many months before during High Holy Days? How is Hanukkah a rededication for our neshamot, our souls? How does it help us transition spiritually into the coming festivals of spring?

Hanukkah Dinner (5:30 p.m.) – Please bring your Hanukkah menoras!latkes
Latkes, applesauce, and other goodies for a pot-luck dinner that will make our mouths water! We’ll light the Hanukkiahs, sing blessings, and eat during, we hope, a theater in the round with stories, jokes, and songs. Please look for our evite and sign up for pot luck and talent offerings!

And after dinner…. (6:30-7:30 p.m.)

  • White Elephant gift exchange
  • A game of Family Feud Hanukkah
  • More songs and general revelry

The class and Hannukah party are free for members but we do ask that nonmembers make a $20 donation. We also ask that all who attend bring some food to share in our potluck and consider making a monetary donation for the use of the facility. We look forward to seeing you there!

Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord

Moishe HouseCharlotte’s Moishe House Might Be Looking for You…

Moishe House (a Jewish-themed programming house for Jews aged 22-30) is opening up a branch in Charlotte, and they’re hoping to identify awesome Jews who may be interested in becoming residents of it. Rent is subsidized, and, in the words of Southern Regional Director Lonnie Kleinman, “it’s a super-meaningful experience both for those who live there and for the individuals who they serve with fantastic programming.”

Are any of our congregants (or young Jewish alumni of UNC-Charlotte) interested in being a part of this (or at least in spreading the word to friends!).  Let Rabbi Barbara know and she’ll connect you with Lonnie by emailing her at Rabbi.Thiede@or-olam.org

Or check out the website and get in contact directly!

https://www.moishehouse.org/houses/charlotte