Author Archives: webmaster

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

Posted by webmaster on January 6, 2016   |   Comments Off on 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

Posted by webmaster on December 29, 2015   |   Comments Off on 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

Posted by webmaster on December 25, 2015   |   Comments Off on Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

Loop

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

To be followed by the long awaited drum class with TOO’s percussionist, Ralf Thiede… see below.

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.

 

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

Posted by webmaster on December 9, 2015   |   Comments Off on 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

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

Posted by webmaster on November 30, 2015   |   Comments Off on Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

LoopHeads Up: Hanukkah!

Our Hanukkah Party will feature, among other things, an adult education session followed by dinner, local entertainment, a white elephant gift exchange and songs (see below for our schedule).

From Darkness to Light: Crossing the Threshold at Hanukkah: Adult Education (4:30 p.m.)blast

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!

latkesLatkes, 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 (or Hanukkah Jewpardy – We’ll let you know…)
  •    More songs and general revelry

Date and Time: December 12; see above schedule for activity times….
Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC Up ahead….

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

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.

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.

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.

 

 

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

Posted by webmaster on November 18, 2015   |   Comments Off on Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

LoopTOO Tikkun Olam for November 21

We are painting interior walls of a house for CCM and we need volunteers!

The address is 965 E. 13th Street, Kannapolis. Vice president Will King and crew will I will be there from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with snacks and drinks. Lunch around noon.

Please contact Will SOON at vicepresident@or-olam.orgwork day

Heads-up Hanukkah! Mark Your Calendars for December 12…

Our Hanukkah Party will feature, among other things, an adult education session followed by dinner, local entertainment, a white elephant gift exchange and songs. See below for our schedule…

From 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?

latkesHanukkah Dinner (5:30 p.m.) – Please bring your Hanukkah menoras!

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!

Package in handAnd after dinner…. (6:30-7:30 p.m.)

  • White Elephant gift exchange
  • A game of Family Feud Hanukkah (or Hanukkah Jewpardy – We’ll let you know…)
  • More songs and general revelry

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

Posted by webmaster on November 11, 2015   |   Comments Off on Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

LoopKabbalat Shabbat November 13

Our Kabbalat Shabbat service will, as always, include beautiful music and prayer.

In Toldot, we read of a sibling rivalry so intense that it separates a family for decades. Esau and Jacob yearn, struggle, and even contend over earning their place in the world. Which son receives blessings and birthright, and why? How does Torah evoke our own stories?

During our service, we will engage in a little group Torah study to consider the birthrights we have earned the blessings we ourselves have yearned for, using Parshat Toldot as our inspiration for reflection.

Please join us, and feel free to bring something to our oneg Shabbat to share with others.

Date: November 13
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC

Reminder: The Global Day of Jewish Learning – November 15!Global Day of Jewish Learning

On Sunday, November 15, the Aleph Society is sponsoring 24 hours of Jewish Learning with a program of free video learning open to everyone. This program was created by The Global Day of Jewish Learning with the generous participation of world-class scholars, artists, rabbis and authors.

Sessions are broadcast from both in-person events and web-based gatherings. Speakers will engage with this year’s Global Day theme of Love: Devotion, Desire and Deception. Viewers will be able to ask questions of the speakers and engage with their fellow far-flung viewers, live on Twitter, Facebook and Google.

Topics will include, among others:

  • Love Yourself More than Your Neighbor,
  • Desire-It’s Good for You
  • First Love-What we can discover about Love from the Garden of Eden
  • Lekha Dodi: The Most Famous Jewish Poem
  • Rachel and Leah: Sibling Rivalry and Jewish Unity

To get a full listing of the speakers and the times of their presentations, please google, www.TheGlobalDay.org. If you have any further questions, please contact Marilyn Atlas at adult-education@or-olam.org.

work dayTikkun Olam for November 21

We are painting interior walls of a house for CCM and we need volunteers!

The address is 965 E. 13th Street, Kannapolis. Vice president Will King and crew will I will be there from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with snacks and drinks. Lunch around noon.

Please contact Will SOON at vicepresident@or-olam.org

Heads-up Hanukkah!Day 8 Hanukkah

Our Hanukkah Party will feature, among other things, an adult education sessions followed by dinner, local entertainment, a white elephant gift exchange and songs. Stay tuned for more information – coming very soon!

 

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

Posted by webmaster on October 21, 2015   |   Comments Off on Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

LoopConsider Joining us for Torah Study…

(You can come in your pajamas…)

Each week, an intrepid group of TOO members gets on the phone to talk Torah. It’s easy, convenient, and you don’t even have to get out of your pajamas to join in the conversation.

This week, we will be studying Parshat Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27) in which Abraham is told to get on the get-go to Canaan, promptly appears to sell his wife’s honor to the Egyptian pharaoh, divides territory with Lot (then has to rescue his nephew from a bunch of area kings), wanders through time (is it day or night in Genesis 15, and why does God show up as a fiery oven?), and then finds himself in bed with his wife’s servant, Hagar at Sarah’s request. Oy! (Or maybe not…).  Lego - She is my sister

Genesis is a wild ride through our ancestral narratives. TOO members, feel free to join Torah study at any time you like (any week you like). If you want to be added to the list, please send a note to info@or-olam.org and we will send you the call-in number.

This week’s parsha can be found here: http://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/lekhlekha.shtml

Our haftorah this week is Isaiah 40:27-41:16 and can be found here: http://www.jtsa.edu/PreBuilt/ParashahArchives/jpstext/lekhlekha_haft.shtml

Up Ahead at TOO

Havdalah service on Halloween (want to come in costume?) More information to come next week, so please, stay tuned.

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

Posted by webmaster on October 14, 2015   |   Comments Off on Or Olam in the Loop – Our Weekly Bulletin on All Things TOO

LoopKabbalat Shabbat, and the Man Who Didn’t Know How to Pray

This Friday’s service will be relaxed, gentle, and provide food for the soul. We’ll share plenty of beautiful music and moments for prayerful reflection. Rabbi Barbara will tell a Chassidic story of a meeting between the Baal Shem Tov and the innkeeper who didn’t know how to pray. Feel free to join us, and if you do, please bring something to share at our oneg!

Date: October 16
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC

Crop WalkTOO’s Tikkun Olam Project This Month: Featuring Crop Walk

Nice, isn’t it?  Temple Or Olam is currently in the lead in fundraising in our local Crop Walk.

If you haven’t already made a donation to Temple Or Olam’s Team for this Sunday’s Crop Walk (or want to join the team at the last minute), please think about supporting the cause.

Temple Or Olam members Will King and Linda VanArsdale are leading our team this year. CROP Hunger Walks help feed children and families around the world. Last year more than 116,000 CROP Walkers, volunteers and sponsors raised money for this important cause.

Click here to view the team page for Temple Or Olam:

http://hunger.cwsglobal.org/site/TR?team_id=121587&pg=team&fr_id=20852&et=eQznU09oKHCbLHFm54ib_w&s_tafId=139733

If you want to join our walkers, here’s what you need to know:

Date: October 18
Time: Registration at 1 p.m.; step off at 2 p.m.
Location: Forest Hills United Methodist Church, 265 Union St N, Concord, NC 28025

 

Please Note: Important Changes to Tomorrow’s Standing at the Threshold Event!

Posted by webmaster on October 2, 2015   |   Comments Off on Please Note: Important Changes to Tomorrow’s Standing at the Threshold Event!

Due to weather-related issues, we will be meeting on the phone in a conference call for this adult education session. Please email Rabbi Barbara for the conference call information at
Rabbi.Thiede@or-olam.org and, if you like, keep the coffee pot handy when you dial in!

Sh’mini Atzeret is, according to the rabbis,  the true completion of the High Holy Day season.  Our study session with Rabbi Barbara will explore the threshold between Sukkot and Sh’mini Atzeret, a last time to ask for God’s forgiveness before the New Year well and truly begins.