It’s Simchat Torah — an evening when we make real what it is to start all over again.

Every year we roll back our Torah to the very beginning for the next year’s reading.  This Friday we’ll celebrate with a procession, carrying things that make beautiful music and glitter — from tambourines to magic wands.  Then we’ll unroll the Torah completely so we can all see every word.  Rabbi Barbara will chant the final and the first verses of our scroll.

As we roll back to Genesis we’ll stop at five special locations to learn about special features in our Torah, accompanying our travels with song.  The names of seven congregants will be pulled out of a hat and they will stand by the Genesis column of their choice. Rabbi Barbara will find the blessing in that column meant for that congregant.

We’ll close our Torah, wrap her up for our new year, and pass her — arm to arm — so that we all can take turns carrying the very core of our tradition.

Finally, we nosh at a potluck oneg!

Please bring a dish of your own to share at the oneg following the celebration.  It all starts at 7 pm this Friday night at McGill Baptist church.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Simchat Torah
October 21st @ 7pm
McGill Baptist Church
Bring a potluck dish to share!

CROP Walk for Hunger

This past Sunday, several members of Temple Or Olam (and at least one guest!) participated in the Cabarrus county CROP Walk at Forest Hill UMC in Concord.  It was an interfaith event, and our congregation was well represented both in terms of enthusiasm and donations.  At last count, our seven walkers had gathered donations totaling more than $350.  Great job, Team TOO, and thanks to Linda VanArsdale for organizing this fun opportunity for tikkun olam!