See Full 2024/5784 Program Brochure here!Ohav offers a robust array of programs – study Torah or learn to read Torah, become a prayer leader or learn to read Hebrew, study with the rabbis or study with your fellow congregants, take a year-long class or come to a Sunday or Shabbat schmooze. These are just some of the ways to become involved in our programs. Whatever you choose, you will meet new people and make new connections. And, learn along the way. If you don’t see something you like, please know that we welcome your suggestions.
An annual family event, the BarBQue is a fun and delicious way to get to know other families who are members of Ohav Shalom.
Celebrate the Anniversary of Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah with Ohav! Can you still chant from the Torah portion or haftorah of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah day? On the Shabbat of “your” parsha, mark the occasion by participating in a special way, by chanting for the congregation, leading davening, or taking an aliyah to the Torah. We will be glad to share this meaningful memory with you and help you keep up your skills. Teens and adults of all ages are welcome and encouraged! For information, please contact Nancy Pandolfo, Synagogue Administrator, at 518-489-4706 x13 or by email at administrator@ohavshalom.org.
Once a month we prepare a nutritious and delicious dinner at the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless – a shelter in Arbor Hill that works to address the needs of homeless and the low income community in which it is located. Cooking in the shelter kitchen gives us the opportunity to interact with the residents and the shelter’s very special staff. Anyone interested in joining our group of kitchen angels can contact Leona Kassoff 518-478-9662.
You can nourish your soul by joining with other Ohav Shalom volunteers who offer their time and efforts at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, 965 Albany-Shaker Rd., Latham on selected dates from 1 – 3 pm to help sort and re-pack food and other essential products for the needy in our community. All are welcome to join in, and this is a great activity for singles, couples and families who want to make a difference in our community. For any questions or more information, please contact the Ohav Office and they will get you in touch with Sharon Berko, the current Chair of this program. (also see Social Action).
Enjoy baking, schmoozing and learning in the Ohav kitchen, as we bake goodies for Shabbat Kiddush. If you love to cook, you’ll love this program! Contact the office if you would like to join us!
Ohav Shalom is honored to be part of the Life and LegacyTM, a 4-year partnership program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that assists communities across North America to promote after-lifetime giving to Jewish organizations of the donor’s choice, since 2018. Congregation Ohav Shalom is one of 11 organizations chosen to be a partner with our Jewish Federation of Northeastern NY, which administers the program in our community. The goal of our Life and Legacy Society is to encourage Ohav members to secure our congregation’s future by including Ohav in their after-life legacies. The program is structured so that everyone can participate! Please call Nancy Pandolfo, our synagogue administrator, 518-489-4706 x13 for further information or if you have questions. Click here to learn more.
Adult learning experiences are good for the mind, body and soul! According to Harvard Medical School, “scientists have found that brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells, developing neurological ‘plasticity’ and building up a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss. Any mentally stimulating activity should help to build up your brain. Read, take courses…” Ohav has just the ticket for you to do this with our Lifelong Learning options!
Please join us on the third Shabbat of each month, about 30 minutes after the end of services. We will check in with ourselves and each other as we work with a monthly character trait – middah – such as generosity, dignity, and humility. All are welcome, as we share this sacred practice which feeds the soul as it strengthens heart and mind. Led by Lynna Schaefer and Rabbi Susan Gulack.
Directed by Michelle Ungerman Sanders, this community theater group affiliated with Ohav Shalom produces plays several times a year. Proceeds benefit Ohav Shalom. Join us for an evening of theater with friends!
Support a new parent by preparing and/or delivering them a meal. Contact the office at info@ohavshalom.org or 518-489-4706. and they will put you in touch with Julie Pollack, our program chair, to get involved!
Shomrei Adama is the environmental awareness and action committee and program at Ohav Shalom. In 2018 Ohav Shalom was chosen to participate in the Hazon Seal of Sustainability program. We are one of only nine institutions across the country to participate this year! The Hazon Seal of Sustainability certifies a Jewish organization’s commitment to sustainability, environmentally-friendly practices, and reduced impact on climate change. Participating in the Hazon Seal signifies that Ohav Shalom, along with a network of approximately 60 Jewish organizations, is emerging as a leader in the realm of Jewish sustainability. We apply the contemporary understanding of Jewish values such as tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedek (justice) to include protection of the world around us. If you look around our synagogue you will notice several important items: a Recycling Station when you first enter by the office to encourage recycling. We have single-stream recycling bins in every classroom and new, energy-efficient windows. We also have Zero Waste Shabbat experiences, and a recycling plan. In the summer of 2018, thanks to our Zero Waste Shabbat Experience we diverted 780 pounds of waste from landfills! The synagogue is adding Shredding Days to assist our congregants by providing an environmentally sensitive method of disposing of their confidential documents safely. To learn more about the Hazon Seal of Sustainability please go to www.hazon.org/seal. If you are interested in joining Shomrei Adama, please contact the Ohav office at info@ohavshalom.org or 518-489-4706 and they will connect you to the leadership of this committee.
This is an Annual Awards Gala Brunch to honor members who go above and beyond to serve our Ohav community. Their ongoing commitment and dedication to our congregation is worthy of recognition. This program is designed to honor our most deserving volunteers! Past honorees have been: 2019~ Dorothy & Rob Ganz, and Sheila & Ira Lobel, 2018~ Laura & Ed Jacobs and Terry & Dan Tyson 2017 Libby Post & Lynn Dunning Vaughn and Debbie & Jeff Cohen, 2015~ Sharon Lozman and David Levine.
The Sunday Schmooze program features an interesting speaker, bagels and the opportunity to schmooze with your Ohav friends. Whether you’re relaxing, dropping the kids off at B’Yachad, or just hanging out, come join us for a hamisha Sunday morning that will please your brain, your heart and your palate. Sunday Schmoozes occur several times over the course of the year at no set schedule and will be announced as they are planned.
A group of Ohav Shalom volunteers have come together to help refugee families adjust to life in the United States. The volunteers help with medical appointments, school issues and homework, reading mail, and navigating American society. This program not only reaps rewards for the families served, those who volunteer are immeasurably fulfilled by their efforts. At a time when our nation seems deeply divided and fearful, mentoring refugees has highlighted the values and dreams we all share. It has also given us the opportunity to see first-hand the generosity and compassion of so many people in our community… from the network of mentors; to medical professionals and school personnel; to the staff at community service agencies. And, it has enabled us, in a small way, to chip away at fear and prejudice and contribute to creating a caring community. There are many challenges ahead for these families and other refugees. If you are interested in helping, especially if you have spare time during the week, please contact the Ohav office at info@ohavshalom.org or 518-489-4706. This program, affiliated with USCRI, is making a tremendous difference for everyone involved.
This is a special program to provide assistance and support to members who are grieving, facing a serious illness or in the midst of a crisis. Eating nourishing food is important during those times, so, in addition to other services, some of our members cook meals to bring them during their time of need. You are welcome to join us and make friends in the Ohav kitchen as we maintain our supply of meals for this purpose. You can also volunteer to deliver a meal, along with comfort and good cheer. Contact the Ohav Office who will get you in touch with our Yad Yonatan cooking program coordinators, Lynne Shatsoff and Sandy Cohen.
