In this week’s Torah portion, Lech Lecha, God made a sacred promise to Abram: that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth. The language is funky because why would one want to be compared to the dust of the earth? Abram birthed three great religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. If we look at this promise from God to Abram through this lens, it seems fulfilled. But, I don’t think that’s the lens any of us read this text through. This promise, in our eyes, seems to refer to the Jewish people filling the earth. But when you look around today that’s not the reality nor has it ever been the reality. The Jewish people have never populated the earth in such large numbers that this promise would make sense.
It’s no secret that we’ve always been obsessed with numbers. The Jewish world and the non-Jewish world both have always been hung up on the idea that more is more. While this tautology (circular argument) might seem accurate, and in basic scientific and mathematic analysis it is, the obsession with having more is a stumbling block. Many, if not all of us, spend far too many hours of the day seeking more and more. Few of us, if any, are truly able to embrace the words from Pirkei Avot 4:1: “Who is wealthy? The one who is content in their portion.” That is to say, our thirst and hunger for more possessions, more money, more honor, more titles, more “more,” is a dangerous and fruitless pursuit.
The Jewish world has had to come to terms with reality for quite some time. We are a minority. We are small. So long as we focus on those facts, we will never truly attack what is really needing attention. On Rosh Hashana I spoke about the need for us to stop thinking about surviving and rather focus on thriving. I meant it then and I mean it now. Being obsessed with our numbers is all about surviving. Whereas being obsessed with our quality is all about our thriving. As Dr. Arnold Eisen, the former chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, once said to a group I was in: “it has never been a game of quantity… It is always been a game of quality”.
So, if we focus more on the depth and less on the breadth, what are we left with? We’re left with a people whose reach and influence IS as numerous as the dust of the earth. There’s no denying our religion has played a majority role in the crafting of the Western world. There’s no mistaking the Jewish voice around the world is respected and acknowledged in numerous ways. There’s no mistaking the State of Israel has a significant voice in the global dialogue. There’s no mistaking the enormous contributions Jews have made to all of humanity. So, we can focus every day on the fact we are not, in quantity, as numerous as the dust of the earth. The reality is that we are not. But, the better way of seeing our existence is to recognize that the quality of our contributions is as numerous as the dust of the earth.
As we continue to move forward, as a people, we must all make it our work to build a quality community regardless of its size. We must all commit ourselves to a quality Jewish education. We must all commit ourselves to a quality Jewish life. We must all commit ourselves to quality in our Judaism and in our Jewish community.
Erev Shabbat Services 6:00 pm on Zoom Candlelighting time on October 15 is 6:44 pm. Shabbat Morning Services & Kiddush 9:00 am at OVS Kiddush will be served prepackaged to be enjoyed in the tent.
New Member Spotlight Monique Arar
Today’s spotlight is on Monique Arar, who moved to Atlanta from Las Vegas with her mother Sofia. Monique grew up in Columbus, OH with her parents and brother. Monique’s father, from Egypt, is Sephardic while her mother, from Ukraine, is Ashkenazi.
We are thrilled that Monique and her mother found their way to OVS and joined last spring! Since then, Monique has begun teaching piano lessons at OVS on Thursdays. Monique has her doctorate in Musical Arts in Piano Performance and also plays the harp. You can learn more about this accomplished pianist, and inquire about lessons, on her website at www.MusicWithMonique.com.
When not at the keyboard, Monique enjoys attending cultural events and performances, health & fitness, and being outdoors. Monique, 37 years old and single, says that she joined during the pandemic and is grateful for the Or VeShalom community!
Pictured from left to right are Sofia, Salomon, and Monique Arar.
Come and Cheer on the OVS Team!
Volunteers Needed. Click here for details and to sign up for a shift. There are a variety of volunteer needs and your help is appreciated.
To help the OVS BBQ team, call Adam at 404-633-1737.
Partnership Minyan
The next Partnership Minyan, with women reading Torah, will be held on October 23, 2021. The Minyan will be part of Ayelet Hearshen’s Bat Mitzvah and we are so pleased to share this simcha with our Keilah. A second service, in the style OVS has used for over 100 years, will be offered at 8:00 am in the chapel.
Please email Ayeletsbatmitzvah@orveshalom.org to RSVP for the Partnership Minyan/Ayelet’s Bat Mitzvah if you haven't already done so.
Your Future at OVS
Sunday, November 7 at 10:00 am Join us for a special discussion and tell us what OVS can do for you. Discussion will be held during parent's learning at Building Blocks Sunday School.
Open to all young members and prospective members. Building Block registration not required.
Sisterhood Bazaar is Back!
Sunday, November 21 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Featuring Mediterranean Cuisine, Hand-made Delicacies & Pastries
Pre-order online & drive-thru to pick up and take home. In addition, our hot food line will feature lunch and sweets to take home or to enjoy in our huge open-air outdoor tent.
Order details to follow. Covid Measures Respected.
Torah Readers Needed
We're seeking women to read from the Torah at Partnership Minyans on December 11 and January 8. Email rabbi.hearshen@orveshalom.orgto learn more.
BIRTHDAYS Shabbat Ila Galanti Jackie Krainin Jeanie Marx Kamyar Simian
Sunday Michelle Stribling Rachel Galanti
Tuesday Ernie Dreyer
Thursday Jack Arogeti Si Sater
Friday Jorita Sevy
ANNIVERSARIES Shabbat David and Pearline Franco
Meldados
Shabbat Salvador Barrocas Sally Berger
Sunday Catherine Israel
Monday Bernie Russo Flo Friedman
Tuesday Miriam Kroland Hoch
Wednesday Scott Seiden
Thursday Benny Liebermann Charles Levy Harvey Cooper
