One hundred years ago two small local synagogues combined to form Or Ve Shalom (which means Light and Peace). Congregation Ahavath Shalom was founded in 1910 and Or Hachiam in 1912. The names were combined to form Or Ve Shalom. The congregation has decided to celebrate this significant anniversary with a year long series of spiritual, educational, fund raising and entertaining events.
Congregants are primarily from Rhodes and Turkey, but Jews, who can trace their roots to North Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union are also members.
The synagogue and its members have a rich history and tradition of serving the Jewish community and the city of Atlanta. Many of us are familiar with the family names Arogetti, Alhadeff, Benator, Capeluto, Franco, Habiff, Maslia, Shemaria and Tourial among many others. Those families are as committed to Jewish values today as in the past.
The kickoff event for this year of celebration was an address by Rabbi Marc Angel. He is Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Shearith Israel, the historic Spanish/Portuguese Synagogue in New York City, whose origins date back to 1656.
Born in Seattle’s Sephardic community, his family’s roots are from Turkey and Rhodes; he grew up in a Ladino speaking home. He received a BS, MS, PhD, Th.D
honors causa and a rabbinal semicha from Yeshevia University. As if those degrees were not impressive enough, he also earned an MA in English Literature.
Rabbi Angel was the spiritual leader of the congregation until 2007, when he established the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals; an organization focused on fostering an intellectually vibrant, compassionate and inclusive Orthodox view of Judaism.
He has written more than 30 books and scores of enlightening and stimulating articles; his awards, honors and achievements are too numerous to list.
Rabbi Angel’s address to Or Ve Shalom was entitled Applauding the Past, Appreciating the Present, and Planning the Future.
In his address, he said many profound things, including: we have a unique rich history and culture and our lives resound with the voices and teachings of our ancestors.
Prior generations, while often not highly educated were wise, brave, bold people who loved life, lived with risk and were optimistic for their future. Our current generation, while highly educated, can learn much from reflecting on the lives of our ancestors.
Our roots have an impact on our lives today, far more than we realize. Judaism is flexible enough to withstand honest, sincere different points of view. Judaism welcomes a variety of viewpoints and encourages discussion.
We should not be judgmental toward other Jews and their religious practices, but seek to be understanding and inclusive.
Each Jew, with a sincere point of view, can make a contribution.
The challenge is to maintain a balance, adhering to old values while assimilating into the new culture. Over time, some old world practices and values are lost, but there is value in maintaining our links with the past.
Judaism is not meant to be a burden but a blessing. Its teachings and values are meant to enrich, guide and empower our lives.
Rules are offered to provide society with order and reduce chaos. Our lives are empowered and enhanced as we are more productive and we benefit society. We are taught how to appreciate the seemingly mundane parts of life and to recognize the miracle of our lives and all around us.
While a devout and committed Orthodox Jew, Rabbi Angel sees our Creator as a loving, kind, compassionate Father who, on occasion, needs to redirect our path.
He stressed that each Jew should strive to find a place in the Jewish community that is right for him. And from that point, he can begin to grow his Jewish values, education, and understanding. People should not feel intimidated by the synagogue process or its practices.
Two life lessons that Rabbi Kassorla of Or Ve Shalom learned while a student of Rabbi Angel were: Each time you teach, teach something new so that your efforts will impart enthusiasm and recognize and acknowledge the efforts of those who work on behalf of the community.
My own Jewish roots are similar to Rabbi Angel, my father, Sam Shams, was born in Beirut and my mother, Sylvia Levy, was born in Damascus. I was raised in a Syrian/Lebanese culture but attended an Ashkenazi synagogue in Pensacola, Florida.
We are looking forward to many more anniversary events.
