300 Families Already Participating - Are You Next?

We're pleased to report that almost 300 families handed in the Pledge 25 cards at High Holiday Services, and that more have indicated that they will be joining the effort to honor Rabbi Fishman this year.

If you plan on participating in any events or activities, please let us know at pledge25@ohrkodesh.org

Here is information about upcoming events:

"Mini Courses"
The Sh'ma
Every Tuesday evening in October with Rabbi Fishman after the evening minyan.

Why Practice Judaism?
Thought from the Biblical, Rabbinic, Medieval and Modern Ages. In this course, we will address some of the central questions that each of us faces as a Jew in the modern world: What are our motivations
for participating in Jewish observance and Jewish life? What beliefs underlie our actions? How have these ideas evolved over time? We will explore texts from the ancient period through today, including founding thinkers from several modern denominations, and use them as a basis for discussing our own viewpoints.
Leader: Michael Kay
Sessions: Two one-hour sessions Thursdays, immediately after
minyan
Dates: October 15 & 22

You Can Write and Deliver a D’var Torah
Dates: Tuesdays, October 20 and 27
Two one-hour sessions immediately after 8 pm minyan
Leader: Gary Simms
Writing a d’var torah is really not difficult once you learn some of the basic research tools. In addition to some suggestions about sources and methods, the class will be doing some text study which will be lots of fun. Participants will be encouraged (but not required!) to share their work with other members of the congregation through blog postings or in person. Teenagers are welcome.

“Social Action Opportunities”
Wednesday, October 21: Shop for food, give to your Montgomery County neighbors in need. On Wednesday, October 21 between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Whole Foods (Silver Spring, Bethesda, Rockville and Kentlands) will donate 5% of all purchases to the Neighbors in Need Montgomery Fund, which helps nonprofits deliver critical emergency services. Your 5% donation will be matched $1 for $1. We are also encouraging all shoppers to purchase recommended food items to be donated to Manna and Shepherd’s Table to feed hungry families. Volunteers will be on-site to help you with purchases! If you would like to volunteer to help at one of the stores, please contact Gary Simms at garydsimms@comcast.net immediately.


Sunday, October 25 - Community Service Day The Montgomery County Volunteer Center has invited the community to participate in this very important event. How can you help? Join other Ohr Kodesh members who will be participating. This year, the Community Service Day is part of President Obama’s “United We Serve” national campaign. To participate with Ohr Kodesh, contact Gary Simms, at garydsimms@comcast.net.


JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) seeks Volunteers for its Thrift Shop, Bombé Chest, in Northwest DC.
Bombé Chest is a totally volunteer-run shop located across from the Woodley Park Metro station at 2629 Connecticut Avenue, NW. The shop sells donated items including: paintings, crystal, glassware, china, silver, mirrors and other collectibles. People with an interest in antiques, as well as those who would like to learn, are welcome and encouraged to volunteer. The shop is looking for extra help, preferably but not limited to Fridays. New volunteers are asked to make a weekly time commitment. The proceeds from Bombé Chest go directly to subsidize JSSA’s services for individuals and families in greatest need. For further information or to volunteer, call Diane Hays-Earp, 301-816-2639.