By Amy Unger
Shabbat Experience for All Young Families and Friends
On Jan. 6th, Congregation Or Atid hosted the second “Young Families Shabbat Experience.”
Alistair and Casey Bentley hosted the evening with Leslie and Kevin Archer preparing the feast! The Shabbat service was led by one of the parents, Michael Marcus.
Once again, the sanctuary was filled with giggles and wide eyes as younger members were given a Shabbat-like experience. Prayers from the religious school were used so those young members could feel confident in their space within the sanctuary.
The experience was followed by the aforementioned dinner in which families could connect and chat!
The “Shabbat Experience” at Congregation Or Atid is held the first Friday of every month at 6 p.m. This wonderful experience is open to all young families and non-members are invited to join us.
For more information and/or to register, please contact the synagogue office at (804) 740-4747 or visit
https://www.oratid.org/ where you will find all our events posted at the calendar tab.
Voices of the Holocaust, an Israel-American Council Special Program for Teens
On Jan. 8th, Congregation Or Atid held its first “Voices of the Holocaust” session for the Mahon teens.
This five-session, live program created by the Israeli-American Council, was specifically curated for 7th through 12th graders at Congregation Or Atid.
Using primary sources, eyewitness testimony, and survivor accounts, the students will explore what life was like for individuals with varying perspectives during the Holocaust.
Among the topics that will be discussed are: An introduction to the Holocaust, youth movements, the roles of ordinary people, persecution and dehumanization, “life” in the ghettos and concentration camps, resistance, rescue, liberation, and more.
The first session focused on a general introduction of the who, what, where, and why.
The students were probed about their knowledge of the Holocaust. Their instructor, Leslie, used pictures, maps, and a first-hand account of a Holocaust Survivor speaking of what life was like leading up to the Holocaust.
Pictures of Anne Frank from an early childhood birthday party were displayed. The teens discussed how the picture looked normal and, therefore, created such a stark contrast to how her life ended.
After the 45-five-minute session ended, the students ate pizza while discussing what they learned and how “never again” is still an important lesson today.
Antisemitism was considered and how social media helps or hurts the general education of the public.
This exceptional educational/interactive program is open to all teens in the Richmond area. It is not too late to join virtually or in person.
For more information and/or to register, please contact the Synagogue office at (804) 740-4747 or visit https://www.oratid.org/ where you will find all our events posted at the calendar tab.
