Or Atid Explores History of African Jews

In the first of a four-part series of lectures titled “Our History Our Stories: Journeys of Jewish Communities Across Time and Continents,” Dr. Ma’asehyahu Isra-Ul offered a very inspirational and educational presentation on the topic of ‘The Jews of Sub-Saharan Africa.’See photos

Dr. Isra-Ul is Executive Director of the Black Judaic Heritage Center (www.bjhconline.org), a non-profit institution that is dedicated to the comprehensive research, documentation, and preservation of Afro-Judaic movements throughout the United States. His slide presentation covered a wide variety of Jewish movements throughout Africa in history.

“It is important to re-think Africa. There’s always been Jews in Africa. Over hundreds of years they have been moving little by little because of certain forces that have been pushing them away” said Dr. Isra-Ul.

Not only did Dr. Isra-Ul discuss the various movements within the Afro-Jewish population over time, but he also addressed some of the outstanding figureheads who led the movements, as well as bringing with him some actual artifacts to share with the large crowd attending.

 

Students Donate Food for the Holidays

In November and December, Or Atid students will continue to learn about the Jewish values of Gevurah, Todah and Tzedakah. To show their thanks for all they have – and to help others – our students will collect boxes of macaroni and cheese to donate to a local food bank. 

The project will culminate with the creation of a macaroni and cheese menorah as part of our Chanukkah celebration on December 14.

Or Atid Celebrate Hanukkah

Come join Congregation Or Atid on Sunday, December 14, when the community celebrates the last night of Hanukkah with music, food and fun and a traditional living Menorah lighting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

New Prayer Class to Focus on Shabbat Services

Join Rabbi Sherry Grinsteiner when she holds a 12-session class titled "How to Pray 101." Each session will focus on specific prayers from the Lev Shalem siddur, particularly covering Shabbat services.

The class will focus on Hebrew pronunciation and chanting, as well as exploring the meanings of the prayers. Additionally, the class will delve into the historical background of each prayer and examine the practice of Kavanah (intention).

While this class is designed as an introduction for beginners in prayer, it will also offer valuable insights for those with more experience.

Class sessions will be held Thursdays from January 8 through March 26, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Or Atid. The knowledge of basic Hebrew reading is helpful. 

Suggested donation is $36 for Or Atid members and $120 for non-members.

Garden’s Season Comes to a Close

In all, donations from Or Atid’s Gan Chesed Kindness Garden to the Jewish Community Center’s Elmer Toth Food Pantry exceeded 185 pounds of organic eggplant, green beans, tomatoes, beets and peppers for the season.

Combined with donations from the JCC’s grocery store partners, Shari Menlowe-Barck, coordinator of the Food Pantry, expressed her thankfulness for the continuing support and flow of fresh produce from all partners during the past growing season.

For more information on involvement with the garden project at Or Atid, contact Sue Geller at (804) 387-7643 or email her at susanrgeller@gmail.com.

 

Or Atid Members Support FeedMore

Members of Congregation Or Atid recently showed their support by volunteering for FeedMore’s backpack program.