Our Building-Our Future: Builders' Club Chorus

Shabbat is back and I am thrilled to speak
The Capital Campaign has had a good week
We're picking up steam and calling many of you
There are no secrets; you know what we want you to do

Give now if you have not participated as of yet
Helping us build our new home you will not regret
Increase your gift if you can find the way
And you will surely gladden this beautiful day

Adding a 6th year to your original pledge is indeed
The way for us to get closer to the amount we need
We've raised $4.1 million and we still can do better
Please respond at once to our call, email or letter

$5 million is the amount we need to build it complete
We'll have our own kitchen to make good things to eat
There will be classrooms and offices and coffee bars
Two rabbis' studies and room for all of our cars

Not to mention the Sanctuary and social hall too
We can't build it all without increased gifts from you
It is a once in a lifetime opportunity we have before us
Don't be left out of our Or Hadash builders' club chorus

Thanks and know that we appreciate all that you have done
We can't wait to cut the ribbon and celebrate with everyone
 

Sherry Frank, President

Our Building-Our Future: The Executive Director's Perspective

My first year as Executive Director of Or Hadash has been a whirlwind. When I started we had just found a property that would meet the needs of our new home and we were starting a capital campaign to fund the purchase of our Trowbridge property and construct our new home. Since then we have closed on our purchase, and almost paid off our purchase loan, engaged two extraordinary architects who are well underway with the design of our new home and thanks to the generosity of so many of you we have raised over $4.1 million! We just have a little more to go.

Or Hadash has a unique culture. We are egalitarian; we are inclusive; egos are parked at the door; Tikkun Olam and Chesed are apparent in everything we do; and everyone rows in the same direction. In a few short years we have become a force that is admired throughout our community because of what we do and the "Or Hadash" way that we do it. Being a part of it has been an extraordinary experience for me.

We have been in a marathon and are now nearing its completion. If we keep rowing together we can reach our $5 million goal and complete a new home that will give us pleasure and serenity for many years to come. Please join me in adding a 6th year to your pledge or making a new pledge if you haven't already done so. Remember everyone counts at Or Hadash.


Bruce Warschoff

Our Building-Our Future: Reflections Over Pesach

Twas the morning of the first Seder night

I was very busy and my kitchen was a sight

Matzah balls were boiling and gefilte fish was chilling

Then I received a call that was really thrilling

Andy Kauss said be at my office, 1 o’clock is the time

We’re ready to get your signature on the dotted line

Steve Wertheim’s contacts with Sun Trust Bank truly showed

We were ready to purchase property on Trowbridge Road

Can you believe it was just one year ago this week

Of all that we have accomplished, I am proud to speak

Ma Nish Ta Nah our members soon will be saying

With visions of our future home where we’ll be praying

We’re not there yet, but we are getting closer every day

We are counting on you and you know just what to say

Yes, I will pledge if I have not done it yet

I can stretch my pledge to give more, you bet

I will add a 6^th year because I clearly understand

$5 million is needed to build something really grand

At our Seder tables we will relive the Exodus story

We’ll ask questions and retell the plagues that were gory

We’ll remember the struggle and hardship and tears

We wander in the dessert for so many years

Thankful for the seas parting, we celebrate freedom and we eat

We conclude saying next year in Jerusalem, what a joyous treat

I wish you a happy Pesach and good times with family and friends too

It has been an historic journey I have traveled this year with each of you

Shabbat Shalom,

Sherry Frank, President

Our Building-Our Future: The Home Stretch

Shabbat is here and I'm back once more
With a different poem from the one before
I am focused on the Capital Campaign
This will sound like a familiar refrain
We're asking everyone to make a pledge, this is true
We are surely depending on each one of you
Increase your gift if you can find the way
We need everyone to stretch and do it today

Add a 6th year to your pledge if you haven't done it yet
And the closer to $5 million you will help us get
We have a few more weeks, but who is counting
We're calling, emailing and pressure is mounting


We have the architects' plans and they are great
Visions of our future home are cause to celebrate
We're raised over $4 million, and we're on a roll
Please help us get even closer to our goal


We are all volunteers trying to do our part
Don't delay any longer and give from the heart
Call the office, send an email or tell me anytime
That you are ready to participate....that's the end of my rhyme


Shabbat Shalom,


Sherry Frank

Our Building-Our Future: Mah Nishtanah?

Why is this time different? 

The excitement generated by the Exodus of Egypt is a true testimony of faith and Divine-Human partnership.

Every year we prepare ourselves and our homes for the celebration of Pesach. There are memories from the past and joy for a refreshed opportunity to bring new customs and to refresh our spirits when the Spring Holiday of Freedom is coming.

Mah Nishatnah? How is this year different? As an extended family at Or Hadash, we have walked our own desert in a nomadic way, from social halls to churches, to Jewish day schools and high school. We have invited and still invite all those who are physically hungry and spiritually looking for a home to be part of our open tent. We have been telling our story and asking many different questions. We have been working very hard to move each step forward.

Mah Nishtanah? Why is this year different for our Or Hadash family? Because we are sitting around our table knowing that we have now a permanent home, a home we will build with and for each one of us. Each person counts and we count on each one of you. The Exodus was filled with questions, uncertainty and anxiety but hope and faith illuminate the light within the people.

This is an invitation to be part of this journey and to help us build a dream come true.

Pesach Kasher v'Sameach!

Rabbis Analia & Mario

Our Building-Our Future: The Synagogue, A Member's Perspective

During Shabbat morning services, a few weeks ago, each aliyah was taken by someone celebrating a wonderful occasion, a celebratory milestone. The next day, I was back at Or Hadash, sadly, for a memorial service. As I was walking into the building, it occurred to me that there are not many places where we go both to celebrate the happiest occasions in life and to come together as a community for the saddest ones. A synagogue, a place of prayer, community and learning is very special in that way.

For me, the synagogue is like an envelope, gently wrapping itself around my family's life, nurturing spirituality, holiness and responsibility. It was within this environment that we brought our daughter, Johanna, into the world. We celebrated her baby naming at Or Hadash, then located at the Sandy Springs United Methodist Church. A few years later, she was marching through Or Hadash at The Weber School, with her religious school class, waving a flag and receiving her first milestone of Jewish learning.

We are now peeking into the next place, a permanent home for Or Hadash. When I look into this new space, I see all of us, but mostly I see Johanna. She is moving through the hallways, lit with gentle sunlight, from religious school class to the sanctuary. She is playing outside with her friends, rushing in to Kiddush to find the desserts, and only too soon, studying in the Rabbis' offices for her Bat Mitzvah. What I see in this building is a space where the most meaningful parts of her life will take place.

Or Hadash has been a bright light for our family, and we are looking forward to the warmth of this new light wrapping itself around us once again.

Michelle Epstein

Our Building-Our Future: A Little Bit More

All through my life and still to this very day

I love to write poems for what I want to say

So please won't you give me your attention
I have a vital message I want to mention

Our shul is on its way to having a permanent home
No longer will we be nomads, continuing to roam

Creative architects have developed a vision that is exciting
Welcoming, inspiring, green space and natural lighting

Over $4 million dollars is the number we did raise
Can we stretch to $5 million in the next 42 days?


Have you made your pledge, now don't be left out
Everyone's participation is what Or Hadash is about

There's a message that I will surely adore
"You've made your pledge but can stretch a bit more"

The very best way we can bring $5 million near
Is if all of us who have pledged will add a 6th year

So let us hear from you right away
We need to make progress every day

Thanks from the bottom of my heart for all that you do
Together we will make this dream of our new home come true

Call the office, sent an email or tell me any time
That you're ready to participate....that's the end of this rhyme
 

Sherry Z Frank

Sherry's Capital Campaign Corner

There are just two weeks left in 2010. This has been a historic year for Congregation Or Hadash with the purchase of property, our beloved rabbis signing a long term contract, the launch of a capital campaign and the expansion of programs for all ages and stages of our membership and families.  From the first days of Congregation Or Hadash, we have emphasized how important every member's participation is to our success.  That is especially true as we are all asked to participate and make a pledge to the capital campaign.  Please do not let 2010 end without you participating in this historic opportunity to be counted as a builder of our permanent home.  Thanks once more to everyone who has contributed, solicited and joined us in bringing our dream of a new home closer to reality.  Remember to get your 2010 dues, Kol Nidre Appeal, and Capital Campaign payments in by the end of the year for a tax deduction and  to help us balance our budget. With the freezing weather this week, I want to remind everyone to bring coats, sweaters, scarves and gloves to the synagogue for us to distribute to guests on January 2nd at Sandy Springs United Methodist Church.

Warmly, 

Sherry

Capital Campaign Celebration and Hanukkah Dinner Wrap Up 12/8/2010

Congregation Or Hadash's Capital Campaign Celebration and Hanukkah Dinner on December 5 was truly a major success! Nearly 250 members joined the festivities. We announced that we had raised nearly $3.8 million and by the next morning we had raised $3,811,326. Dozens of young children circled around Rabbi Analia joyously singing "I have a little dreidel" while Rabbi Mario played guitar smiling all the while. Campaign leaders, Board members, Rabbis and all solicitors, donors and staff were thanked for the hard work everyone put into making our dream of a permanent home a large step closer to reality. Coxe Curry professionals who have guided our campaign and BLDGs architects who are designing our new home were praised for their work todate and were happily part of our celebration.  Menorahs were lit all over the cafeteria as a record crowd enjoyed latkes, jelly donuts and a delicious dinner.

Our success to date has energized everyone to keep the momentum going. Our work is not done. Our goal is to have every Or Hadash member play a part in building our new home. We have a 5 million dollar goal and we will work tirelessly to reach it and we are counting on you.

This has been a Hanukkah to remember. On this last night as we light 8 candles, let's keep the flames shining bright as we work together on this historic campaign.

Time To Shine Campaign Celebration and Hanukkah Dinner - You're Invited

We look forward to a weekend full of Hanukkah celebrations! Included in these festivities is our Capital Campaign Celebration and Hanukkah Dinner on Sunday, December 5. Be sure to make your dinner reservations by Thursday, December 2nd. If you haven't already done so, please return your completed campaign pledge card to the COH office by Thursday, December 2nd, so that we can add your pledge to our grand total to be announced on Sunday.  All donors who have made commitments by this date will be recognized on an alphabetical listing of donors at this event. It will certainly be an evening of great celebration!

Thank you again for the important role each of you plays in the life of Congregation Or Hadash!

Capital Campaign Pledge Thermometer Update as of November 24

We have so much to be thankful for at Congregation Or Hadash, especially our wonderful members. Thank you for taking part in this exciting time as we raise the money to build a new synagogue home. To date we have raised more than $3.57 million!

Our Campaign Celebration and Hanukkah Dinner on Sunday, December 5 is fast approaching! If you haven't already done so, please return your completed campaign pledge card to the COH

office by Thursday, December 2nd. All donors who have made commitments by this date will be recognized on an alphabetical 

listing of donors at the event. We look forward to a festive evening 

to celebrate the great progress we have made.

Again, we remain truly grateful to everyone for making Or Hadash such a special place!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Capital Campaign Pledge Thermometer Update as of November 17

I am delighted to report that we have raised more than $3.5 million toward our $5 million goal to build a new home for Congregation Or Hadash! We are so grateful to everyone for playing a role in this important process.

Because of the importance of our young families to the future of Congregation Or Hadash, a generous family has extended a challenge toward our Time to Shine Capital Campaign, which targets the membership under the age of 40. This family's challenge will match every pledge of at least $2,500 from a young adult family, up to a total of $50,000. We encourage each member under the age of 40 to remember this challenge as they consider their pledge to our campaign.

As you know, we are encouraging all members to make a pledge by our Campaign Celebration and Hanukkah Dinner on Sunday, December 5. If you need an extra pledge card, please contact Bruce or Erica at Or Hadash's office.

Again, thank you to everyone for taking part in this exciting time
in our synagogue's life!

Capital Campaign Pledge Thermometer Update Continues

We continue to make steady progress toward our $5 million campaign goal.  As of November 10, we have raised over $3.4 million in gifts

and pledges!

Plans are currently underway for our

Campaign Celebration and Hanukkah Dinner 

Sunday, December 5 from 5-7 pm.

It is sure to be a special evening in the life of our synagogue. 

In lieu of an admission fee, we are asking members to bring their completed campaign pledge card. If you need an extra pledge card, we have plenty available in the COH office.

To those of you who have already pledged, we thank you for your support. As we all know, it will take dedication and support from everyone to make our dreams for a new synagogue home a reality!

Capital Campaign Pledge Thermometer Update Continues

I am delighted to report that as of November 3 we have raised more than $3.3 million toward our $5 million campaign project.  While we are pleased with our progress, we know the project is a stretch for our congregation and will require every family to participate to the extent of their ability in order to be successful.  We have one opportunity to build our first permanent home for the congregation - and want to make sure that we meet the needs of all our members.  We thank those who have already made their commitments to the campaign and encourage those who have not yet to give thoughtful consideration to their ability to help.  Your investment in our new home is one that is sure to yield great returns for current and future members.

Hold the Date:
Hanukkah Dinner and Capital Campaign Celebration
Sunday, December 5

Capital Campaign Pledge Thermometer Update

As of October 27, we only have six weeks remaining until our Hanukkah Dinner on December 5^th.  Please mark your calendars now and plan to join us for this special meal in  celebration of our successful capital campaign.  Our goal is to secure commitments from every member of our congregation prior to the 5^th.  We hope you all are giving thoughtful consideration to your campaign commitment.  Volunteers are working hard to reach out to every member of our congregation to answer questions and encourage participation in the campaign.  Please remember that you can make a pledge now and pay it any time over the next five years, but your pledge will have a much longer impact on your family, the congregation and community. 

To date, gifts and pledges total $3.3 million toward our $5 million project. 

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to date.

"Time to Shine" Capital Campaign Pledge Thermometer

We are thrilled to announce that as of October 20, we've reached more than $3.219 million in pledges toward our $5 million goal to build a new home for Congregation Or Hadash!  

THANK YOU to everyone who has already pledged and to the volunteers who are working hard to make "Time to Shine" a great success. 

Capital Campaign Kick-Off Was A Historic Event

Sherry Frank, President

The sun was shining and excitement was in the air as members gathered in the sanctuary for a festive brunch. Tables were adorned with paint cans filled with tools and miniature chocolate hammers and wrenches surrounded the colorful table settings.

   

The enthusiastic crowd moved into the Weber School cafeteria to hear the wonderful news that the quiet summer phase of the Capital Campaign had now reached over $3,000,000. Our goal is $5,000,000.

     

Brian Bell and David Yocum, our talented architects from BLDGS, shared their background and a sample of their prior work with members emphasizing our goal of creating space that brings in light, nature and a spiritual presence.  They impressed everyone with their initial concepts for our new home.
    

This has been a great  team effort that was celebrated on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at our Time to Shine Capital Campaign Kick-Off. Thanks were given to the Building Committee Co-Chairs, Jane Seville and Fred Wachter; Capital Campaign Co-Chairs for Major Gifts Abby Friedman and Harry Heiman and Steve and Melinda Wertheim; and General Membership Campaign Co-Chairs Lynn Epstein and Ken Stein and Stephanie and Jeff Kupor.
    

Everyone left with packets inviting them to give generously to this historic campaign. A special souvenir of this event was also distributed which was an artistic card with the traditional Hebrew prayer for travelers.
     

With inspiring words from Rabbis Analia and Mario we were reminded of the importance of our own personal family homes and the priviledge and responsibility of building our communal religious home. With prayers in hand, we left the synagogue committed to this sacred journey.

Time to Shine Letter to Congregants

It is said that faith burns brightest when it is shared.

At Congregation Or Hadash, we are blessed to share a bright and shining faith with each other and with the greater community.  When we move into our first permanent home, this wonderful light will shine with an even greater intensity, and we will have countless opportunities to witness its splendor...

    in the harmonious voices of members, young and old, joining in Rhythm & Ruach
    in the radiant smiles of children at Tot Shabbat
    in the warmth of the sun streaming in through windows and skylights
    in the timeless presence of the Ner Tamid, glowing through the ages
    in the gleaming eyes of a bride and groom united in marriage under the Chupah

We believe in the future of our synagogue, and we are exited to be a part of this history-making  $5 million capital campaign.  We hope you share our excitement and give from your hearts.

Together we will accomplish extraordinary things.  And together we will share in the celebration when we reach our campaign goal and open the doors of our new spiritual home.

Abby Friedmand & Harry Heiman   and   Melinda & Steve Wertheim

Time to Shine Campaign Leadership

Campaign Co-Chairs:

Abby Friedman and Harry Heiman

Melinda and Steve Wertheim

Board Campaign Co-Chairs:

Jodi Ginsberg

Fred Wachter

Congregational Campaign Co-Chairs:

Stephanie and Jeff Kupor

Lynn Epstein and Ken Stein

Campaign Cabinet Members:

Elaine Blumenthal

Judith Cohen

Betsy Edelman

Sherry Frank

Andy Kauss

Ann and Michael Kay

Steve Kutner

Michele and Kenneth Taylor

Congregational Campaign Committee:

Ellen Banov

Pamela Weizel and Stuart Brooker

Sandra Cuttler

Bruce Duner

Margo and Shiel Edlin

Kathy Eisenband

Sara Ghitis

Lori Halpern

Cheryl Hecht-Thurschwell

Rosanne Kauss

Randi Levy

Howard Maziar

Ben Nadler

Jeff Nemhauser

Steve Rothschild

Gaby Siegel

Gordy Singer

Robert Strauss

New Home Purchased!

Remarks taken from Sherry Z. Frank, President 

We have reached another milestone, a true Shehechayanu moment.  On Tuesday, October 28, 2010 we became the proud owners of the property on Trowbridge Road where we will build our future home.

There is no way to adequately thank Mark Hackner for finding and securing this property for us, to Steve Wertheim for working on the very favorable financial arrangements and to Andy Kauss for the long months and countless hours of attention to all the legal issues that were associated with this purchase. They were joined by other dedicated members who have all been instrumental in bringing us to this point.  We are indeed blessed with dedicated and talented leaders who have given tirelessly to make this dream of owning our own home a reality.

Thank you to the Abby Friedman and Harry Heiman and Melinda and Steve Wertheim for the wonderful leadership as we quietly launched our Capital Campaign over the summer.  Thank you to Lynn Epstein and Ken Stein and Stephanie and Jeff Kupor who have assembled a terrific team as they lead the way for our General Campaign.  Thank you to everyone for the extraordinary work you all have done and are continuing to do to make Congregation Or Hadash a truly inspiring, learning and caring community.

This is truly our most exciting chapter and we want everyone to be a part of this moment in the history of our congregation.

Warmly,
Sherry