What allows us to transform into the people, the institutions, and the world that we yearn for?
So often, our go-to tools of transformation and teshuvah are hard and sharp. Critical voices of inner judgment, that harsh, constant voice of “should” always in our ear. But what might happen if we approached ourselves and our world with tools that help us soften instead?
Just like Rabbi Akiva, who at middle age watched water that had softened rock with its steady flow over time and realized this was possible for his heart too - we too can be transformed. (Avot d’ Rabbi Natan, Chapter 6:2)
These High Holidays, we’ll explore the power of steady, gentle, and loving change, like water on rock, using the tools of prayer, song, learning, meditation, and community. I invite you to join us on this collective journey of transformation, becoming people who embody hesed - loving connection - in our world.
–Rabbi Lauren Henderson
High Holiday Tickets
Services will be held at Or Hadash and streamed over YouTube and Zoom. Members in good standing may attend in person by providing a picture ID. As a reminder, family memberships include any children under 25. For in person non-member tickets ($180/attendee) or to inquire about membership, contact the Or Hadash office at 404-250-3338 or fill out the ticket request form. There is no charge for non-member participation via Zoom, but registration is required for access. Please register for Zoom link here.
Youth Programming and Childcare
We provide stimulating and creative youth programming for grades K-7. Your children can look forward to an interactive animal experience, a puppet show, escape rooms, mock trials, and lots more! A combination of babysitting and programming will be available for ages 6 months-4 years (including time with the animals and puppets)! For details and to register your children, click here. There is a small charge for youth programming.
Tikkun Olam
Or Hadash will once again be collecting food for the hungry, leading up to and during the High Holidays. Please drop off your non-perishable items at Or Hadash through Yom Kippur.
Machzor information
Or Hadash will continue to use Machzor Lev Shalem, the companion machzor to our Shabbat siddur. Machzors will be available for everyone in the sanctuary. An online copy will be available for Zoom participants. You may also purchase or borrow a copy by contacting the office. Purchase price is $54.
Join Us!
We invite you to experience a variety of offerings during the High Holiday season. Please review the calendar of events and be a part of our music-focused sessions, Tashlich picnic, family oriented Kol Nidre service, youth and teen programs and our Or Hadash Rosh Hashanah Dinner and Yom Kippur Break Fast! Also join us for Sukkot Shabbat dinner in the Sukkah and Shabbat dinner on Simchat Torah. We look forward to being in community with all of you.
High Holiday Activities and Services:
Rosh HaShanah
Yom Kippur
Sukkot and Simchat Torah
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There’s a Hasidic teaching that goes like this: “Every locksmith has a master key with which they can open many doors. Singing niggunim (wordless melodies) is such a key, for it can unlock all doors.” Join us after Kiddush lunch to warm our souls and prepare for the High Holidays by singing the classic holiday niggunim and learning some newer melodies. You don’t have to be a brilliant singer, just willing to open your mouth and your heart!
Location: Or Hadash Courtyard
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If you find spiritual connection from being outdoors, join us for a pre-High Holiday hike. This is a three mile hike on unpaved terrain with several elevation changes. Plan accordingly and bring lots of water. We will meet in the farthest parking lot from the entrance in front of the Visitor’s Center. Dogs are allowed on leashes.
Location: Island Ford Visitor Center
1978 Island Ford Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30350
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Join us a week before Rosh Hashanah begins for an evening concert with Rabbi Lauren, Dr. Amy, and our davening team (Jeff Nemhauser and Drew Cohen) to prepare our hearts and souls for the melodies of Selichot and the High Holy days, including Havdalah.
Location: Or Hadash Courtyard
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Services will be held at Or Hadash and streamed over YouTube and Zoom. Members in good standing will be able to attend by providing a picture ID.
For non-member tickets, contact the Or Hadash office at 404-250-3338 or complete the ticket request form here.
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Following services Friday night, we will be joining together for a delicious catered Holiday dinner. RSVP is required. Cost is $30/person. Please provide any food allergies when you register.
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Join Rabbi Lauren and the Or Hadash community for Rosh HaShanah services. Services will be held at Or Hadash and streamed over YouTube and Zoom. Members in good standing will be able to attend by providing a picture ID.
For non-member tickets, contact the Or Hadash at 404-250-3338 or fill out the ticket request form here.
Youth programming will be held from 10 AM to 1 PM.
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In this service, we’ll let ourselves spend more time with the most meaningful prayers from the liturgy instead of rushing through. There will be singing and chanting, quiet meditation, two options for Torah service (the full Torah reading in the sanctuary as well as a Torah study to wrestle with the stories themselves), and of course, the shofar blasts. If you’d like to get a taste of what this service will look like, join us on Shabbat morning, August 12th for our new “Shabbat Hadasha” service.
Youth programming will be held from 10 AM to 1 PM.
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Join the Rabbi and Dr. Amy for Tashlich and a BYO Picnic dinner. We will be meeting at the Morgan Falls Pavilion.
Great for families of all ages.
Location: Morgan Falls
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Join Rabbi Lauren and your Or Hadash family for a visitation to Arlington Cemetery.
Location: Arlington Cemetery
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Bringing the beauty and spirituality of the traditional service, this abbreviated service is designed for our members with earlier bedtimes or who prefer a shorter service.
Location: Or Hadash sanctuary/Zoom
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Join our Or Hadash community for a beautiful, meaningful start to Yom Kippur.
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Join the Or Hadash community for Yom Kippur services. Yizkor at approximately 11:30 am.
Youth programming 10 am-1 pm.
Location: Or Hadash and Zoom/YouTube
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Stay at OH all day and participate in: a retrospective on the Six Day War with Professor Ken Stein, yoga, a holiday walk, an interfaith conversation on teshuvah, a workshop on Doing Teshuvah and Making Amends: How We Repent Matters by Joel Dworkin, schmoozing with friends
Location: Or Hadash
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Don’t miss our Or Hadash Youth performance of Jonah—a highlight of our Yom Kippur day.
Location: Or Hadash sanctuary
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Join us for the beautiful final services for Yom Kippur as the “gates close.” Havdalah is 8 PM.
Stay for our community Break Fast immediately following Havdalah.
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Join our congregation for a catered Break Fast in the courtyard immediately following services. RSVP is required. $18/person. Please register and provide any food allergies.
Location: Or Hadash Courtyard
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Join us for Shabbat services followed by a lovely catered dinner in the Sukkah. $25/person. RSVP required.
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Join us for services and kiddush in the Sukkah.
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Join us for our 3rd annual Movie in the Sukkah.. We will be screening “Orchestra of Exiles”
Come at 7 PM for a light nosh and Havdalah. The movie starts at 8:15 PM.
Free to attend. RSVP requested here.
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If you are considering joining our congregational trip to Israel in December 2024 please attend this planning meeting to discuss your tour and program interests. We are building this experience based on your input.
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Enjoy special single malt scotch and sizzling steaks with OH Men’s Club. Space is limited to 40 participants so please RSVP.
Cost: $40 for Men’s Club Members/$50 non-members.
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Join the women of Or Nashim for conversation, games, nosh and libations in the Sukkah. Bring your favorite games or pick from the ones others bring. A great opportunity to meet new people and connect with long-time friends.
Free for Or Nashim members.
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Come dance with the book our rabbis say has no beginning and no end. Start with a festive, family-friendly Shabbat dinner. RSVP required.
$10/adult and $5/kids
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Join us for Simchat Torah/ Yizkor/Shabbat Services (followed by Kiddush)
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Youth Programming & Childcare
Please register your K-7th grade kids to participate in stimulating and creative activities during High Holidays. Childcare available for under 4 yrs.
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Yizkor Book -B’Sefer Hayim
We combine our traditional Yizkor Book with a Book of Life. We invite you to remember and honor loved ones who have passed and share messages of gratitude. Make your submissions for inclusion in our Or Hadash book.
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Yom Tov/Shabbat Dinner: Erev Rosh HaShanah
Following services Friday night, we will be joining together for a lovely catered Holiday dinner. RSVP is required. $30/person. Please provide any food allergies when you register.
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Kol Nidre Appeal
Make your Kol Nidre contribution now and help ensure the financial strength of our community. To make a pledge, please email kol-nidre@or-hadash.org.
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Break Fast after Neilah
Join us in the Courtyard for a catered Or Hadash Break Fast, immediately after Yom Kippur Neilah services. RSVP required. $18/person .