Our Team

RABBI

Rabbi Lauren Henderson is our spiritual leader. Ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York in 2016, she is rooted in tradition and guided by a visionary spirit. Demonstrating a profound commitment to creating a home for Jewish connection and authenticity, R’ Lauren nurtures the divine spark within each person. She invites congregants to explore Jewish practices by incorporating meditation and contemplative music during worship. Her warm and inclusive approach fosters an environment where everyone can bring their whole selves.

During services, Rabbi Lauren regularly facilitates discussions, embraces diverse perspectives, and empowers members to connect Judaism's ancient wisdom with the realities of their own lives. She often invites congregants to take a deep breath and set an intention to tap into their own spiritual exploration. ’ Lauren and her husband, Joel Dworkin, have a son, Rafi, born right before Chanukah in 2022. A southerner who originally hails from Spartanburg, SC, she enjoys running even when it's completely humid out, discussing her and your favorite books and podcasts, and baking (and eating) all the chocolate.

PHD, DIRECTOR OF LIFELONG LEARNING & MUSIC

Amy comes to us with over 15 years of experience teaching and building Jewish education programs across the lifecycle. She began her career in academia, spending her 20s immersed in Jewish texts and language study at Harvard Divinity School and later at Emory, where she earned a PhD in Religion/Hebrew Bible. Her dissertation focused on the description of the mishkan in Exodus, looking at its unusually repetitive and formal writing style through the lens of ritual. Here in Atlanta and in Cambridge, MA, Amy has taught Tanakh, Judaism, Biblical Hebrew, and critical thinking and writing to undergraduates and graduate students.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jason is an Atlanta, Georgia native, and currently serves as the Executive Director at Or Hadash. Jason, his wife Jennifer, son Benjamin (18), and daughter Sidney (15) have been members of Or Hadash for over 15 years. He began his career in the world of Jewish education as a Regional Director for Young Judaea, and later pursued a 20 year journey in professional sports and entertainment with the San Jose Sharks, San Jose Arena, NHL, NBA, Atlanta Braves, Turner Field, Atlanta Thrashers, Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena. In his spare time, he watches his son play hockey, mercilessly teases his daughter, and takes long walks on the beach with his wife.

Bookkeeper

Angela is our longest tenured team member. She is ready to assist you with your synagogue Shulcloud accounts, payments and transactions.

Office Operations Coordinator

Fran knows everyone, and we mean everyone, Jewish in Atlanta. She is your first stop for assistance for all questions and concerns.

Environmental Services

Carlos and Santos keep this place clean, running, well-stocked and ready for any occasion.

PRESIDENT

Member since: Founding member

My People: My wife, my 3 daughters and son- in-laws, and my 6 grandchildren

My Passions: Love Friday night services, biking trips, playing golf, working out and being with my grandkids

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Member since: The Beginning!

My People: Wife to Adam, Mom of Aaron and Jonah. Also a proud Mitzvah Mom!

My Passions: Making the Or Hadash Broadcast look and sound great, traveling and hippopotamuses

TREASURER

Member Since: Founding member

My People: My wife Pam, kids Brandon and Molly

My Passions: My Or Hadash passions

Shabbat morning services (especially if Brandon is participating in the service), helping out with Zoom. Outside of Or Hadash, I sing with Collegium Vocale - the second oldest choral group in Atlanta.

VICE PRESIDENT

Member since: 2004

My People: My husband Bruce, my children Alex and Emily; and my chosen Atlanta mishpacha

My Passions: Building and strengthening our Or Hadash community; tennis, hiking, cooking and beach sunsets

VICE PRESIDENT

Member Since: 2005; board member and executive board member

My People: Scott (Husband), Evan (son) and 2 dogs

My Passions: Spending time with family and friends; yoga; music

VICE PRESIDENT

Member since: 2003

My People: My family: Paul, Evan, and Kris. The MH Moms

My passions Coffee, knitting, helping to make spaces where everyone feels welcome.

SECRETARY

Member Since: 2003

My People: Friday Kabbalat Shabbat, Evening Book Club, Torah in the Woods (simple participant), 60+ crowd (but love the intergenerational community -- would love to expand my circles).

My family: Michael, Alexis, Zach, Jolene and Avery live in Atlanta, Darin, Ronit, Amari and Nisa live in Seattle. My brother and his family in Houston and my sister and her family in DC area.

My Passions: Community, innovation, mentoring/coaching, education, economic development