We started to learn along with this new synagogue about rituals, observances and the importance of being counted as an active member of the community. Our children felt very comfortable at Ohev Shalom, first being schlepped with each of us to services and meetings, and then through their own programming, education and youth activities. Ohev Shalom strengthened our family's individual and collective Ner Tamid in so many ways. Rabbi Perlstein and the professional staff always promoted learning from whatever point you started offering encouragement and additional possibilities all along the way. We have all added a few more trips to Israel to our experience list, our children with USY and as a family most recently with our Ohev Shalom family in 1998.
E xperiencing Israel, old and new, with extended family is more special than words can express.
All of us, adults and children alike, continue to share the special bonds we acquired from sharing the spiritual and emotional experience that is Israel. Ohev Shalom's commitment to Israel educational experiences for our children grew through the creation of the Jerusalem Fund. We will forever be indebted to our synagogue family for giving us the opportunity to be such an important part of the creation of that very special fund. Our family has shared in Ohev Shalom's growth of commitment both in the community and to the State and People of Israel through cultural programs, hosting Elie Wiesel, Safam, Debbie Friedman and yes, even Dr. Ruth. Purim Carnivals, Hanukkah candle lightings and especially the writing of our own Ohev Shalom Torah and parading it down Second Street Pike are opportunities Ohev Shalom has provided us for which we will forever be grateful.