Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom

08/18/2026

Can We Count On You for a Minyan? - https://mailchi.mp/ohevbethsholom.org/can-we-count-on-you-for-a-minyan

08/17/2026

This Week with OBS | August 17-23, 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/ohevbethsholom.org/this-week-with-obs-17380496

08/16/2026

A statement from Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, on the incident at Central Synagogue:

Last night, a joyful, spiritual gathering at Central Synagogue was disrupted by violence. We are grateful no one was seriously hurt, and we thank the security team, NYPD, and clergy for responding swiftly.

As Jews experience this climate of heightened antisemitism, words matter as much as actions. We call on every leader in New York City, including Mayor Mamdani, to condemn antisemitism consistently and unequivocally. Bad actors regularly conflate hatred of Israel with hatred of Jewish people living their lives. Ambiguity, even unintentional, leaves room for hatred to fester.

2,000 years ago, Rabbi Akiva was studying Torah in a public place. One of the students asked if he was afraid.
Rabbi Akiva replied with a parable:

A fox, walking along a riverbank, saw fish fleeing, and asked them: why?

They said: We are fleeing from the nets that people cast upon us.

He said: Do you wish to come onto dry land?

The fish said: If we are afraid in the water, our natural habitat which gives us life, then in a habitat that causes our death, all the more so.(Berachot 61b)

We will not answer fear by retreating behind locked doors. Our welcoming communities are where we find our strength and our purpose. We will keep our doors open, keep our arms open, and keep insisting that Jewish life be proud and unafraid.

And as we continue to lean into living Jewish lives of commitment, depth and pride, we must also urge Congress to pass the Jewish Americans Safety Act, into law.

Among its provisions, the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act would provide $1 billion in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to improve security at synagogues and other faith-based and nonprofit institutions.

Jewish spiritual practice includes study, prayer and yes, action. Let us double down on all three.

https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/URJ/campaigns/137554/respond

08/12/2026

The Passing of Dr. Robert Udell - https://mailchi.mp/ohevbethsholom.org/passing-17380484

08/12/2026

Mazel tov to our outstanding volunteer fundraising team!

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter announced the honorees for 2026 National Philanthropy Day Awards.

08/10/2026

This Week with OBS | August 10-16, 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/ohevbethsholom.org/this-week-with-obs-17380468

08/09/2026

In August 1954, more than a thousand people gathered at 505 Gypsy Lane to mark the dedication of the Youngstown Jewish Community Center. (Courtesy of Mahoning Valley Historical Center)

08/04/2026

✈️ This December, Reform Jews will be traveling from near and far to gather in Philadelphia for BIENNIAL —and we can't wait to welcome you!

📍Where will you be traveling from? Drop your city (or state/province!) in the comments and let's see just how far our community reaches. ⬇️

08/04/2026

Time for class this week!

08/03/2026

This Week with OBS | August 3-9, 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/ohevbethsholom.org/this-week-with-obs-17380430