Congregation Olam Tikvah

We were all winners last Saturday night at Game Night, a fundraiser to support the Adult Education Fund. More than 80 players and game masters joined us for an evening of mah jongg, hearts, Settlers of Catan, rummikub, Apples to Apples, and more! All that plus a prize-filled raffle, a pair of magicians who amazed us all AND lots of snacks and mocktails for everyone to enjoy.

Photos by Dan Noble

Our People of the Book series continued this past Sunday, when we welcomed cookbook author and entrepreneur, Rachel Simons. Rachel shared memories of her childhood, talked about Tu BiShevat, and demonstrated three recipes from her cookbook, Sesame: Global Recipes + Stories of an Ancient Seed. It was an afternoon filled with learning and lots of delicious things to taste and explore. A special thanks to our volunteers, who helped make the whole program possible!

For more about our People of the Book series, made possible through partnership with the Jewish Book Council, visit https://www.olamtikvah.org/peopleofthebook5786
Photos by Dan Noble and Debra Ackerman

Take one thing of your to-do list before Shabbat and order your Michloach Manot now!

Purim is all about joy, connection, and community—and Mishloach Manot is one of the most beautiful ways we live that out. At Olam Tikvah, every household receives a Purim treat bag so that no one celebrates alone. By participating in our Olympic-Style Mishloach Manot Campaign, you can take part in the mitzvah by adding your name to your friends’ Purim greetings while also supporting our OT community.

It’s a simple, meaningful way to spread joy, strengthen connections, and help make Purim a truly shared celebration.

Orders are due by February 10 at 12:00pm

Learn more and order at https://www.olamtikvah.org/purim

Prefer a paper form? Call the OT office and we'll get on sent out to you.

Purim - Congregation Olam Tikvah Celebrate Purim at OT! Hear the megillah, order mishloach manot and more.

On Sunday, Congregation Olam Tikvah, in partnership with Durga Temple, hosted a program exploring how Hindus and Jews celebrate the triumph of light over darkness through the holidays of Diwali and Chanukah. Over 100 people from both communities enjoyed traditional foods and new friends as they shared the customs and stories of our respective holidays and shared personal experiences as Jews and Hindus in the United States.

Our People of the Book program welcomed our second author of the year, Adam Nimoy, on Saturday night. Thank you to the 100+ people who joined us to hear about his book, The Most Human: Reconciling With My Father, Leonard Nimoy (which is still available for purchase at Jewish Treasures). The night began with havdalah, followed by Adam Nimoy sharing stories about his family, Hollywood, recovery, and more--all with a distinct Jewish flavor.

Our journey continues on Sunday, February 1, with cookbook author Rachel Simons, who will join us for an afternoon focused on Tu BiShevat that will include cooking demonstrations and lots of delicious things to taste. To register, visit https://www.olamtikvah.org/event/tu-bishevat-cooking-event-with-rachel-simons.html Thank you to our co-sponsors, the Olam Tikvah Sisterhood and the Olam Tikvah Green Initiative.

People of the Book is presented in partnership with the Jewish Book Council. Photos by Dan Noble.

The OT clothing swap is in full swing and we have something to fit every child! Everybody is welcome to come and “shop” so be sure to come and take a look. A big thanks to our volunteers for helping to make this possible!

Before the start of , where Rabbi Ben Sigal is representing , the entire delegation posed for a photo. We are proud to have two OT faces in the group!

On Friday, before Kabbalat Shabbat, members of Olam Tikvah came together to replace our Bring Them Home Now banners with the faces of the remaining living hostages returning home.

The future of our community is bright! 🌟 At the recent annual meeting, Debra Ackerman, OT’s Director of Congregational Education & Programming, presented the 2025 Linda Cohn Memorial Youth Award 🏆.

This award was established by Ken Cohn in memory of his wife Linda, a talented Jewish educator, who cared deeply about young people, from preschool through high school, having powerful and meaningful Jewish experiences. More than a recognition, this award is a celebration of the next generation of Jewish leadership.

Congratulations to this year’s honoree, Alicia F!

More from our recent congregational annual meeting. A hearty mazal tov to our newly elected and installed members of the OT Board of Directors! 🎉

Installation of New Board Members
A hearty mazal tov to our newly elected and installed members of the OT Board of Directors!
Financial Secretary: Marvin K
Directors: Karen H, Yoni B, Daniel F, Sara B, and Andrew G

And a heartfelt todah rabah to those who have rotated off the board.