As we all continue to navigate these uncharted waters, we want to provide an update on Olam Tikvah’s operations.
Our current plan is to open our sacred space each evening at 8pm for those saying kaddish and/or in need of a quiet moment of communal prayer.
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PLEASE, if you are in the heightened risk categories by virtue of age and/or health profile, we strongly request you stay at home.
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If you are present, we are grateful our large sanctuary provides plenty of room for responsible distancing. Please feel free to bring your own siddur and kippah.
The Governor and the Virginia Health Department have banned all gatherings over 100 people. Therefore, we are suspending all Shabbat services until a time yet determined.
All other Olam Tikvah programming is also suspended. If you have other building related questions, please direct them to Rochelle at
rgoldberg@olamtikvah.org.
The Religious School has suspended in-person classes. OTRS teachers and staff are working in a highly collaborative fashion to keep students and families connected to Jewish life and to each other. More information will be forthcoming.
Our staff will be teleworking, and they will be available by email during business hours. Our answering service will cover the phones, so we appreciate your patience if it takes a short while for your call to be returned. Our custodial staff is continuing to focus on cleaning and disinfecting public areas, doorknobs, handles, banisters, etc. and will continue to keep our building clean and well-maintained.
Rabbis Kalender and Ravski will continue to be available to support you in every way possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them. Over the coming days, they will be sharing written materials, audio/video messages and resources to help us embrace the blessings and inspiration that are embedded in our resilient tradition.
Our continuing and fervent prayer is that we, the community of Olam Tikvah and the community of humanity, through our dedication to God and to each other, find strength in the face of this challenge.
Brittanie Werbel, Rabbi David Kalender, Rabbi Evan Ravski,
Debra Beland Ackerman, Rochelle Goldberg
