Andria P. McClellan, Norfolk City Councilwoman; Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president, Union for Reform Judaism; Lynwood W. Lewis, Jr., Senate of Virginia; Courtney Doyle, Norfolk City Councilwoman; Cantor Jennifer Rueben; Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg; City of Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander; Rabbi Lawrence A. Forman; Jerrauld C. C. “Jay” Jones, Virginia House of Delegate; and U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott.
With so much to celebrate—its sanctuary’s 100th anniversary and the congregation’s upcoming 175th anniversary—Ohef Sholom Temple rededicated the synagogue’s sanctuary on Saturday, Oct. 13.
After a processional with clergy, past presidents carrying the temple’s Torahs, and other temple leaders, a spirited Havdalah service took place, followed by a moving rededication service conducted by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg and Cantor Jennifer Rueben.
One of the many highlights of the evening was an inspirational message from special guest Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ), of which OST is a member. Rabbi Jacobs presented a case for a positive and hopeful future of Judaism, as well as for the strength of the Reform Movement.
In addition to congregants, the event was attended by several area rabbis and ministers, as well as by political dignitaries. Norfolk’s Mayor Kenneth Alexander read and presented the temple with a proclamation in honor of the occasion, as Norfolk Mayor Wyndham Mayo did in 1918.
Following the service, an elegant reception took place in Kaufman Hall.