Or VeShalom Golf Tournament set for Aug. 17

On Monday, Aug. 17, at Bear’s Best Atlanta, Congregation Or VeShalom (OVS) of Brookhaven will hold a golf tournament fundraising event for the first time in well over a decade. Judging by the early buzz for the late-summer event in Suwanee, it seems safe to say it won’t be another decade-plus until the esteemed synagogue hosts another fundraiser of this type.

Fueled by the mission to raise supplementary funds for year-round special programs, Congregation Or VeShalom, founded more than a century ago by Sephardic Jewish families from the Island of Rhodes, originally aimed for a 65-person event. Currently, with the big day still several weeks out, more than 80 attendees are slated to play at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and partake in the post-golf festivities, which include a banquet luncheon, awards ceremony, and raffle. Surely, the larger-than-expected turnout will not only help Or VeShalom meet its fundraising goals, but it will also allow congregants to socialize and forge connections in a unique setting merely weeks before they reconvene for the High Holidays.

“This is going to be really fun because I’m finding that a lot of our programs and fundraisers happen around the synagogue, as does that occur with many congregations,” said Talya Wittenberg, program and engagement manager for Or VeShalom who’s been the driving force behind the logistical planning for this golf event. “But with this one, it’s just going to be really nice to get out and get fresh air and be able to be a community outside of the synagogue. I think a lot of communities and congregations can sometimes miss that — where you have this beautiful environment in the building, but it doesn’t always necessarily translate the same way outside the building.

“I’m personally really just excited to see all the people who don’t necessarily make it to synagogue every week, just be able to come out and get some fresh air and have some fun outside of the building. It will be such a nice little getaway for all of our congregants. It’s really just a friendly way to begin some competition for the day.”

The golf tournament, set to tee off at 9:45 a.m. and preceded by an early-morning putting contest (available for both golfers and spectators and held in conjunction with a continental breakfast), is also a means for honoring longtime Or VeShalom member and three-time congregation president (1978, 1979, 2005) Dr. Sidney Tourial, whose daughter, Jennifer, will serve as the keynote speaker at the afternoon banquet, which is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.

“For more than 50 years, Sidney has been instrumental in writing and directing OVS plays, contributing immensely to the cultural and communal life of the congregation,” Congregation Or VeShalom said in an official statement. “A dentist by profession, he has also played a significant role in the greater Atlanta Jewish community through leadership and volunteer involvement with the AJCC and the Atlanta Jewish Federation. An avid golfer, Sidney has enjoyed playing courses around the world. He and his wife, Susan, have three children and six grandchildren, and he is honored to be this year’s golf tournament honoree.”

Congregation Or VeShalom empowers its congregation with a constant offering of family programs, adult learning opportunities, holiday celebrations, and community outreach events. A fundraising golf tournament such as the one planned for Aug. 17 is incredibly vital in raising funds to subsidize these communal gatherings as well as Sunday School tuition assistance programs. In terms of holidays, two marquee annual celebrations that are free of charge, the Hanukkah Bazaar and Purim Carnival, can be magnified and accessible to a larger swath of Atlanta’s Jewish community — without having to rely on securing outside sponsorships.

But in the short-term, Wittenberg and her colleagues at Or VeShalom are hoping that this late-summer golf tourney will help the synagogue continue building momentum in its outreach efforts.

“We’re working really hard to open ourselves up to the broader Jewish Atlanta community,” added Wittenberg. “We would love for people to come check us out. It’s such a welcoming environment.”

Though public registration will close on Aug. 3, those interested in registering are still able to do so by calling Or VeShalom directly at 404-633-1737. Registration for an individual golfer is $250, while a foursome is $900.

Those interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities, which range from $360 to $2,500, are encouraged to check out the following link: ovs.shulcloud.com/form/golf2026

Should inclement weather descend on the region on Aug. 17, the golf tournament will not be cancelled. A postponement date within this calendar year will be announced as soon as possible.