Over 30 members and guests gathered for a fun-filled “No Kings Purim” celebration at TvO, with live music provided by “Lavine and the Flying Machine” featuring Jennie Lavine! [March 2026]
Exploring Jewish Identity
In February 2026, over twenty intrepid TvO congregants trekked out in the cold and wind (with over 20 on Zoom) to hear about Jewish journeys and talk about Jewish Identity. Thank you to panelists Lauren, Miranda, Lara, Faith and Michael for open, warm and heartfelt stories filled with humor and love, and to Jeff for facilitating.
In March 2026, Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein of Congregation Shir Shalom in Buffalo spoke about the dual affiliation (Reform and Reconstructionist) of that synagogue. Watch the recording of that program HERE.
Our Hanukkah Celebration & Discussion Lights Up the Night
Dedicated folks came from far and wide seeking community light on a dark and somewhat stormy night for our Hanukkah celebration. Thanks to Michael Margolin for leading us, to Dr. Lauren Monroe for a lively discussion on “What’s the Story with Hanukkah?” and to everyone who shared the light of their hanukkiah! [December 2025]
An Evening with Peter Beinart
Over 120 congregants and community members came out to see a discussion with author Peter Beinhart, led by Judy Saul. Beinart’s fourth book, Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning, was the topic of a book discussion at TvO. As one participant wrote “A wonderful presentation by a brilliant, thoughtful and empathetic scholar. Thank you to all who made it possible and kudos to Judy Saul for her ability to move the discussion along with a wise and clear distillation of the many questions she must have received.” [November 2025] WATCH the recording HERE
We are pleased to share these recordings of guest presentations from fall 2025:
An Evening with Dr Alice Rothchild (November 17. 2025) WATCH HERE.
A Conversation with Atalya Ben-Abba (September 15, 2025) WATCH HERE
Concert with Leah Shoshana
Thanks to Michael Margolin for helping to bring Leah Shoshana to our congregation for a night of magical music! Her songs filled our hearts with compassion, humor and spirit, resonating so well with our community. And thanks to Marne for adding her beautiful voice. [October 2025]
Rosh Hashanah Picnic and Tashlich
Thanks to everyone who contributed to our wonderful Rosh Hashanah services. Special appreciation to whoever kept the rain away! Over 30 people enjoyed our after-service picnic and Tashlich ceremony, led by Jeff B., Lauren K and Marne O. [September 2025]
New JLE year begins
Jewish Learning Experience (JLE) is off to a great start for the 25/26 year! we have a total of 35 students including 9 new students from 6 new families. We welcome back seven B’Mitzvah alumni who are with us this year as madrichol (teaching assistants). [September 2025]
Shabbat in the Park
Thanks to all who came to the TvO’s annual Shabbat in the Park. We shared food, song and good conversation on a beautiful summer evening at Stewart Park [August 2025]
Summer Family Picnic
About 20 families gathered at Stewart Park to enjoy an evening of games, songs and dinner for a summer family picnic. It was a great way for parents and children to get a sense of Tikkun v’Or community! [June 2025]
Listen to Your Mother, FUNdraising event
Thanks to everyone who helped make our Listen to Your Mother FUNdraiser a huge success. Over 80 people attended and we heard many funny, inspirational and poignant stories. Thanks to those who attended and to those who supported our silent auction, so we were able to help support Open Doors English!! [May 2025]
Community Passover Seder
Thanks to Rabbi Lenore Bohm and Miranda Phillips for leading us in a meaningful seder. With the help of many volunteers who read passages and poems, helped with set-up and clean-up and who brought food, over 70 congregants and visitors broke Matzo together as we recalled Our Story. [April 2025]
Essential Questions and Key Strategies for Thriving as a Jewish Community Today, with Rabbi Micah Geurin-Weiss
Over 50 congregants gathered with Rabbi Weiss (Assoc. Director For Thriving Communities and Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Reconstructionist Movement) to help us consider some key questions and strategies that might help TvO to continuing thriving as a synagogue and to have a meaningful impact on our local, national and global communities. Rabbi Micha provided insights and examples from his work with a range of congregations and answered questions from the audience. Look for announcements for up-and-coming future discussions.