On the first Shabbat of August, Friday the 6th and Saturday the 7th, Congregation Ohev Shalom welcomes a new rabbi on its Bima. Rabbi Murray Ezring will serve as spiritual leader of COS, guiding the congregation and serving its needs as it continues its search for a long-term rabbi.

"I am very excited to work with Rabbi Ezring!" said COS Board of Trustees president Rachel Gebaide. "I look forward to learning from him and hearing his perspectives. It will be a pleasure to welcome Rabbi Ezring and his wife, Barbara, to Ohev Shalom."

Rabbi Ezring has more than four decades of experience in strengthening congregations through innovative pulpit and teaching techniques, in conjunction with a compassionate and sensitive pastoral presence. He is committed to a whole-synagogue approach guided by the concept of Relational Judaism. In 2019, Rabbi Ezring retired from Temple Sinai in Charlotte, N.C., after a distinguished 25-year career leading his congregation. He comes to COS from Norfolk, Va., where he has served for the past two years as interim rabbi at Congregation Beth El.

Rabbi Ezring will work with lay and professional leaders of COS to help the congregation shape its future. He has undertaken intensive training with the Rabbinical Assembly, joining a small cadre of highly experienced Conservative rabbis who specialize in helping congregations during times of transition. In addition to his rabbinic duties, Rabbi Ezring will serve as a guide as the congregation reassesses its goals and priorities, as well as counsel and support COS in its search for its next permanent rabbi. 

The COS Rabbinic Search Committee began its work in the fall of 2020, but restrictions on travel and the general atmosphere of uncertainty brought on by the global health emergency proved to be formidable constraints. Committee members were very pleased to find and secure a commitment from Rabbi Ezring, whose rabbinic accomplishments, strong and welcoming Bima presence, and engaging, empathetic manner make him highly sought after. The committee is eager to begin its work anew, with Rabbi Ezring as an ally and guide, when the High Holiday season is over and the rabbinic hiring season begins.

"Ohev Shalom is looking forward to Rabbi Ezring's assistance and involvement as we review our congregation's and congregants' needs and strengthen our relationships," said Jeff Bornstein, who along with Lori Brenner is co-chair of the COS Rabbinic Search Committee. "The congregation is excited to work with Rabbi Ezring as we look to the future and continue to grow in our second century of serving the Jewish community of Central Florida," added Brenner.

The community is warmly invited to join COS for Friday night services and Oneg Shabbat on Friday, Aug. 6, as we welcome Rabbi and Barbara Ezring to our congregation. Note that COS currently requires face masks for all congregants and guests entering the synagogue, regardless of vaccination status.

Also, join COS for these other August highlights as the congregation prepares to greet the High Holidays. Visit the COS website (click on High Holy Days 5782) or contact the office by email or phone for information and registration.

Sweet as Honey

Wednesday, Aug. 11, 5–6:30 p.m.

It is a tradition to eat apples and honey for a sweet new year. Want to know how honey is made? Join us for a fun and educational program with a beekeeper from Local Bee Honey. She is bringing everything to learn how honey is made, including the bees! All ages welcome - dinner, honey tasting and fun included for all!

Styling the Sukkah

Tuesday, Aug. 17, 7–9 p.m.

Get your paintbrush ready to help COS make decorations for our Sukkah! Did you know our clergy assistant, Vann, is an artist? Join us as she shares her artistic talent and teaches us how to paint sun-catchers and string festive garlands for Sukkot during this adult art class. All supplies and instruction provided.

B'Yachad Elul Two Drink Minimum: Holiday Cocktail How-To With a Jewish Twist

Thursday, Aug. 19, 7–9 p.m.

Get your shakers ready for a sweet new year! Stacey Glazer, former bartender, current USCJ engagement director, religious school teacher and JTS student, will teach us how to make two specialty cocktails created with Rosh Hashanah in mind! $18 per ticket (21+)

Musical Healing Service

Sunday, Aug. 22, 7–9 p.m.

Join Cantor Robuck at the piano for a 1-hour service featuring music with healing energy. There will be mixture of melodies for the whole congregation to sing as well as some for listening with varying composers and styles.

We Want More Apple Cake!

Thursday, Aug. 26, 7–9 p.m.

Last year's virtual joint baking programs were so popular we are bringing them back! Prepare for the holidays by learning how to prepare this yummy apple cake together on Zoom. Great for all ages - we supply the recipe and you supply the ingredients!