A MESSAGE FROM OUR CNT PRESIDENT

This past Friday evening, I had the privilege of experiencing something truly special within our community — something I had never experienced before. I will share more about it soon, but first, a little background.

Thirteen years ago, two children were born who celebrated their Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah respectively this month. Thirteen years ago, Congregation Ner Tamid was actively searching for a permanent home after many years of graciously sharing space offered by Christ Lutheran Church in Marietta. Thirteen years ago, we were actively building partnerships with regional synagogues and strengthening the bonds of Jewish community that open doors for growth, friendship, and connection.

And thirteen years ago, one of those sacred connections gifted us something that would touch our congregation for more than a decade.

In 2013, Congregation Ner Tamid owned one Torah, generously given to us by a synagogue in Buffalo, New York. Through community relationships, we connected with Temple Israel of Columbus, Georgia — the second oldest Jewish congregation in Georgia, founded in 1854. Temple Israel, blessed with five Torahs, graciously loaned one to our congregation.

That Torah became part of our family.

Over the years, it has been present for countless B’nai Mitzvah celebrations, including those of my two children, as well as countless holidays and Shabbat Services. It helped carry our community forward during our years of growth and transformation.

Today, Congregation Ner Tamid is blessed to have three

Torahs. Recently, Temple Israel shared that they would like to bring their Torah home, returning it to the Ark where an empty space has awaited it for many years.

This past Friday night, during Shabbat services Rabbi Prass shared the history of this Torah and our congregation gathered to honor this extraordinary act of generosity and partnership. Together, as one united community, members and guests participated in a rare and deeply moving Community Aliyah — reciting the blessings before and after the Torah reading together, in one collective voice.

It was more than a prayer. It was a reminder.

A reminder that Torah is not only carried in our arms, but in our hearts.

A reminder that communities grow stronger when they support one another.

A reminder that acts of kindness can shape generations.

Todah Rabah to Temple Israel for your generosity, trust, and partnership throughout these many years. And Todah Rabah to the members of Congregation Ner Tamid for creating a community worthy of such blessings and meaningful moments.

One voice. One community. 

With a Focus on Community,

Matt Berenson

President, Congregation Ner Tamid

We invite you to join us for Shabbat Services

Friday evenings at 7:30 pm.

Our upcoming Shabbat services will be led by:

May 22 - Rob Goldstein

May 29 - Rabbi Prass

Annual Members Community Meeting

Sunday, May 31 at 10:00 am

Dine & Discuss

Friday, June 12 at 6:30 pm

Bring a “brown bag” dinner and join Rabbi Prass for a thought-provoking group discussion before services begin!

Religious School Open House

Sundays - June 28 and July 26

Details to come!

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

Daniel Benmeleh's Bar Mitzvah

On May 16 Daniel Benmeleh became a bar mitzvah! We were all so proud of the great job he did leading the service and chanting his Torah portion. Mazel tov to Daniel and his family!

Graduations

Congratulations to our recent graduates. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors!

Sierra Gold will be attending Georgia College and State University and will major in Marketing.

Morgan Kohler has graduated from Penn State University with her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Accounting, and will be working at the accounting firm Grant Thornton in Columbia, South Carolina.

Anslee Seitel will be attending UGA in the fall and will major in Marketing.

Sophia Simon will be participating in an Israel birthright trip in June, and plans to study Engineering at Georgia Southern University.

Jessica Ungar-Wilder has graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary studies.

End of School Year Community Picnic

We had a wonderful time at our end-of-year community picnic! From delicious food to crafts and games — including a giant Jenga match — it was such a fun way to celebrate an amazing school year together.

A heartfelt thank you to our religious school teachers, families, and administrators for helping make our school such a warm, joyful, and special place to learn and grow.

We’re looking forward to a relaxing summer and are already excited for another wonderful school year ahead.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!