A homecoming for Congregation Ohev Shalom's Centennial Gala Weekend

As Congregation Ohev Shalom gears up to celebrate its Centennial, the COS Gala Committee is seeking to reach out to former members and others who have fond memories of the congregation and may wish to join in the celebration of this milestone.

The COS Centennial Gala Weekend will be held Feb. 9–10, 2018. Observances of its 100th anniversary will be included in Shabbat services on those days, and the weekend celebration will culminate in a truly special gala on Saturday evening.

There are many ways to celebrate with members during this special weekend -members and friends are invited to come to one or all of the Gala Weekend activities. Here's an overview of just some of the memorable moments in store:

Friday Night Traditional Shabbat Dinner and Service

Enjoy a traditional, family-style Shabbat dinner (6 p.m.; $36/adult, $18/child (5–12 years), free for age 4 and under; dinner is included at some sponsorship levels). Followed by a special Erev Shabbat service (7:30 p.m.), featuring beautiful "throwback" melodies for the customary prayers to help recall the past, as well as other special Centennial tributes. A delicious Oneg Shabbat dessert buffet will follow the service.

Saturday Morning Shabbat Service and Kiddush Luncheon

The day begins with a special Centennial Shabbat morning service (9:30 a.m.).

Everyone who has become a bar or bat mitzvah at Ohev Shalom will be honored with a group aliyah. To participate, please send in your name and the year of your bar or bat mitzvah to Lisa Schwartz at lisaschwartz22@mac.com

Other meaningful tributes and recollections will make this a memorable Shabbat service not to be missed. An enjoyable dairy Kiddush luncheon will follow the service

Saturday Night Centennial Gala

The evening begins at 7 p.m. with cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres, and a look at all the fabulous silent auction items.

New this year: Handheld mobile bidding will let you bid on special packages and exciting items while you chat with friends or enjoy dinner! Directions will be provided for downloading an app on your smartphone to bid on silent auction items and keep tabs on those items while the auction remains open. You can also set up automatic bidding, name your top bid, and be notified when you are being outbid. No smartphone? No problem! Staff will be on hand to assist you with bidding.

Spectacular dishes such as Hand-Carved Prime Rib of Beef and a variety of ethnic delicacies will be served up fresh at chef stations for a delightful dinner.

Enjoy a truly special performance by the Jewish vocal trio of Andra London, Talia Osteen, and Amy Turner-the Visions Reunion. This renowned group launched on COS's bima in 1997, when Cantor Robuck arranged songs for the three young women to sing at Ohev High Holiday services not long after they became b'not mitzvah. Visions went on to become acclaimed recording artists, performing concerts all over the nation for many years-and their love for Ohev brings them back to entertain us on this extraordinary night with their first performance in eight years!

Many more special moments await-join in and be a part of it! Individual gala tickets are $150, or consider becoming a sponsor.

Sponsorship opportunities: The Gala raises funds needed for Ohev Shalom's many excellent programs and services for children, families and adults. You can help by becoming a Centennial Gala Sponsor. In addition to tickets for the Gala, our sponsors receive a range of special benefits based on sponsorship level. Reserve your sponsorship by Jan. 26, 2018, to be included in the Tribute Book. For more information, contact Nina Oppenheim at ninaopp@gmail.com, or click on the Gala Sponsorship Form link on the home page of the COS website, OhevShalom.org.

If you, or your family members or friends, have been members of COS at some point in its history or would like to join in celebrating this important milestone in Orlando's Jewish community, please contact us at 407-298-4650 or office@ohevshalom.org.