Or Hadash, meaning “new light,” is a home for Jewish connection, for the sacred, for authenticity, for the seeker.​

New to Or Hadash? Discover how you can become part of our welcoming community. Whether you're exploring Judaism for the first time or seeking a new spiritual home, we welcome you to join us in meaningful connection and joyful practice.

We believe that we each hold a divine spark of light inside of us, whether we’re total novices in Jewish prayer and study or we come from years of experience. We bring our full selves here, and we invite you to bring your whole self, too.

Join Us for Services

In-Person: Experience the warmth of our community firsthand.

Online: Participate via Zoom (password required) or YouTube (no password needed).​

Rabbi Lauren Henderson’s Rosh HaShanah Day 1 Sermon

What We Offer

  • A woman with long dark hair, smiling and looking down, reading a book on a wooden stand, in a room with beige and gray walls.

    Inclusive Worship

    Experience services that honor tradition and embrace modernity.

  • A Torah scroll resting on a table alongside a prayer cloth, with a printed prayer or script in Hebrew and English on a piece of paper.

    Lifelong Learning

    Engage in educational opportunities for all ages.

  • People dancing under a tent with colorful lighting, enjoying a lively party or celebration.

    Community Connections

    Participate in diverse groups and social events.

  • Group of people assembling a structure outdoors, using ladders and a scaffold, in front of a modern building with large windows.

    Social Action:

    Join us in making a positive impact through Tikkun Olam.​

Featured Events

  • Two gray candles are positioned in front of two overlapping blue heart-shaped objects with flame designs inside. The candles are lit, with visible flames at the top.

    Shabbat: January 9-10

    Kabbalat Shabbat - 6:30 pm

    Shabbat Morning Services -9:15 am

    Step out of your week and into Shabbat with song, prayer, and community.

  • Graphic promoting Jewish mindfulness meditation with Rabbi Lauren, featuring a woman with closed eyes and symbols representing health, meditation, and wellness.

    Drop-In Meditation at Or Hadash

    Thursday, January 8, 12:15 pm

    Take a breath during your busy day and re-center yourself through Jewish mindfulness meditation led by Rabbi Lauren. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a newcomer to meditation, an occasional practitioner, or you've had a steady practice for years.

    Please arrive before 12:15 pm so we can start on time and allow ample time for guided meditation, silence, teaching, and questions. 

  • An advertisement for a Musical Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner event featuring a synagogue scene with people singing and playing guitars, and a separate image of a person holding a bowl of roasted vegetables and other foods, with musical notes and text overlaying the images.

    Musical Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner

    Friday, January 9, 5:25 pm

    Let’s brighten the dark nights together—kids, grandparents, teens, toddlers, and everyone in between. We’ll kindle the lights at 5:25 pm, adding a little extra glow as we welcome Shabbat.

    After candle lighting, enjoy an early, family-friendly dinner, perfect for hungry kids and grown-ups alike. Expect warm company and the joyful feeling of being together as we celebrate Shabbat and one another. After dinner, stay for Musical Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6:30 pm, led by R'Lauren and our davening team with song and guitar.

    Dinner RSVP: $10/person
    Kids 5 and under are free.
    Come for the candle lighting and dinner. Stay for the community.

    Schedule
     5:25 pm Candle Lighting & Dinner

    6:30 pm Shabbat Services

  • A woman with young children around a table playing a game with red and purple pieces, with a sign above reading 'Tot Shabbat!' and a caption about songs and stories for learners, dated January 10th and February 7th.

    Tot Shabbat

    Saturday, January 10, 11:00 am

    Join Rabbi Lauren, Pam Cohen and Gila Daman for a joyful, interactive Shabbat experience filled with music, stories, and movement—perfect for families with children ages 0–6 (and their siblings!). After the service, stay for Kiddush lunch and connect with other families. RSVP here.

    This program is free and open to all—so bring your friends and share a special Shabbat morning at Or Hadash!

  • Event poster for Havadlah Song Circle featuring Rosh Chodesh Shevat on January 17th at 7:00 PM, with musical notes and Star of David symbols in a circular design against a starry night background.

    Havdalah and Song Circle

    Saturday, January 17, 7:00 pm

    Join us to sing into the dark mysteries of winter, as we prepare to welcome the month of Shevat - the month when we will celebrate our trees and our people's crossing from slavery to freedom. The more voices we have, the more powerful it will be - bring friends!  RSVP here.

” At Or Hadash, we enable pathways for people to share who they are and the best of what they can bring to the wider community.”

- Or Hadash Member

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Rabbi Lauren Henderson

Rabbi Lauren Henderson originally hails from Spartanburg, SC, and is thrilled to be returning to her southern roots as the newest Rabbi of Congregation Or Hadash.