The Orthodox Union has announced that Orlando Torah Center has been accepted as a new member synagogue, joining hundreds of other synagogues throughout North America that enjoy the benefits of their affiliation with the OU.
The announcement followed the approval of the OU’s Synagogue Standards Commission, which acted on the recommendation of the organization’s Executive Committee.
The synagogue is located at 8591 Banyan Boulevard.
Martin Nachimson, president of the Orthodox Union, explained, “The Orlando Torah Center had expressed its wish to be part of an active Jewish organization which will be advantageous to the growth of its congregation and the Orlando Jewish community. It is a vibrant and growing synagogue looking to work together with the Orthodox Union.”
OU Executive Vice President Allen Fagin declared, “We are delighted to welcome the Orlando Torah Center as a new member of the Orthodox Union synagogue network. The Orlando Torah Center is an outstanding institution making a profound impact on the community, and we look forward to continuing our active collaboration with them in the areas of programming; outreach; advocacy and synagogue operations.”
Rabbi Dovid Yachnes, spiritual leader of the Orlando Torah Center, said, “Becoming an OU member synagogue was not just a big step for our synagogue, but for the entire Orlando community.’
A statement from the Orlando Center for Jewish Development agreed. “Orlando Torah Center becoming an OU member shul has provided the Orlando community with tools and resources that are helpful in continuing our community growth. We are very grateful and excited to be a part of the OU family.”
Rabbi Judah Isaacs, director of the OU’s Department of Community Engagement and Synagogue Services, shared, “The OU is honored to welcome the Orlando Torah Center as a member of the OU Synagogue network. Belonging to the OU connects members of the Orlando Torah Center to a national network of Orthodox congregations and access to the various agencies of the OU, including NCSY; NCSY Alumni; OU Advocacy; Yachad/National Jewish Council for Disabilities; OU Kosher; Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus; Israel Free Spirit-Taglit Birthright Israel; and, of course, the OU’s Department of Community and Synagogue Engagement.”
Yehuda Friedman, associate director of OU’s Synagogue Services, added, “We are grateful for the partnership with new OU member synagogues and look forward to providing the synagogue leadership with meaningful tools and services to help strengthen congregational life.”