Rabbi Shalom - Scholar in Residence - Atlanta

Ono Scholar in Residence Shares Bete Israel Theology and Customs with Atlanta Community

Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom, the founder and director of Ono Academic College’s International Center for Ethiopian Jewry, served as the Scholar-in-Residence at Congregation Ohr Hatorah in Toco Hills, Atlanta. The visit, held in honor and memory of IDF soldier Eli Moshe Zimbalist (HY”D) on his first yahrzeit, who fell in the Iron Swords War, featured a series of profound lectures that captivated the community.

Rabbi Shalom delivered four shiurim throughout the Shabbat. His Shabbat morning drasha on the weekly portion of Naso set an inspiring tone, followed by a post-service lecture titled The Journey That Has Not Finished: From a Shepherd in Ethiopia to a Community Rabbi of Holocaust Survivors in Kiryat Gat. In this lecture, he shared his remarkable personal story of immigrating to Israel from Ethiopia at age nine, studying at Yeshivat Har Etzion, and ultimately leading a synagogue founded by Holocaust survivors.

His afternoon lecture, Halacha, Minhag, Masoretic in the Ethiopian Community, explored the unique traditions of Ethiopian Jewry. The day concluded with an evening address, From Mount Sinai to Now: Between Preservation and Change: A Case Study of Ethiopian Jewry in Israel, where Rabbi Shalom examined the balance between tradition and adaptation in the Ethiopian Jewish community.

Throughout his talks, Rabbi Shalom emphasized the importance of understanding identity over superficial identification, drawing on his extensive scholarship as a Senior Lecturer at Ono Academic College. His insights resonated deeply with the congregation, offering both spiritual and intellectual nourishment.

Rabbi Shalom also engaged in meaningful dialogue with local spiritual leaders, including Rabbi Adam Starr, fostering discussions about the challenges facing Jewish communities today. His visit left a lasting impression, with attendees noting the clarity and warmth he brought to complex topics. As a Major in the IDF Reserves who served hundreds of days of reserve duty during the Iron Swords War, he was able to bring poignant personal insight into current events and how they affect all Israelis. As an active member of welcoming Orthodox rabbinic organizations like Beit Hillel and Tzohar, Rabbi Shalom’s leadership and perspective enriched the Shabbat experience.

The congregation expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Rabbi Shalom. His visit left the Atlanta Jewish community inspired and uplifted.