Our Shul
Ohr HaTorah is not just a Shul; it is a warm and welcoming community where we encourage each other to grow spiritually, celebrate simchas together and support one another. Under the guidance and leadership of our beloved Rav Michoel Frank Shlita, we strive to create an inspiring and focused tefilah during our minyanim without talking or other distractions. There is a Kol Torah each morning and night of the week in our beis medrash as chevrusas learn in one of the many different learning programs under the guidance of our Rav. There is an active and welcoming N'shei committee that plans and hosts meaningful programs and shiurim for the women of the community. If you are thinking of moving to Silver Spring or just visiting for a short while, we welcome you to Ohr HaTorah and hope you find yourself at home.
Ohr HaTorah's Mission
Ohr HaTorah's mission is to inspire, educate and promote a lifestyle focused on limud HaTorah, spiritual growth and commitment to Torah values.
Ohr HaTorah's History
Ohr HaTorah was founded in 2011 by a group of former talmidim of the Yeshiva of Greater Washington. The first Shabbos morning minyan took place on November 3, 2012 in the Towers Party Room. First, the room was rented only for three hours each Shabbos morning. All of the seforim and furniture were stored in a member's van during the week, but the shul soon expanded to full Shabbos minyanim and, ultimately, to a permanent lease of the room. Ohr HaTorah continued to meet in the Towers for 4 years. Rav Michoel Frank was appointed as the Rav and Mara D'Asra of Ohr HaTorah in August 2014. In January 2016, after having outgrown the former space, Ohr HaTorah moved to the Kemp Mill Shopping Center. In 2016, Ohr HaTorah purchased a section of the playground from the Silver Spring Jewish Center and began construction on a permanent building. Ohr HaTorah moved into our current building on May 12, 2017. Ohr HaTorah is now a flourishing congregation of 140 families.
Media Coverage
Inyan Magazine: In Conversation with Rav Michoel Frank - January 2, 2019
Cleveland Jewish News Article: Long Lost Sefer Torah Made “New” Again - September 29, 2017
Washington Jewish Week Article: Ohr HaTorah strikes balance between shul and kollel - June 14, 2017
Kol HaBirah Article: Welcome Home, Ohr HaTorah! - May 18, 2017