History
Many hands, minds, and hearts have come together over the years to make JCOGS what it is today. Our journey as a Jewish community began in 1988, when an informal group began gathering in each other’s homes for holiday potluck dinners. In 1995 the steering committee elected a board of officers, adopted by-laws, and incorporated with the State of Vermont as “The Jewish Community of Greater Stowe.
Under the leadership of Rabbi Brian Besser from 2001 to 2012, first as our spiritual leader and then as our part-time rabbi, we began to build the foundations of our Jewish community. Rabbi Brian was instrumental in the visioning, shaping, and planning for our future. In 2005, we moved into our beautiful building on Cape Cod Road in Stowe, and in 2010 we celebrated the dedication of our Darchei Shalom Cemetery.
Most recently, in 2014, we welcomed Rabbi David Fainsilber (link to David’s profile), our first full-time rabbi, and his family as vital members of our growing Jewish community. Having year-round, dedicated clergy has helped our community mature in remarkable ways.
Today our membership spans from Montreal to Florida, including our year-round greater Vermont residents. Whether you live here full-time, come on weekends, come for the winter, or come for the summer, we welcome you home to the exciting and vibrant Jewish Community of Greater Stowe.