News

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

2024 March Appeal

Security, Jewish Education, Social Action, Community

We appeal to members to make a donation to support our annual budget.  The Board has set a goal to raise an additional $30,000 and we are 1/2 way there!

JCOGS staff warming up for Purim!

JCOGS PuRiM Party! 
Saturday, March 30, 5:00pm- 8:00pm JCOGS

Purim! Fun for ALL ages: Joyous Megillah reading, Silly Spiel, Persian Potluck Picnic, and Dance Pary!
​​​​​​​Click here for more details

2nd Night Passover Seder 2024/5784
 Tuesday, April 23rd, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Register by April 11th 

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW to attend our in-person, interactive, participatory, and musical seder co-led by Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and by Rabbi David on his first event back with the JCOGS community! 

A Special Message from Rabbi David and Alison Link

We’ll also be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah (Bet) back home in Vermont. How many kids do you know prepare for more than one Bar Mitzvah ceremony?!
Here is a picture taken last week from his final rehearsal before the big day.

Purim sameach, everyone. Excited to see you all soon!

FRIDAY SERVICES

Shabbat Service with lay leader Jared Hendler
Friday, March 29, 6:00pm-7:15pm In Person & Online

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

• Mich Kabay, Dov Schiller, Cheryl Carmi,Amy Hoskins, Aron Temkin, Emmanuel Cantor, Patti Rubin for helping with oneg.
  
•  Aron Temkin for showing the JCOGS Megillah to Olam Chesed Club kids. They loved learning about it.

​​​​​​​ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

Dear JCOGS Family,

The next several weeks are filled with holidays and celebrations. Tonight, we are gathering for Shabbat services and an oneg in honor of beloved JCOGS member Mel Siegel’s 92nd birthday. A week from tomorrow (March 23) is our Purim Party, replete with a potluck, megillah reading, silly spiel (Purim play), dance party, and more. Finally, we are very much looking forward to our Second Night Community Passover Seder where we will welcome Rabbi David back from sabbatical. 

We break a glass at a Jewish wedding, because our tradition asks us to acknowledge the world’s brokenness, even while we are rejoicing. So too, as we celebrate our upcoming holidays, I know we will continue holding the ongoing loss and heartbreak in Israel and Gaza.

In this spirit, there is one more holiday I want to add to our calendar, one in which celebration is also blended with sadness. According to the Talmud, the 7th of Adar (which begins tomorrow night and ends Sunday evening) is Moses’s yahrzeit, the anniversary of his death. The Torah describes Moses being buried by God, prompting rabbinic commentators to understand the work of caring for the dead and their loved ones to be one of the most sacred—literally, “Godly”—acts of care human beings perform for one another. 

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

FRIDAY SERVICES

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern, Emmanuel Cantor 
Friday, March 8, 6:00pm-7:15pm In Person and Online

Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting, musical service to welcome in Shabbat as a community, followed by a delicious POTLUCK oneg. (Bring a main or side dish with serving utensil, vegetarian/dairy, no peanuts please). Click here to register for a Zoom link.

 Community Shabbat: Morning Torah Service
Saturday, March 9, 10:00am-12:00pm In Person and Online

Join us in the sanctuary with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor for this monthly Shabbat morning practice of community Torah reading, prayer, and meditation. Click here to register for a Zoom link.

Olam Chesed Club is back in person TODAY: 4:00pm-6:00pm

We are back! Olam Chesed Club is in person today at JCOGS. We have an exciting day of games and fun led by Sarah Villanueva, the Olam Chesed educator from Beth Jacob.

JCOGS PuRiM Party!
Saturday, March 23, 5:00pm- 8:00pm JCOGS

SAVE THE DATE FOR PASSOVER 2024/5784

Position Available: Administrator for Facilities, Technology & Events
Click here to see the full job description.

COMMUNITY

ZOOM BASED POETRY SALON
March 7 from 7:30 -9:00 p.m. 
​​​​​​​Jewish poets living in Vermont are invited to a Zoom-based salon on March 7 from 7:30 -9:00 p.m. Whether or not your writing includes Jewish content, no matter if you are religiously Jewish or culturally Jewish, as long as you self-identify as Jewish and you write poetry, you are welcome to a salon where we’ll share writing and explore interest in further connection. For more information and to register click here .
This event is inspired by Yetzirah: A Hearth for Jewish Poets, a nonprofit literary group devoted to supporting Jewish poets and Jewish poetry. 

VOLUNTEERS

Oneg Volunteers: Susan Bauchner for 2/29 and Bill and Addie Shore for 3/1 Thank you!

ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

TONIGHT: Poetry for War in Israel and Gaza 7:00pm-8:30pm ONLINE ONLY

On “JewBarrassment”: Rabbinic Stories on Not Knowing or “Mistake-Making” in Jewish Practice

Wednesday, February 21, 7:00pm-8:30pm online only

Sadly, a fear of not knowing the words of the prayers or making a “mistake” in services is widespread among Jews across a wide variety of backgrounds and traditions. Join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor over Zoom as we explore a diversity of sources on “Jewbarassment,” the fear of being caught unaware of a specific Jewish ritual or prayer.
​

FRIDAY SERVICES

Musical Shabbat Service with Lay Leader

Patti Rubin and Guests:

"Tetzaveh With An Interfaith Heart" 
Friday, February 23, 6:00pm-7:15pm

The Torah portion Tetzaveh translates to "you shall command, bond or connect." In this spirit, "Tetzaveh With An Interfaith Heart," will showcase the powerful words and musical sounds of area clergy reflecting on Tetzaveh's description of the Tabernacle's "ner tamid," or eternal light. 

Followed by a Catered Sponsored Oneg, "With Deep and Loving Gratitude to my JCOGS Family."

Position Available: Administrator for Facilities, Technology & Events

The Administrator manages facility and technology in support of religious, educational, and community programs and events.  We seek a person with strong interpersonal communication and collaboration skills who effectively uses systems technology to help achieve the organization's mission and goals.Click here to see the full job description.

We've Got Heart!

We built a world of love in front of JCOGS last week ❤️ Come by day or night to see the beautiful ice sculpture the kids and parents of Olam Chesed made. Love shines brightly in our representation of the phrase "V'ahavta l'reacha kamocha: love the other as you love yourself". Click here to see more pictures and read about the event.

Teen gathering in Hanover March 10th 4pm-6pm. The Jew Crew of Kol haEmek invites Ateed to spend the afternoon together at the Roth Center at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH.

SAVE THE DATE
JCOGS PuRiM Party!
Saturday, March 23, 5:00pm- 8:00pm JCOGS

VOLUNTEERS

ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

The JCOGS administrative office will be closed for Presidents Day, February 19th, but please come to JCOGS for our Annual American Red Cross Blood Drive from 12:00 noon through 4:30pm. See details below

TODAY
Giant Heart Ice Sculpture Building Festival
   February 14, 4pm-6pm In Person

TONIGHTReading the Poetry of Emma Lazarus After October 7th
Wednesday, February 14, 7:00pm- 8:30pm Online Only

Join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor for learning and discussion about the poetry of Emma Lazarus and its lessons for today. Register for Zoom link.

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanual Cantor and Marom, The JCOGS Band

Friday, February 16, 6:00pm - 7:15pm In Person and Online
Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting, musical service to welcome in Shabbat as a community, followed by a delicious POTLUCK oneg. Please bring a table ready dish with serving utensil to share. (vegetarian/dairy, no nuts please).
​​​​​​​

Annual JCOGS Blood Drive

Monday, February 19, 12:00pm - 4:30pm JCOGS

In the season of light, give the gift of life. The need is critical this time of year. Did you know that just 1 blood donation can save up to 3 lives? If you are able to donate, register at redcross.org . If you are unable to give, please reach out to others. Throughout the month of February, donors receive a $20 Amazon gift card.

Position Available: Administrator for Facilities, Technology & Events

The Administrator manages facility and technology in support of religious, educational, and community programs and events.  We seek a person with strong interpersonal communication and collaboration skills who effectively uses systems technology to help achieve the organization's mission and goals.Click here to see the full job description.

Position Available: Part-Time Development Associate

Over the past three years, JCOGS has been engaged in a fundraising campaign to build an Endowment.
The endowment is a perpetual fund that will help ensure a vibrant future for the congregation.
To support the campaign and the capstone event planned for September 7, 2024, JCOGS seeks an organized, motivated, friendly individual to provide lay leaders, staff, and volunteers with temporary, part-time administrative support from date of hire through September 2024. Click here to see the full job description.

Poetry for War in Israel and Gaza
Wednesday, February 21, 7:00pm-8:30pm online only
​​​​​​​
A repeat offering for those unable to attend the fall session, all are invited to join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor for discussion about poetry written both before and after October 7th. Click here for more information and to receive a Zoom link.

Upcoming Education Events

Kinderlach & Gesher explore Tikkun Olam, healing the world
Saturday, February 17, 10:00am-11:30am at JCOGS
👐  Bring your favorite stuffies to join special guest Gamal the Shlepping Camel as we explore how we can use our helping hands and our generous hearts to spread more love in the world! 

6th grade parent Mitzvah meeting
Sunday, February 18, 9:00am-10:00am Online Only
Grab your morning coffee/tea and bring your questions to this informative session.Click here to register for the Zoom link

Upcoming Holidays

JCOGS PuRiM Party!
Saturday, March 23, 5:00pm- 8:00pm JCOGS

VOLUNTEERS

COMMUNITY

Red Cross support: Received a message from the American Red Cross that you may be eligible for flood relief support?  Call them back at 1-800-RED-CROSS to see if you are eligible for up to $1,200 in assistance.

Meal Train for Patti Rubin Click here to sign up for a meal

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor

 Friday, February 2, 6:00pm - 7:15pm PM In Person and Online
Join us for a Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor followed by a delicious POTLUCK ONEG.

Community Shabbat Morning Torah Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor at Beth Jacob Synagogue
Saturday, February 3, 10:00am-12:00pm Beth Jacobs

"The World stood still when God gave Israel its laws" artwork by Nancy Schwartz-Katz

Tu biShvat Ice Sculpture Building Festival
 Wednesday, Feb. 14th

COMMUNITY

Teen Tobacco Use Youth survey  - regarding use behavior, access, policies and laws, and awareness/exposure to marketing

• Students 12-17
• Earn gift cards!

VOLUNTEERS

SIMCHAS

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Dear JCOGS Family, 

We often say that Hanukkah brightens up the “darkest time of the year.” As the clocks change and the December sun sets at 4pm, we light candles when the days are short and the nights are long.

December might be the “darkest time of the year” for us humans, but nature tells a different story. In December, the earth is newly covered with frost. But by late January, the grass has been under the snow for weeks. The trees have gone months without leaves to catch the sun.

It is at this time of year—the dead of winter—when we celebrate the holiday of Tu BiShvat, or “new year for trees.” Even if all seems cold and bare, Tu BiShvat reminds us that seeds will grow and flowers will blossom. Tu BiShvat has a message of hope for anyone who feels as if they are buried deep under the snow: this too shall pass.

I was looking forward to celebrating Tu BiShvat at JCOGS this weekend in anticipation of the holiday, which begins this Wednesday night. Unfortunately, my fiancée Shira is back in the hospital and will need significant care in the days to come. As I am unable to come to JCOGS, I am deeply grateful to Lynne Gedanken and Susan Bauchner for stepping in to lead Friday night services at 6pm tonight, Rachel Funk for supporting Kinderlach & Gesher at 10am tomorrow, and to JCOGS members and staff—especially Cyndy Wyatt, Beth Liberman, Laura Kittel, and Amy Rosenthal—for their partnership and support.

In a world that needs hope, I invite you to mark Tu BiShvat in a way that speaks to you. Those interested in a Tu BiShvat Seder—which, like a Passover Seder, can feature singing, special foods, storytelling, discussion, and four symbolic cups of grape juice or wine— may click here to access a guide I created for the JCOGS community. Skip around and make it your own. Don’t read every word. Have fun.

When confronted with uncertainty, Shira and I often rehash an old debate. “I can hope for the best or expect the worst,” she says, “and I have learned it is better to live hoping for the best.” I, on the other hand, can fear disappointment. “I don’t want to get my hopes up,” I sometimes say.

On Tu BiShvat, we sync up with the earth’s calendar at the darkest point of its year. We do so not to give ourselves the winter blues, but to remind us that seasons change and the world turns. We hope for the best.

Shabbat shalom,

Emmanuel Cantor
Rabbinic Intern