News

Dear JCOGS family,

As promised, we are taking adult education to the next level at JCOGS through a new initiative: Learning for Life.  Are you ready to ask some of the toughest questions and come to deep wisdom on how we understand this moment we are living in?

Two of those initiatives start imminently, and I want to make sure that you know about them so you can jump on board:

On Monday evening at 5:45PM, our second online cohort of the Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism class begins.  Come try out the first class and see what you think.  This year, this groundbreaking curriculum focuses on ethics: the choices we make in life.  I’ve been poring over the texts we are going to study in this coming session.  Such interesting learning to be had, including exploring questions like: Do I have a particular obligation to my own people or are my obligations more universal?  Where should I donate the bulk of my time, money, and energies—to causes within my community or to causes that affect others?  If you are at all interested, learn more and register HERE!

Also, tomorrow after Shabbat morning services, I am teaching the first of three classes on chanting from the Torah, an introduction and refresher for those wanting to learn this age-old tradition.  The Torah has been our lighthouse for countless generations, charting the way home for us.  Details are HERE to join us in person or online.

There’s a rabbinic maklochet/argument about whether learning or good deeds are more important in the world (hint: learning should lead to good deeds!).  I’ll let you decide by showcasing two action-oriented opportunities this weekend where you can make a difference:

Tomorrow/Saturday at Alfie’s from 6-9PM, expect a ruckus party, tacos, drinks, a silent auction (and a speech from me) at the Raise the Roof fundraiser for the Lamoille Community House.  Get your tickets NOW.

On Sunday, from Noon to 3PM, help a family avoid eviction by pitching in with some work gloves and sweat equity.  It’s Mitzvah Day!  Register HERE for the address.

I hope to see you this weekend for some learning and social action.
Tihiyu bri’im, stay safe, be well,

Rabbi David

Announcements and Upcoming Events

10 DAYS UNTIL.....RAISE THE ROOF - FUNDRAISER

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH 

6:00P TO 9:00P

An evening of music, food, raffle, and games to support a new 

Lamoille Community House year-round shelter 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

HIGHLIGHT

Community Shabbat Torah Service

Saturday, November 5, 2022 
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join us in the sanctuary for this monthly Shabbat morning practice of community Torah reading, prayer, and meditation.  Participate in a lively, meaningful discussion as we look deeply into the age-old source of our tradition's wisdom.

RABBI'S CORNER

FOUNDATIONS FOR A THOUGHTFUL JUDAISM

Starting Monday, November 7, 2022
5:45 PM - 7:30 PM

Together with long-time JCOGS member Barbara Segal, Rabbi David is pleased to announce our second online cohort of Shalom Hartman Institute limmud/learning at JCOGS. This year’s focus will be on the Ethics curriculum drawn from the Hartman cutting-edge Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism.
Click here for details

EDUCATION

Family & Friends Friday IN PERSON + ONLINE

Friday, November 4, 2022 
6:00 PM - 7:15 PM

Shabbat shalom! Our regular Friday night minyan welcomes Olam Chesed families to celebrate shalom (our theme this year) and the joy of being in community. The kids and Rabbi David will perform a musical surprise you won't want to miss. 

JCOGS ♥ VOLUNTEERS

Amy Rosenthal, Lis Erickson, and Willa Bruckner for ending and then beginning the Torah reading cycle on Simchat Torah.

COMMUNITY

Coat drive: donations needed of gently used and clean winter coats (until 10/29)

• Menard’s Family Hardware Store
• Marble Realty
• Meals on Wheels

Coats will be available to our community 11/4, 11/5, 11/6

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS
Services will move indoors for the season

YAHRZEITS

October 23-29, 2022
To be read at Services on October 28, 2022

TONIGHT: SIMCHAT TORAH

Shake your Tuchus Simchat Torah dance party
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Knock the holidays out of the park with a Rock n’ Roll Ma’ariv Minyan and Torah reading followed by a DJ dance party with the Torah like you’ve never experienced before. All ages, all dancing abilities, all kinds of fun!

HIGHLIGHT

FOUNDATIONS FOR A THOUGHTFUL JUDAISM

Together with long-time JCOGS member Barbara Segal, Rabbi David is pleased to announce our second online cohort of Shalom Hartman Institute limmud/learning at JCOGS. This year’s focus will be on the Ethics curriculum drawn from the Hartman cutting-edge Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism.

Starting Monday, November 7, 2022
5:45 PM - 7:30 PM

Click here for details

RABBI'S CORNER

RAISE THE ROOF - FUNDRAISER

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH 

6:00P TO 9:00P

An evening of music, food, raffle, and games to support a new 

Lamoille Community House year-round shelter 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

EDUCATION

COMMUNITY SHABBAT TORAH SERVICE &

KEREN VINCENT'S BAT MITZVAH CEREMONY

Saturday, October 22, 2022 
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join us in the sanctuary for this monthly Shabbat morning practice of community Torah reading, prayer, and meditation and celebrate with Keren Vincent as she becomes a bat mitzvah.  Mazal tov to the entire family. 

JCOGS ♥ VOLUNTEERS

Sukkah builders, especially head builder Aron Temkin, as well as all of the Sukkah decorators and taco-eaters.

COMMUNITY

How Homeowners can create Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):

Virtual workshop to learn about ADUs: smaller, independent dwelling units that are located on the same lot as, or within, an existing single-family home. Learn how you might be able to create one and be part of the housing solution.
10/26, 7-8:15 PM 
Register

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS
Services will move indoors for the season

YAHRZEITS

October 16-23, 2022
To be read at Services on October 121, 2022

SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE THIS FRIDAY + KOSHER CHICKEN DINNER

Friday, October 14TH 6:00P TO 9:00P
Musical Sukkot Shabbat with the JCOGS Band + Kosher Chicken Dinner Talk with Rabbi Michael Cohen The Bible and the Environment

SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE SUKKOT SHABBAT THIS SATURDAY
​​​​​​​

Saturday, October 15TH 12:00P​​​​​​​
Scholar-In-Residence Sukkot Shabbat with Rabbi Michael Cohen

The Environment as a Bridge to Peace: The Arava Institute as a Case Study

HIGHLIGHT

Writing Your Own Ethical Will & Yizkor memorial service

IN PERSON + ONLINE
Monday, October 17, 2022 • 22 Tishrei 5783
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

On this eighth day of Sukkot, we will gather virtually for a Yizkor memorial service in memory of those beloved who have passed. Afterward, we will have a conversation and writing prompts to consider what legacy we pass on to the next generations. Get inspired in advance by reading the book The Beauty of What Remains by Rabbi Steve Leder. Copies available at JCOGS.
Register here.

RABBI'S CORNER

Sukkah-fest
An In-Gathering of Vermont Jewish Communities on the farm at Living Tree Alliance in Moretown, VT

Saturday, October 15th 2pm –Sunday 16th 2pm Come for just one day or camp out overnight! Rabbi David leads Havdallah Saturday night.

Join us for songs, teachings and togetherness  … all under the shelter of our creatively designed temporary dwelling installation

REGISTER HERE

EDUCATION

K&G THIS SATURDAY

Saturday, October 15, 2022 
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Kinderlach & Gesher young families celebrate Sukkot

JCOGS ♥ VOLUNTEERS

All the High Holy Day service leaders, Torah and Haftarah readers, shofar blowers, Nosh providers, youth programmers, speech givers, holy schleppers, musicians, ushers, and welcomers for making our holidays so meaningful and participatory. 

COMMUNITY

Gain a certificate or degree at no cost. Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) helps Vermont students of all ages save, plan, and pay for college or career training. 
For college:

• Help with the FAFSA, Vermont Grant, and VSAC assisted scholarships applications.
  Financial Aid Information Session: VSAC Shows You How on 10/25 at 6:00 pm.
  In-person or virtual FAFSA 1:1 sessions available here.

For short-term training or non-title IV certification programs:

• Help with Advancement Grant Application and further scholarships 
  Forgivable loan programs for specific high-demand fields. 

For help: Ran Wang: wang@vsac.org or 877-961-4369 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

YAHRZEITS

October 9-15, 2022
To be read at Services on October 14, 2022

YOM KIPPUR SCHEDULE 5783/2022

We invite you to share the spirit and wisdom of Yom Kippur. 

Join us for prayer, music, and reflection.

All services will be in the sanctuary. There will be live streaming in the tent for those who wish to join in person. The social hall doors will remain open with additional seating on the patio. Stowe Police will be on the premises throughout the services. Call the office with any questions. 

TUESDAY, OCT 4TH
Kol Nidre at 7:00P  

WEDNESDAY, OCT 5TH
Yom Kippur Morning Service at 10:00A
Yizkor Memorial Service at 12:30P  
Recreational Walk at 1:00P 
Yoga for Yom Kippur at 4:00P 

Minchah Service at 5:00P 
Ne’ilah Service at 6:00P
Havdalah and Break-the-fast at 7:06P

REGISTER FOR BREAK-THE-FAST

SUKKAH-RAISING AND TACO TRUCK

All hands requested to help build and decorate the sukkah! Then join the Caja Madera Taco Truck for all-you-can-eat taco dinner, as we light candles and launch Sukkot together.

Sunday, October 9 4:30pm-7:00pm

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

YOM KIPPUR SCHEDULE 5783/2022

We invite you to share the spirit and wisdom of Yom Kippur. 

Join us for prayer, music, and reflection.

TUESDAY, OCT 4TH
Kol Nidre at 7:00P  

WEDNESDAY, OCT 5TH
Yom Kippur Morning Service at 10:00A
Yizkor Memorial Service at 12:30P  
Recreational Walk at 1:00P 
Yoga for Yom Kippur at 4:00P 

Minchah Service at 5:00P 
Ne’ilah Service at 6:00P
Havdalah and Break-the-fast at 7:06P

REGISTER FOR BREAK-THE-FAST

HIGHLIGHT

SUKKAH-RAISING AND TACO TRUCK

All hands requested to help build and decorate the sukkah! Then join the Caja Madera Taco Truck for all-you-can-eat taco dinner, as we light candles and launch Sukkot together.

Sunday, October 9 4:30pm-7:00pm

RABBI'S CORNER

Empowerment Self-Defense Workshop for Women with Toby Israel
Thursday, September 29, 2022 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Are you ready to take your self-empowerment to the next level? Have you been wanting to take a self-defense course, but the male-dominated martial arts world just doesn't seem like the right fit? Are you looking for a training that puts physical skills into context, and balances practical learning with necessary conversation?
Register here.

EDUCATION

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Enrollment is open for our Olam Chesed Education Center, with programs from birth to teens. 

JCOGS ♥ VOLUNTEERS

Our Olam Chesed youth for setting up the Mahzorim High Holy Day prayerbooks.

Marcie Scudder and Barbara Bauman for supporting our Olam Chesed program.

COMMUNITY

Step Up to Childcare: starts 10/5. Certification for people interested in starting a home child care or working in a child care program. 

CPR/first aid certification
Vermont Online Mandated Reporter Training
Vermont Orientation Training
Primed for Success professional skills curriculum.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

YAHRZEITS

September 25 - October 1, 2022
To be read at Services on September 30, 2022

HIGHLIGHT

17th ANNUAL HIGH HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
Sept 25 - Oct 5

Drop off boxes will be locatedin the JCOGS’ tent during services. All proceeds collected will help meet the ongoing critical needs of the Lamoille Community Food Share, Inc. If you are unable to bring in a food donation checks can be mailed to: Lamoille Community Food Share PO Box 173, Morrisville, VT 05661.

RABBI'S CORNER

Empowerment Self-Defense Workshop for Women with Toby Israel
Thursday, September 29, 2022 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Are you ready to take your self-empowerment to the next level? Have you been wanting to take a self-defense course, but the male-dominated martial arts world just doesn't seem like the right fit? Are you looking for a training that puts physical skills into context, and balances practical learning with necessary conversation?
Register here.

EDUCATION

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Enrollment is open for our Olam Chesed Education Center, with programs from birth to teens. Olam Chesed meets TODAY at JCOGS and High Holiday family learning experience takes place on September 28. 

JCOGS ♥ VOLUNTEERS

Monika Sherman, Marcie Scudder, Alison Link, and Patti Rubin for all their efforts in launching the Olam Chesed Education Center at JCOGS.

Mark Nash and Reuben Berlin for setting up the tent for the High Holidays.

Shoshana Frieden for organizing JCOGS' involvement in the Vermont Pride Parade.

COMMUNITY

Step Up to Childcare: starts 10/5. Certification for people interested in starting a home child care or working in a child care program. 

CPR/first aid certification
Vermont Online Mandated Reporter Training
Vermont Orientation Training
Primed for Success professional skills curriculum.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

YAHRZEITS

September 18 - September 17, 2022
To be read at Services on September 24, 2022