Reliable connection to the internet is the lifeline for individuals and families. From the schools’ perspective, this isn’t just about student learning, it is also about student and family well-being. Lack of internet connection will drive a larger wedge between those who have and those who don’t, and it puts students at significant risk. Lamoille South Unified Union is piloting a program with Capstone Community Action to get an immediate connection to families that are disconnected and/or most at risk of being disconnected. The plan is to purchase 50 phones for a six-month period and give them to the families in LSUU schools that need them. These phones would include a hotspot to provide wi-fi access. The barrier is, of course, cost. JCOGS has been offered the chance to help raise funds for this phone program. This is our chance to make a real difference in the lives of children in our community as they bear the emotional and educational cost of this shutdown. Thanks to a generous donor, the first $1000 in donations will be matched, dollar for dollar. PLEASE join us in making this pilot program a reality and donate here. The protection it provides our most vulnerable children cannot be overstated. .....................................................
Rabbi David is coordinating an effort to get personal protective equipment for medical professionals on the front lines here in our community. These folks are putting their health and safety on the line to protect and care for Vermonters. Please help us care for them. Donate here and note in the memo that this is for PPE. .....................................................
The Lamoille Community Food Share reopened yesterday and people in our community are in need of food. You can drop off food M-F 9:00-11:30am and Saturday 9:30-11:00am at 197 Harrel Street in Morrisville. Or you can make a donation at lcfoodshare.org. .....................................................
On Friday morning, our JCOGS digital directory will be live on our website so that you can reach out to your fellow JCOGS members during this time of isolation. You’ll find it under “about us.” Only logged in members will be able to access this directory, and only members will be listed. If you do notwant your information available to logged in members, please email jcogs@jcogs.org by tomorrow evening and we’ll opt you out. For current non-members, you can access a three-month emergency membership here or contact jcogs@jcogs.org for help.
Upcoming Online Events click on each link below in order to connect via Zoom.
All are welcome to this multi-generational virtual Seder lead by Rabbi David with song and meaningful and fun ritual and discussion. You can even invite your family from across the world!
Participants will prepare their own seder plates and ritual foods, so begin the cooking.
We will be using The Wandering is Over Haggadah. In its first pages, it has detailed instructions on getting ready for a Seder. Print out the Haggadah or have a second device with its words ready for use during the Seder.
There will also be plenty of family engagement with curious challenges, stories, games, and even crafts throughout the seder to keep you and your kiddos involved and inspired.
Please consider donating what you would have paid to attend our annual Second Night Seder. JCOGS, like many nonprofits, will feel the impact of this economic shutdown, and we are grateful for any donation you are able to make. Donate here.
Satruday, April 18 7:15-8:15 PM Rita Meets Julia Child: a rugelach-baking celebration Before Havdalah, join rugelach expert Rita Schneps in assembling your post-Pesach treat. We all need something to look forward to right now, and if we cannot have an in-person Seder together and cannot break Pesach together, we're sure going to bake rugelach together. Invite your relatives to log on, as well. Ingredient list here. Join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/866613116 ....................................................
Yahrzeits
John Judge Woodward Sophie Weinstein Leah Cramer Eric Stanley Gould William Allen Anne Gibs Shema Bear Sussman
Passover this year is going to be a little different from what we’re used to. How do you hold a Seder during a pandemic? We have resources and plenty of events including our own virtual Seder to guide you.
RESOURCES FOR YOUR FIRST NIGHT SEDER
Need help organizing a Seder? Looking for a checklist of what you need? For our JCOGS virtual second night Seder, we will be using this simple The Wandering is Over Haggadah. In its first pages, it has detailed introduction on getting ready for a Seder. Feel free to use it for your first night as well.
You might have a tough time getting to the store, so this year we’re running a Curbside Pesach table at the JCOGS building Monday, April 6, 3-6pm. Come by the front of JCOGS and get your supplies. Don’t be shy, but please take only what you need. No need to pay, but you can make a donation to JCOGS. We have Kosher for Passover wine, matzah, matzah meal, and yahrzeit candles.
In addition, Chef Nadav, who was meant to cater our JCOGS second night Seder, is offering Passover food via curbside delivery. Contact him directly for details at chefnadav@me.com or 802.586.0098 for more information.
