I am so proud of our community. In these times, connecting with each other has brought us closer than ever, despite our physical distance. Our chesed committee has made its first round of calls, touching the lives of all of our members. We have prayed together with more than 100 members online for our Friday nights, including young Samson now just over one week old. We held a made-in-Vermont puppet show with our own Steve Schneps. We’re soliciting donations for Capstone Community Action to help local families gain internet access for their youth to participate in online local schooling. We are working on bringing more personal protective equipment to Vermont medical practitioners. And we have added 19 members and growing with our three-month emergency membership.
Our JCOGS member directory is now live on our website under "About Us." Logged in members can find contact information for other members there. If you are having trouble logging in, contact jcogs@jcogs.org. As you know, we are asking all of our members to call three others.
Here are a couple of meaningful reminders from our community to help us remember how important connecting is right now.
From one parent of a young family: “On Friday, we were at the Burlington bike path! We were picnicking as we listened in to services. I appreciated that you encouraged dancing and clapping – I had not realized that I had stopped these ‘fun’ and necessary moves during the week. And listening to the music offered a beautiful pause to re-center. I really appreciate ALL that JCOGS is doing to create services and opportunities to come together. That was our family's FIRST havdalah in our home together (with all of you)!!!!”
Another member called one of our past members this week. Elderly and in her home alone without much support, her sense of loneliness and isolation was curbed by the outreach. She should expect more support from JCOGS in the coming days and weeks ahead.
And here’s a gift from two of our youngest members. After receiving an Israeli Shabbat song activity from Beth, they made this amazing video. They are quite the performers!
Tihi’yu bri’im, may you be healthy, safe, and stay connected. Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David
p.s. If you have not made Passover plans yet, I truly hope you will join us for the holiday. Come pick up some Passover basics from JCOGS this Monday 3-6pm. And feel free to contact Chef Nadav directly at chefnadav@me.com or 802.586.0098 (see menu here) so you don’t have to do all the cooking yourself.
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 ....................................................
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.