When I was a child, snow days were my worst nightmare. Locked away in my house, behind a large privacy hedge down a rural road, with my stepmother who had no place to go and nothing to do except focus her violence on me. The snow days of my childhood have given me a lifelong terror on behalf of isolated people.
My particular fear today is for children, always the most vulnerable, who are cut off from the outside world. Hopefully their homes are better than mine was as a child, yet their isolation renders them invisible to their community and academically at risk. In this digital age during this global crisis, children are attending school and hanging out with friends, all virtually. Unless they have no internet access.
Capstone Community Action is partnering with Lamoille South schools to provide cell phones with internet access to students who otherwise cannot access the internet. These phones will be used to power class attendance, access to assignments, and teacher check ins. And Capstone gave JCOGS the chance to help raise funds. Think of that: when it came time to help vulnerable children, they turned to us. What a gift it is for us that we have been given this opportunity to make a real difference at this moment when we feel so powerless.
Many of you have already stepped up and donated, and for that I thank you. I thank you on a very personal level. We have raised $935, all of which was doubled by JCOGS members who offered a matching grant. To date, JCOGS is contributing $1870 to help purchase these phones. And, due to the generosity of our matching donors, if you give before tomorrow night, your dollars still count twice. Please click here and donate today.
Children without internet access will fall behind academically, and they are at risk in so many other ways. No one should be hidden behind a large virtual privacy hedge. A cell phone with internet access is a gift that makes a real difference. We have been asked to help children; it is up to us whether we will rise to the occasion.
In other news, I’ve now lost the following board games several times: Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Clue, and Monopoly. I am still the household reigning champ in Scrabble. My wish for you this week is one of those words that uses all your tiles so you get the bonus 50 points. That and good health.
Upcoming Online Events click on each link below in order to connect via Zoom.
Sunday, April 5, 4-5 PM Kvetch with Beth Parents of teens – It’s time to vent with someone who’s been there before. Come air your grievances with Beth Liberman, director of family and youth education. They may not be toddlers but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. Join online https://zoom.us/j/584557404
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.
