I wake long before the rest of my household, a long-standing pattern that has grown more marked in the past few weeks. I take the dogs for a walk or stream a yoga class, trying to screw my head on properly before anyone needs me to be steady and calm. On Shabbat morning, I lay on the floor after a yoga class, and in that moment of calm, it came to me:
No one is doing this well.
No one is, because it is impossible to do this well. This is weird, uncomfortable, and difficult even in the very best of circumstances. Sometimes we take the good in lieu of the excellent. Sometimes we go with OK instead of good. Sometimes it’s “barely holding it together” in the place of OK. And sometimes we completely fall apart. This goes for businesses, for houses of worship, for nonprofits. It is true of parents and teachers. It is true of toddlers and I can tell you firsthand it is true of teenagers. Really, it’s only the dogs who are cool with all of this.
Which brings me to the business many of you have asked about. How is JCOGS doing? See above.
Our rabbi is stepping up in a major way, holding us together and connected. Our chesed committee is caring for our members, our educators are teaching, and our community is supporting one another. A week ago, we raised $4,927 for cell phones in support of Capstone Community Action and LSUU. We’re raising funds for PPE for those on the front lines. And we had a magnificent Second Night Seder. Yet…
How are we going to survive this financially? We suspended the March Appeal in the middle, knowing folks wanted to put their resources into critical need causes. And instability in the stock market will surely be felt in people’s ability to donate to JCOGS in the coming six months, so we’ve hit the pause button on our 25 anniversary campaign. That is the harsh reality that our finance committee and board are grappling with.
Here are some steps we have taken. We have applied for the Paycheck Protection Program through the CARES Act, which will allow us to remain fully staffed for the time being. We are considering areas of savings in the first quarter of next year, understanding that looking beyond that requires a crystal ball. Those savings will be felt in our programming, but they may prove necessary. We are also actively planning our fundraising activities for the summer, including a robust Benefactor Appeal. The time will come in a few months when we have to ask you to help sustain our vibrant Jewish community in north central Vermont.
No one is doing this well, but we are doing the very best we can, as are all of you. Tell us when we can improve, tell us when we’ve hit the nail on the head, and tell us when you completely fall apart. We’re here for all of it. And we’re working hard to make sure we’re here for all of it in the future.
Wishing you and your family a healthy rest of your Passover.
All my best,
Emily
Upcoming Online Events click on each link below in order to connect via Zoom.
Wednesday, April 15, 9:30-10:15 AM Mutual Aid Hallel with Rabbi David Join Jews across North America, as Rabbi David leads a joyous Hallel service with traditional and contemporary prayers of celebration and longing. Gathering across communities throughout North America, this service is called Mutual Aid Hallel because together we make prayer possible, while increasing our sense of connection and support. Singing Hallel is one of the blessings and gifts of Passover. Come make some raucous celebratory music together! Zoom call, dial by phone +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) - Meeting ID: 845 382 388 https://zoom.us/j/845382388 .....................................................
Friday, April 17, 6 PM Virtual Musical Shabbat services Join in and feel the much needed connections. 5:30pm Schmooze it up: BYO wine or tea for a live chat, then stay on the same live stream for our Musical Shabbat service with a couple of special guests. Click here to follow along with the Siddur prayers. Join via zoom: https://zoom.us/j/943975515 .....................................................
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 ....................................................
