Rugelach, yes, rugelach, brings me strength. Not physical strength, per se (we all know it doesn’t have the healthiest of ingredients). But when we will gather tomorrow/Saturday night at 7:15pm for rugelach making with Rita Schneps and havdalah, you know I will be there — in my kitchen — ready to learn from one of the best of the best. What brings me strength is the act of coming together in this moment, sharing skills, building community, staying connected… and yes, eating delicious rugelach, because comfort brings me strength these days also.
And then there is singing. Making music brings me strength, like planting a seed and seeing what emerges — deeply nourishing and always miraculous. I see it in each of you that have joined us for virtual services — when Larry plays his tambourine, or when 91 year old Edie sings out with her bright voice.
Only just a couple of months ago (what truly feels like a lifetime ago), my rabbinical school Hebrew College came to JCOGS to film our congregation. They wanted to know how and why music has played such an integral part of our congregational life. I truly hope you will watch these two short videos about our collective music making at JCOGS — click here and here.
In the Hallel service sung over each day of Passover, we sing the words ozi v’zimrat Yah, G-d is my strength and my song. Strength and song go hand in hand. Now watching these videos, I long for the days when we can gather again — where our voices will rise together beyond all imagined potential, in unison towards the Ineffable One.
What brings you strength? In the darkness, where do you find your light?
Tihiyu bri’im, stay safe and may you be healthy. Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David
p.s. Tonight during our virtual service at 6pm, join the chat box and tell everyone — what brings you strength in these times?
Upcoming Online Events click on each link below in order to connect via Zoom.
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 online via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/866613116 ....................................................
Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 PM Yom HaShoah / Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration Be prepared to light a candle as our community joins virtually to remember those who perished, honor those who survived, and marks the 75th anniversary of liberation and end of the Holocaust. As we look back, we will also look forward and discuss ways we can make "never again" a reality. This year's virtual event will feature speakers, music, and opportunity for everyone to participate in the memorial candle lighting ceremony for the 6 million Jews and millions of others murdered in the Holocaust. Speakers include: Rabbi David Fainsibler, Jewish Community of Greater Stowe; Miriam Rosenbloom, vice-president and co-founder of the Vermont Holocaust Memorial; and members of the Greater Stowe Interfaith Coalition. RSVP here for the zoom link. ....................................................
Thursday, May 14, 12-5 PM Red Cross Blood Drive at JCOGS Thousands of blood drives have been cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for blood is constant – patients need your help. In order to support social distancing, appointments are now required, click here to sign up. ....................................................
