While not one of our myriad of Jewish holidays, Mother’s Day offers such a wonderful opportunity to give love, to cherish, and to remember those who gave birth and raised us, our children, and others.
Jewish women have always been strong, fearless, and central to the upbringing of each of us and all of us as a people. Mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, aunts, and other mother figures have played a role like no other.
Some of us have lost our mothers, and are now only able to recount and reflect on the endless ways they gave to us, and how their legacies live on through us. A smaller few of us take this time to be sensitive to the ways that parents fall short, and to come to a sense of peace with those that came before us. Many more still have the opportunity to tell our mothers and the mother figures in our lives how so very grateful we are for them.
Hineinu. We are here. And in no small part thanks to those who raised us.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of you.
Tihiyu bri’im, be well and stay safe. Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David
p.s. Shavuot is coming May 28-30, with all of its cheesy deliciousness. JCOGS has been helping to pull together a VT-wide summit and Shavuot celebration. Stay tuned for details on some self-guided outdoor exploration, and the virtual blintz-making lesson, Thursday night learning, Friday night state-wide service, and concert Saturday night with the phenomenal Nefesh Mountain.
Saturday, May 9, 9:30 AM Kinderlach & Gesher Shabbat morning programs for parents and extended family with children birth to seven years old. All are welcome. Join us for movement and singing celebrating Love! with Miss Andrea of Musical Munchkins. Click here for the online program link. ....................................................
Saturday, May 9, 8:30 PM Havdalah Join in Havdalah with Rabbi David and family. Set yourself up before havdalah with a glass of wine or grape juice, some sweet smelling spices, and a havdalah candle (here’s how to make one or to buy one), and follow along with the prayers here. Join via zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86426978463. ..................................................
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. ..................................................
Friday, May 15, Fancy Hat Friday! 5:30 PM Schmooze; 6 PM Musical Shabbat services We don't get to wear our finest clothes to Shabbat services at JCOGS, but we can wear our finest hats for virtual services. Join us for Fancy Hat Friday, and come ready to show off your finest (or funniest) hat as we celebrate Shabbat together in style. Invite a fancy friend too. 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 special guests. Join via zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98120687974. ................................................
May 24-26: Crescendo Brought to you by this year's virtual Stowe Jewish Film Festival, Crescendo will be available to view from home from May 24-26 at no cost. A world famous conductor takes on the challenge of forming an Israeli-Palestinian youth orchestra in an attempt to create harmony out of discord. Please register for the film in advance HERE. Preview the film here. ....................................................
The JCOGS building is currently closed, please contact us at jcogs@jcogs.org if you need any assistance.
