From Rabbi David — Fancy Hat Friday, I mean, why not?
05/15/2020 03:02:59 PM
May15
Author
Date Added
Dear JCOGS family,
In spite of the daily connections with others over Zoom, the purpose-driven and sense of fulfillment in the work I am doing with you all and the greater community, the meditation and prayer in my life, my family time, and all that brings me meaning — there are still many moments these days of seeming chaos and lack of meaning or clarity.
I so often find myself coming back to the words of our daily prayers:
מָה אֲנַחְנוּ, מֶה חַיֵּינוּ, מֶה חַסְדֵּנוּ, מַה צִדְקוֹתֵינוּ, מַה יְשׁוּעָתֵנוּ, מַה כֹּחֵנוּ, מַה גְבוּרָתֵנוּ Who are we? What are our lives? Our kindnesses? Our righteousness? Our redemptive work? Our strength? Our power?
Sometimes we are meant to throw up our hands and say: what’s it all for?
It is actually from the toppling-over-seat-of-uncertainty and humility that joy and humour arise in their purest form.
Someone asked me: “Why are we all wearing fancy or funny hats this Shabbat?” To that, I say: “Why not?!” In our moments of greatest vulnerability, through crying and laughter, we express our own capacity to be human.
So TONIGHT at 6pm, please bring a hat, invite a friend, grab a drink and curl up on your couch (or at your dining room table for dinner), tune in HERE, and join us for services. G-d knows, we need to laugh together.
Tihiyu bri’im, be safe, stay well, and have some fun.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David
Click here for details about the discounted fuel rates available for JCOGS members only. Sign up deadline is fast approaching this coming Monday, May 18.
Upcoming Online Events click on each link below in order to connect via Zoom.
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. ................................................
Saturday, May 16, 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. ...................................................
Sunday, May 17, 4:00 PM Ateed Program Ateed teens and families will join together for a car parade in Stowe. Contact Amy D for more details. ...................................................
Mazel Tov to our Bar Mitzvah! Saturday, May 23, 10:00 AM Lex's bar mitzvah My name is Lex and I am almost 13 years old. I go to Main Street Middle School in Montpelier, except now I’m actually going to school in my living room. I am very into acting and singing and debating. I have been in musicals, plays, tv and films. I like to read, play board games and card games. I love to swim, snorkel, dance, hike. I love traveling. My service project is to raise money for voting rights which are always so important, but especially for the upcoming election. My project connects to my Torah portion, which is about the Jewish census. RSVP here to join via zoom. ................................................
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. ....................................................
Thursday-Sunday, May 28-30 Shavuot on the Mountain and Jewish Communities of Vermont Virtual Summit Join the Vermont Jewish community for an inspirational weekend of online programming and self-directed outdoor activities immersed in the beauty of the natural world and the arts: learning, cooking, singing, dancing, and hiking. Come for all or part of this communal celebration for all ages. Don't miss the special private Saturday night concert with the amazing Jewish Bluegrass group Nefesh Mountain. Stay tuned for more details. Presented by Living Tree Alliance in collaboration with JCOGS, Ruach HaMaqom, Ohavi Zedek, Temple Sinai, Beth Jacob Synagogue, Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, Rutland Jewish Center, Shir Shalom of Woodstock, and Jewish Communities of Vermont. ....................................................
The JCOGS building is currently closed, please contact us at jcogs@jcogs.org or 802-253-1800 if you need any assistance.
