Moses led the people out of the camp to meet G-d, and they took their places at the foot of the mountain. (Exodus 20:17)
Dear JCOGS family,
All the Jews stood at the foot of Mount Sinai, ready to receive the Torah. All the Jews, so say the sages — past, present, future. That’s you.
Medieval commentator, Rashi says that at the base of the mountain the words לִקְרַ֥את הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים “to meet G-d” point us towards something important. That is, when two people are approaching one another to meet face-to-face, the Shechinah, G-d’s presence is there, going forth to meet them as well.
All Jews, across the generations, going to receive the Torah, going to meet G-d.
This year, like when we stood at Sinai, all the Jews will gather again. All the Jews of Vermont, that is. We will celebrate the holiday of Shavuot, aka Shavuos, aka the receiving of the Torah holiday, with a state-wide three day celebration, starting next Thursday through Saturday, May 28-30. Here are just a few of the highlights, some online, some outside:
Thursday night, May 28: blintz making, a night of learning, and dancing, yes, dancing!
Friday, May 29: Workshops like sourdough bread-making, paper-cutting, art for kids with our own Beth Liberman, story sharing at 5:30pm, and a JCOGS virtual hosted Friday night services at 6pm.
Saturday: Hallel and Yizkor memorial services in the morning and a live, Saturday night virtual concert with Nefesh Mountain.
Some meaningful self-guided offerings and activities to get you outside to explore our natural world, Shavuos style.
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. ................................................
Saturday, May 23, 9 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. ....................................................
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 Vermont Virtual Summit and Shavuot Celebration Vermont Jewish Communities around the state are offering a collective festival during Shavuot that brings hope, resilience, and state-wide connection. Online and nature activities offered throughout the holiday are open to all — come for all or part, download activities and don’t miss the special featured concert with Nefesh Mountain Saturday night on Facebook live. For details of the whole event go to https://jewishcommunitiesofvermont.org/vermontshavuotsummit/ Offerings by communities throughout Vermont including: JCVT, Living Tree Alliance, Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS), Ruach HaMaqom, Ohavi Zedek, Rutland Jewish Center, Temple Israel of Manchester, Beth Jacob, Havurah of Addison county, and Congregations Beth El of Bennington and St. Johnsbury, Brattleboro Jewish Community, and Temple Sinai.
We are pleased to announce that ZenBarn in Waterbury will be offering Shavuot special meals for pick up during the weekend. ....................................................
Click here for details about the discounted fuel rates available for JCOGS members only. The deadline to sign up has been extended to the end of July. ....................................................
