A couple of days ago I got to be a fly-on-the-wall in a conversation for teens about racism. Just watching, not participating. I was struck profoundly by the teens’ persistence—to ask questions, to push the why, to not settle for because, to echo one another with great question.
I feel the same way, too. A bright spark of hope shone through the darkness, not because there were answers, but because there was peaceful, if angry, discourse among Jewish teenagers seeking a Jewish way to understand the hate and racial injustice in this world. Where the organizers expected a few dozen teens to show up, over 100 logged in, including a teen representing our youth group, Ateed.
This kind of deep engagement with the Jewish approach to life has been evident throughout our school year. Over the course of close to 30 Wednesday afternoons this past year at Olam Chesed—now on screens in homes from Waitsfield to Craftsbury—we have created and experienced moments that are indelible and spark wonder. Moments that echo the blessings of “wow, please, and thanks”.
We’ve been building Olam Chesed עולם חסד, a world of lovingkindness, one week at a time. Tapping into Torah, blessing, and the joy and trials of being together as a community. And this evening we’re so excited for you to join us in celebrating that year!
Together we will remember that kol ha’olam kulo gesher tzar me’od/the whole wide world is a very narrow bridge but the main thing to recall is to have no fear at all. Join us as Rabbi David and the youth lead us in raising our voices in song, as we amplify the blessing we send out to the world, and as we revisit the magic we’ve created over this past wondrous year.
It will be the bright spark in your week.
Shabbat Shalom, Beth Liberman Director of family and youth education
A kick-off event for a series of REAL Sundays of Action in Lamoille County Meet on THIS Sunday, June 7, at 11:50 AM at the Morrisville CCV Building (197 Harrel Street, Morrisville, VT, 05661); drive begins at 12:00 noon. (see route here) The purpose is to demonstrate solidarity against racism and for racial equity in Lamoille and Vermont.
Recent and historical violence against black and brown communities calls the citizens of Morrisville and Lamoille to action. While we mobilize and organize behind the scenes to dismantle inequitable and racist systems in the long-term, we must also create immediate, visible acts of solidarity to build capacity, connect, and denounce violence and racism. The lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and too many others drive us to work for change.
Upcoming Online Events click on each link below in order to connect via Zoom.
Mazel Tov to our Bar Mitzvah! Saturday, June 6, 10 AM Samson's bar mitzvah Samson has been a student of JCOGS since he moved to Vermont four years ago. He is currently in the seventh grade at Stowe Middle School. Samson’s favorite subjects are science and geography. Outside of school, he loves to play football, baseball, SCUBA dive, and ski. He also has a great computer mind, is an avid creator of minecraft, and plays video games with his friends. He is a great older brother to Reuben and Solomon and often competes with them in many sports. Samson has a deep connection to the Jewish faith and community through his relationship with his great grandparents, who were Holocaust Survivors. The family is traditionally Jewish and celebrates all Jewish holidays, and Samson has been an active reading participant from the Megilah, Hagadah, and prayer book. Samson is devoted to his Bar Mitzvah studies under the direction of Amy Rosenthal and his Parsha and Haftorah, Naso, has a special meaning for him. As we learn in the Haftarah prophets reading associated with his Torah portion, Samson (Shimshon) was born and God blessed him and envisioned him as a lifetime of commitment to the Jewish people. Basically, it was the birth of a Superhero, and that is what Samson has become. A Mazel Tov to Samson as he prepares to become a Bar Mitzvah. RSVP here to join via zoom. ................................................
Saturday, June 6, 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. ....................................................
June 7-9: "The Samuel Project" Brought to you by this year's virtual Stowe Jewish Film Festival, The Samuel Project will be available to view from home from June 7-9 at no cost. Art helps bridge a generational and historic divide as a talented teen helps his grandfather relate his traumatic war-time experience through an animation project. Please register for the film in advance HERE. Preview the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0mSzGkDZ-8 ....................................................
Friday, June 12, 6 PM Virtual Musical Shabbat service Musial Shabbat service now every week at 6pm with Rabbi David and special guests. 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. Join via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87407893775 ...................................................
Saturday, June 13, 9:30 AM Kinderlach & Gesher Calling all grandparents, aunts and uncles! Our kinder/children invite you to a tea party on Zoom for special elder(s). Join Rabbi David and young families for a sweet Shabbat morning of song and smiles. Click here for the Zoom link. ....................................................
Sunday, June 28, 7 PM Laugh Your Tuchus Off: a community-building, fundraising, rolicking good time. Featuring the hilarious Joel Chasnoff and local comedians. See a little more about Joel Chasnoff with a clip of his comedy here. Donations always appreciated. Register nowhere so that you will get the link. We want our whole community there. Donate your talent as an auction item. Items can either be for use now, virtual, or for when it is safer to come together. Everyone at JCOGS has a talent that is of value to someone else. If we all offer our gifts and we all bid on each other’s items, we can begin making up for lost fundraising. Let us know what your talent to donate is, email debby.sherman@jcogs.org. ....................................................
Events sponsored by other area organizations
Sunday, June 7, 3 PM Hadassah's special annual Chai Tea has gone virtual. Author Faith Quintero will join in for a discussion of her first novel, Loaded Blessings. Alternating between Inquisition-era Spain and modern day Israel, Loaded Blessings is the story of a family who loses almost everything as they flee into exile, but is left with a powerful heirloom that reaches across time. To attend this free Chai Tea, please RSVP to snobunny@pshift.com to receive the zoom link.
The JCOGS building is currently closed, please contact us at jcogs@jcogs.org or 802-253-1800 if you need any assistance.
