There is much to be grateful for in this time. It is not always apparent, but it is there. Let’s celebrate several simchas in our community.
First, vaccines. Baruch Hashem, thank G-d, and all of the researchers and health care providers for distributing the needed vaccines to our community members. A number of members have received the vaccine, and for that we are grateful.
Second, I’d like to wish Ben and Katie and also Ronnie and Joëlle mazel tovs on their upcoming chuppahs next week. Yes, two weddings! This has been a trying time for those wishing to consecrate their lives together. We will celebrate their aufrus in community as part of our service tonight at 6pm, welcoming their families for these momentous occasions.
Finally, as of today, we have a new president of JCOGS, Steve Levine. Steve has a long history with Stowe as an avid skier. He and Judith moved up here a few short years ago and quickly made JCOGS their spiritual home and passion. Steve works at Copley as a hospitalist doctor. As he cares for his patients, so too, he cares for JCOGS. Boy does he care. Through his tenure, he hopes to help create a sustainable community for the coming decades.
You will be hearing directly from Steve in the coming weeks, but for now, I hope you will join me in wishing him the very best for a successful presidency. He can be reached at steven.levine@jcogs.org and would love to hear from you.
With every simcha in Judaism, there is also a bittersweet element, as when we break the glass at weddings to remember the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the imperfection of the world we live in. We once again offer our sincerest gratitude to Emily Rosenbaum for her dedication to our community as president over these past years.
Tihiyu bri’im, be safe, stay well. Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David
p.s. Want more simcha? Come celebrate Purim next week with us: Friday night Purim party(handstands optional) next week 2/26 at 6pm, or for families (and really, everyone young at heart), the Modern Times Theater Purim production on Sunday 2/28 at 5pm.
