The following email was set to go out prior to the news of the tragedy at a Lag baOmer celebration in the north of Israel where Haredi Jews were celebrating at the burial place of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai on the yahrzeit anniversary of his death. The news is truly devastating. Our hearts go out to the mourning families, and our prayers for those injured for a speedy recovery, refuah sheleyma. In this terrible moment, may the below films shine a light on the lives of Israelis, again connecting us to Jews around the world, in times of sorrow and, G-d willing, in times of joy.
Dear JCOGS family,
It’s that time of year again: the Stowe Jewish Film Festival. A collaboration with Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, the SJFF is one of the premiere community-wide programs coming out of our humble JCOGS. Last year, over a thousand viewers watched the films presented by our SJFF committee, and this year should be no different. All from the comfort of your own home.
Billed as “a virtual tour of modern day Israel”, these films should get you laughing, crying, educated, and entertained. Plus, there is a conversation on May 19 with one of the directors, Micah Smith, moderated by our own JCOGS member Rebecca Manners Diehl.
Thank you to our co-chairs Sara Tauben and Edee Simon-Israel and the whole committee for their work in bringing us some much needed cultcha.
Oh, and along with your popcorn for the films, don’t forget to bring the hummus. Click through to find out why.
Tihiyu bri’im, stay safe, be well. Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David
SCHEDULE
May 9-11: Mekonen
The Journey of an African Jew relates the personal journey of Mekonen Abebe, a young Ethiopian-Israeli Jew, once a young shepherd in Africa and now a commander in the Israeli Defense Forces.
May 16-18: Sustainable Nation
Follows three innovators who are bringing valuable lessons learned from Israel’s water shortage to the rest of the world.
