News

Dear JCOGS Family and Friends,

We have a wonderful Jewish community in JCOGS. We have a board that works to support our mission: to create and sustain an environment that perpetuates and celebrates Jewish traditions, observances, and a sense of community. We have an engaged Rabbi who has signed a long-term contract committing himself and his family to this area for years to come. We have tikkun olam opportunities that provide ways to serve our greater community. Whether you are looking for religion or spirituality or a Jewish social network and whether you want Jewish culture, music, or educational opportunity, JCOGS has it all.

I have practiced medicine for the past 35 years and have helped many thousands of individuals and I realized that I had not personally made a difference on a larger scale in improving the lives of a community. That is why I agreed to become JCOGS's president. I commit to put my time and passion towards sustaining our Jewish community because JCOGS matters to all of us.

This year, we are asking individuals and families to quantify how you personally will build community. In the past, we would ask for areas of interest on membership renewal—this year we are asking you to pick an area you are interested in and commit 10 hours to it over the course of the year. When the board did a strategic plan two years ago, we put in specific volunteer benchmarks, including 90% of JCOGS members volunteering. This is the year we’re going to make that goal a reality.

JCOGS will only survive and grow with the commitment of your personal time. Our committees are the bedrock of the organization, and every committee and program requires hours of volunteer time. Pick a committee or program and commit the hours. Choose to serve the larger community through tikkun olam, promise to usher at the High Holy Days, serve on the fundraiser committee, or dedicate yourself to keeping our building thriving. It will help you will feel closer to our community.

This past year, as we all know, has been very challenging and unique, which is why we did not raise dues at all last year. Even though we have been very restricted in our face-to-face interactions at JCOGS, the cost of salaries and building maintenance has risen as it does every year. The Board has increased dues for this membership year. The increase amounts to under $10.00 a month per family and even less for individuals, and our dues are still much lower than most synagogues. Our dues help pay for programs and fixed costs such as salaries and utilities, but they do not come close to covering the full cost of running JCOGS, for which we remain reliant upon our generous donors.

The pandemic is almost under control and restrictions are being lifted. We have a new 40’ x 60’ tent to gather under and the building with its refreshed kitchen will soon be open. The Rabbi, the Board, and I look forward to seeing, working, and laughing with all of you this year. 

Your membership dues, your generous giving to the Benefactor Appeal, and your time will support JCOGS — your wonderful Jewish Community in north-central Vermont.


Steven Levine
President