Shabbat in the midst of upheaval

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Shabbat in the midst of upheaval

08/12/2022 03:06:41 PM

Aug12

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe

Dear JCOGS family,

First, we are grateful that a ceasefire seems to be holding since Monday, after over 1000 rockets were launched into Israel from Gaza by the terrorist group Islamic Jihad, and the ensuing airstrikes from Israel. Ironically, or perhaps too fittingly, the ceasefire came after the close of the holiday of Tisha B’Av, commemorating many devastating events perpetrated on Jews in the past. Upon the completion of the holiday, we begin seven weeks of special readings of consolation from the prophets, beginning with tonight’s Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Comfort. With the ceasefire, may we find comfort knowing that they are living in relative safety for the time being, as we pray for a lasting peace between Israel and her neighbours.

Shabbat is soon upon us. We gather together at JCOGS tonight at 6p.m. to bring the peace and restfulness of this sacrosanct day. If you need more centring—more inner connection in your life—join us tonight online or in the tent, or consider this learning opportunity on how Shabbat can help strengthen us from within. Mazel tov to the Taubens in celebration of their 46th anniversary, and in gratitude as they host tonight’s oneg.

Next Shabbat, without a doubt, you will not want to miss one of the great rabbis of our time, Rabbi Sid Schwarz, who will be joining us at JCOGS. You can register HERE for the Vermont Kosher chicken dinner, where he will speak about “Re-Imagining the American Synagogue.” On Saturday, Rabbi Schwarz leads a “service” like no other, where he’s inviting you if “a) you are often bored at services; b) you have no idea why anyone would willingly attend a worship service: c) you are a deeply spiritual person but services don’t always work for you; d) you want to go where prayerful Jews have never gone before.”

He, above most I've met, understands our collective need to innovate and create dynamic Jewish spaces that meet the personal and communal needs of today, yet while drawing on the strengths and traditions of our past. I'm telling anyone who will listen: come and hear him speak, pray and learn with him, and get ready to be inspired.

By means of Shabbat, may we find a sense of peace and wholeness, safety and inspiration.

Tihiyu bri’im, be well. Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi David

Announcements and Upcoming Events

TONIGHT Musical Shabbat - IN PERSON + ONLINE: Join us in the tent for an uplifting musical service to welcome in Shabbat in community, followed by a delicious Oneg. - Friday, August 12 6:00pm-7:00pm

Oneg Sponsored by Sara & Irwin Tauben: In honor of their 46th wedding anniversary - Friday, August 12 7:15pm-8:15pm

Aidan's bar mitzvah ceremony and Shabbat morning Torah service - IN PERSON + ONLINE: Saturday, August 13 10:00am-12:00pm

Capernaum: How a Galilean Jewish Village Became a Christian Pilgrimage Site: Join Daniel Ehrlich, Keshet's Educational Director to virtually visit this site in Northern Israel and to gain insight into the Jewish context of the foundational stories of Christianity. Get to know this Jewish community of the Second Temple period and better understand how the story of Jesus and his followers is part of the saga of the Jewish People of the Second Temple period. It is a 40-45 minute learning session combining Powerpoint with maps, texts and timelines and video with live narration and teaching followed by Q&A. - Sunday, August 14 11:15am-12:15pm

2022 Summer Series: Book Discussion: Order your book and get your bags packed for an exciting discussion on how to travel with curiosity and following your dreams. Author and storyteller Toby Israel will dive into her book, Vagabondess. Beer and cheese will be served by “The Nosh” - Tuesday, August 16 6:30pm-8:00pm

Musical Shabbat with the JCOGS Band + Dinner Talk with Rabbi Sid Schwarz: An uplifting musical service with the JCOGS Band to welcome in Shabbat in community, followed by a special oneg dinner, and talk beginning at 7:45pm with Rabbi Sid Schwarz. - Friday, August 19 6:00pm-8:30pm

Davenning Out of the Box: A prayer service like no other, followed by a talk back, text study, and catered oneg lunch with The Bagel. - Saturday, August 20 10:00am-11:30am

What is Prayer? Talk Back and Text Study: Saturday, August 20 11:45am-12:30pm

Luncheon: Saturday, August 20 12:30pm-1:30pm

Centering self with Shabbat in the midst of upheaval: Learning + Dinner with Rabbi David: Each day, we encounter all manner of internal and external upheaval. How can the shift into Shabbat provide space to strengthen and center ourselves? Come learn from our new Siddur Lev Shalem prayerbook about the meaning of the Friday night psalms/tehillim as a path to inner rest and peace in the midst of turbulence. Dinner provided. - Thursday, August 25 6:30pm-8:30pm

Challah Bake: A fun filled workshop that promises to enrich your Shabbat with gentle kneading & the sweet smell of challah! - Friday, August 26 10:00am-12:00pm

Get the Scoop on Mitzvah: Rabbi David hosts the first gathering of the 5783 cohort for info and ice cream under the tent at JCOGS. - Sunday, August 28 4:30pm-5:30pm

JCOGS at the Stowe Farmers Market: Sunday, August 28 10:30am-3:00pm

Musical Shabbat with the JCOGS Band Plus Special Oneg: Join us in the tent for an uplifting musical service to welcome in Shabbat in community, followed by a delicious Oneg. - Friday, September 2 6:00pm-7:00pm

Oneg Sponsored by Alison Kaminer: In honor of Reuben Berlin's Bar Mitzvah - Friday, September 2 7:15pm-8:15pm

Reuben's bar mitzvah ceremony - IN PERSON + ONLINE: Sunday, September 4 4:00pm-6:00pm

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