News

See information below about community resources due to extreme cold.

Dear Beth Jacob and JCOGS congregations,

It’s not often that I get to write to two congregations with one “pen.”  For the past years, Beth Jacob in Montpelier and JCOGS in Stowe have been partnering together to educate our youth.  While some synagogues choose to compete against each other, we chose a different route: one of symbiosis, all under the Olam Chesed Education Center banner.

Tomorrow/Shabbat morning at 10AM, as a special occasion, we will pray together in the Beth Jacob sanctuary in Montpelier for Shabbat Shirah, the Shabbat of Song, the Torah portion where our Israelite ancestors crossed the sea in song and freedom.  Come out of the cold, as you are comfortable and able, and into the warmth embrace of our tradition as we join our youth for this heimishe/homey, festive service.  Delicious kiddush lunch to follow.  You can also join us online by registering HERE.

Beth Liberman, Director of Education, has been at the helm of both BJ and JCOGS education programs, steering the ship along with volunteers and other staff.  At BJ, we’ve seen a burgeoning religious school experience meeting every Tuesday, and wonderful turnout and engagement during a once-a-month dynamic Sunday youth program.  The growth and potential is exciting.

At JCOGS, our Kinderlach and Gesher Shabbat morning program is lively as ever and our flagship Wednesday program for elementary school age students engages multiple modalities.

Cultivation of our Mitzvah students is paramount.  This joint program of BJ-JCOGS that meets on Shabbat mornings means that students (and some parents too!) from both shuls come together to learn the skills of learning prayers, leyning (chanting from the Torah), and how to write a d’var Torah/sermon.  Above all, we use Jewish ethics and rituals to learn how to guide the next generation of global citizens for this 21st century.

And after a short hiatus, teen engagement is ramping up with our Ateed program.  Stay tuned!

Sometimes we meet at our separate buildings, as two ships on the Sea of Reeds on parallel tracks.  But sometimes we come together.  During January and February, both elementary-age programs from BJ and JCOGS have been meeting online all together.  What a joy to see the communities truly united as teachers and students of our shared tradition!  And tomorrow, we join together in prayer.

Positive changes are in the works for next year’s BJ-JCOGS partnership, but what we do know for now is that the next generation is in good hands on this collaborative journey.

Tihiyu bri’im, stay safe, be well.  Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi David

Some information due to the extreme cold:

• United Community Church of Morrisville is hosting a Saturday Breakfast on Us at the same time as their usual weekday breakfasts, 7-9am. Any community member can come to the church for breakfast in a warm place. 
• Lamoille Community House has open beds as of this time: 802-521-7943
• Local people in need of finding a warm spot to spend some time can call 211 or the Lamoille sheriff: 802-888-3502
• State listing of warming shelters.
• Stowe Free Library is a designated warming shelter during business hours: 9:30am-5:30pm this Friday and 10am-3pm this Saturday
• Morristown Centennial Library is open regular hours: 9:30-5:30 Friday, 9-2 Saturday

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