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Stuck in a rut? We can help.

03/10/2023 02:49:42 PM

Mar10

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe

Dear Amys, Steves, Debbies, and all the other beloved members of JCOGS,

I am pleased to report that a fellow named Jean-François, a famous French Baker, will be at JCOGS tonight to help present an array of hAMENtaschen for you all. Suffice it to say, those triangular cookies, coupled with the incredible, all-knowing Brass Balagan Band, Megillah reading, schpiel players, costumes, raucous service, and yes, sangria—all together will make the party to end all parties. Can I get a H-Amen to that!?

As you may remember, Purim is my favourite holiday. This is simple.

Someone once asked me what I most fear. I responded: “getting stuck in a box.” A rut. A lane.

We moderns live our lives mostly staying in our lanes. This was true of our ancients, too. It’s human nature.

BUT! Our four year old LOVES dress up. For our Olam Chesed Purim party this Wednesday, he wore not one, not two, but THREE costumes throughout the night, changing mid-party for his (and our) enjoyment.

At what age did we—THAT’S YOU AND ME—lose that ability to change, grow, and try new things on? When did we forget that G?d created us as ever-changing?

We are the ever-growing, skin-shedding, beautiful beings looking for the light of the sun and that big belly laugh.

Purim takes us out of our comfort zone. Through costumes and role playing, listening to a fantastic(al) upside-down story, jokes, humour, and safe drinking, if you are so inclined, we remind ourselves of our four-year-old nature that appreciates the absurdity, awe, and beauty of life (while cloaked in the also glorious nature of adulthood).

So leave your button down shirts and proper dresses at home (or throw on a costume in our foyer when you arrive… we’ve got plenty of hats and such waiting for you), and join us for a night to end all nights.

Because on most days at JCOGS, we have fun. But tonight, we will have @$FUN!?%*

Tihiyu bri’im, may you be healthy. Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi David

P.S. And meanwhile, Alison and I are sponsoring the delicious oneg in honour of our three boys’ birthdays!

*Please excuse any typ0s. I was cleaning my garage while writing this.

Announcements and Upcoming Events

Purim Shabbat Party + Brass Balagan Band - IN PERSON + ONLINE: Join us for an epic night of Purim pandemonium with the bodacious band Brass Balagan. Parades, crazy hats and costumes, schpiel play, drinks, a bit of prayer, and reading from the new JCOGS holy scroll Megillah. THE party to end all parties.

Founded in 2010, Brass Balagan is a street brass band with roots in klezmer, balkan, and banda music. They perform mainly for anti-imperialist causes, but are also available for birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, shopping mall ribbon-cutting ceremonies corporate functions, and gun shows. They are eternally recruiting new members. - Friday, March 10 6:00pm-7:15pm

Oneg Sponsored by Alison Link and Rabbi David :Oneg sponsorship is by Alison Link and Rabbi David in honour of Adar, Yonah, and Hersh's birthdays. Dessert sponsorship of hamentaschen by Bobbi Rood in honour of her Bat Mitzvah. - Friday, March 10 7:15pm-8:00pm

Shabbat Service and Bobbi Rood's Bat Mitzvah: Saturday, March 11 10:00am-12:00pm

Kiddish Sponsored by Bobbi Rood: In honor of her bat mitzvah - Saturday, March 11 12:00pm-1:00pm

Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism - ONLINE ONLY - for those pre-registered: Our second online cohort of Shalom Hartman Institute limmud/learning at JCOGS. This year’s focus will be on the Ethics curriculum drawn from the Hartman cutting-edge Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism. - Monday, March 13 5:45pm-7:30pm

Musical Shabbat - IN PERSON + ONLINE: Join us for an uplifting musical service to welcome in Shabbat in community, followed by a delicious Oneg. - Friday, March 17 6:00pm-7:30pm

Kinderlach & Gesher young families enjoy PuRiM fun!: Join Rabbi David, Beth, and special friends at JCOGS for a zany Purim-y Shabbat morning of singing, dancing, story and upside-down silliness. Come in costume if you'd like and bring your favorite stuffie to meet Shabbasaurus, the Shabbat dinosaur, and Tzipi, the curious bird! - Saturday, March 18 10:00am-11:30am

Addressing Poverty in Lamoille: An Interfaith Teach In & Fundraiser: Passover and Easter are a time to look towards a hopeful future. This year, the Lamoille faith communities come together in direct action against economic injustice in a night of learning and giving. All donations go to support the Interfaith Benevolence Fund, a new partnership with United Way of Lamoille County that will support community members who are experiencing severe economic hardship. Come hear the stories of those directly impacted, alongside experts, clergy, and community members as we work together towards a society that provides for everyone’s basic needs and respects the dignity of all. Light refreshments to follow the program. - Monday, March 20 6:30pm-8:00pm Keynote Speaker: Saudia Lamont

The Art of the Sermon: How to prepare, write, and give a D'var Torah: This two part series taught by Rabbi David for Mitzvah, teens, and adults will explore what it takes to interpret a piece of inspiring Jewish learning and teach it to others. You need not be the greatest Torah scholar to say something profound about a selection of Torah. You need not be the most charismatic public speaker to share some wisdom. Come with your willingness to explore and get ready to be inspired and to inspire others. Kiddush will be served and enjoyed, as well. - Saturday, March 25 10:00am-12:00pm

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