News

Dear JCOGS community, 

I am thrilled to join JCOGS this year as the community’s rabbinic intern, and grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received thus far. I am looking forward to my visits to Stowe and to connecting with you— beginning tonight at 6pm for Shabbat services, tomorrow morning with the Mitzvah cohort, followed by the Shabbat preceding Yom Kippur and on Yom Kippur itself. I am honored to be filling in for Rabbi David when he goes on sabbatical beginning October 15th, and am looking forward to partnering together in the upcoming year.

I am inspired by JCOGS’s commitment to pluralism, which resonates with my own Jewish story. I was raised in a Conservative synagogue, studied at an Orthodox day school and yeshiva (learning center) in Israel, spent the last few High Holidays leading a Reform service, and most recently served as a rabbinic intern for a Reconstructionist synagogue. I am now entering my final year of rabbinical school at Hebrew College, a pluralistic rabbinical school in the Boston area, where Rabbi David studied as well. 

I understand that this summer has been one of highs and lows for JCOGS and the region. I followed the news of the flooding and damage closely, listening to stories of resilience and loss, especially of downtown community centers. Despite these setbacks, I also heard how JCOGS came together as a community—first in supporting relief efforts, and then for a variety of religious, cultural, and educational programming. JCOGS also celebrated a new mission statement, an especially helpful guide and resource for a newcomer like myself! 
  
My summer had ups and downs of its own. I spent the past few months working as a hospital chaplain in-training, offering spiritual care to patients, their loved ones, and healthcare workers. I learned to accompany people suffering with illness and death, and at the same time witnessed countless moments of beauty, love, and care. On a personal note, a summer highlight was getting engaged to my fiancé Shira. Our wedding will be in late May 2024, and I hope to celebrate many more smachot (joyous occasions) with JCOGS in the upcoming year. 

I’m writing as we prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a time when we reconnect with our family, communities, and one another. In describing the energy of the High Holy Days, the medieval Sefer Hasidim offers a parable: “Two people carrying a load are able to carry more together than they can each carry separately. Two people raising their voices are more likely to be heard than if they cry out by themselves.” In other words, community counts—always, and at this time of year especially. In this spirit, I am honored to be joining JCOGS, a community that deeply values belonging and growing together. 

Given that one-to-one conversations are the bedrock of community, I would love to find a time to sit down (over Zoom or in-person) with as many of you as possible. It would be wonderful to learn about your story and what brings you to JCOGS. Please feel free to reach out (emmanuel.cantor@jcogs.org), and I’ll be sure to do the same. Who knows what we can carry and what impact our voices can make together! 

Shana tova, a sweet, happy, healthy new year.

Emmanuel Cantor
Rabbinic Intern

Announcements and Upcoming Events

Alison Kaminer, our Operations Director, has tendered her resignation.  We thank Alison for her service to JCOGS and she remains a valued member of our community.  We wish Alison and her family well.  The JCOGS office is open Monday-Thursday 10-3 and Friday noon-5.   Laura Kittell, JCOGS’ administrative assistant can be reached at jcogs@jcogs.org or call 802-253-1800.