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Dear JCOGS Family,

I am excited to invite you to our Community Seder on the second night of Passover, April 23rd. Click here to reserve your spot by this Thursday to attend our in-person, participatory, and musical Seder. The seder will be co-led by myself and Rabbi David on his first event back with the JCOGS community.

One of the themes of this year’s Seder is “Holchim HaBayita: Beginning the Journey Home.” The search for home is central to the Passover story. The Israelites are commanded to stay in their homes during the “original” Passover (Exodus 12:2), and their liberation from slavery in Egypt is the first step of a long journey towards their home in the Promised Land. Today, we prepare for Passover by paying special attention to our homes when we clean and search for chametz (leavened bread). In contrast to the High Holy Days and their emphasis on synagogue attendance, Passover Seders are traditionally held at home—or, in our case, our “home away from home” at JCOGS. 

This year, seeing the Seder as a journey home feels especially resonant. We are thrilled to welcome back Rabbi David and his family as they come home to Vermont and JCOGS after Rabbi David’s sabbatical in New Zealand. As we turn to the east, we pray for the Israeli hostages to return to their homes and families, as well as for all those displaced from the war in Israel and Gaza to find a safe home.

Throughout history, the Jewish people have celebrated Passover during dire and challenging times, often holding both joy and heartbreak. We have done so together, under a shared roof. Please join us at JCOGS as we tell the story of our ancestors' journey home, and reflect on its lessons for us today.

Shabbat shalom, 

Emmanuel Cantor
Rabbinic Intern