As Emmanuel departs JCOGS upon completion of his rabbinic internship, our entire JCOGS community extends heartfelt thanks for his compassion, deep listening, insightful writing and story-telling and love for Torah.
Those who came to know Emmanuel from his numerous pastoral calls, his thoughtful reflections and sermons at services, and inventive programs were tremendously fortunate to experience spiritual guidance from such a talented, exceptional young man.
Emmanuel, our congregation sends you off with gratitude for your contributions to our community and blessings as you prepare for your upcoming ordination at Hebrew College and marriage to your beloved Shira. Todah rabbah and mazel tov.
Dear JCOGS Family,
There is a story in the Talmud about two rabbis who say goodbye to one another at the edge of a river. “Let’s teach each other something new,” they say. “We will always remember what we’ve learned, and as such, we will always remember one another.”
This message is my final communication in my capacity serving as your rabbinic intern. I will always remember what I have learned this year, which means I will always remember JCOGS.
I shared many of the lessons the JCOGS community has taught me in my sermon last Friday night, as part of a moving Shabbat celebrating the work of the Olam Chesed and Mitzvah students and teachers. A video of my remarks can be found byclicking here, as well as a print copy by clicking here. Even the format of the written text bears the mark of what I’ve learned at JCOGS. The line breaks follow the pauses in my speech, a public speaking technique I first learned from Rabbi David, who in turn learned from our shared teacher Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld.
Elsewhere, the Talmud records that Rabbi Nechunya ben Hakana would recite a short prayer upon entering and exiting the beit midrash, a place of sacred learning. Upon entering: “I pray that no mistakes should occur because of me.” Upon exiting: “I am grateful for my portion.” In other words, “thank you.”
As I leave JCOGS, my place of sacred learning, I join my prayer with Rabbi Nechunya’s. Thank you. Thank you to the caring and creative members of the JCOGS staff: Rabbi David, Beth, Laura, and Myria, to President Cyndy Wyatt and the devoted JCOGS board, and to the countless JCOGS volunteers, prayer leaders, fellow learners, and conversation partners. In a year marked by Rabbi David’s sabbatical and heartbreaking challenges facing the Jewish people and the wider world, I am so grateful for your trust, collaboration, and all that you have taught me.
I will be taking my warm memories of my time at JCOGS with me as I enter my next chapter. Shira and I are excited to celebrate our wedding on Memorial Day, followed by my rabbinical school ordination at Hebrew College on June 2nd. In July, we will be moving to the greater DC area where I will serve as a rabbi for the Den Collective, building an intimate and home-based pluralistic Jewish community together with those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
I am glad that I am able to genuinely say “lehitraot” to JCOGS, the Hebrew term that literally means “to see you again.” I am looking forward to returning to Stowe in early September to celebrate JCOGS’ 30th birthday and to honor Ron Feinstein and the tremendous community of JCOGS volunteers. I cannot wait to see you all again.
