Dear JCOGS family,
As we reflect on the year that has passed in this annual report, surely there were tremendous good things to celebrate. A summer of 10 Mitzvah celebrations, the JCOGS LGBTQ Rainbow Coalition’s special Shabbaton, celebration of our new mission statement and core values, dancing the hora at the Stowe Jewish Film Festival showing of Hava Nagila: The Movie, the moving performance by Nefesh Mountain up at Spruce Peak Performing Arts, the Unique Voices interview of Hinda Miller with Patsy Kasakoff, and our cherished autumn-time musical High Holy Day season.
Yet, what will forever be ingrained in our hearts for this 5784 year is the devastation and aftermath of October 7.
That initial week is especially vivid for me. October 7, I arrived at JCOGS on Shabbat, not being on any devices, not having read the news, and was immediately briefed on the attack. Whereas our rabbinic intern and now ordained Rabbi Emmanuel Cantor and I had planned to lead a Yizkor memorial service addressing the terrible flooding that occurred across the state during the summer, we quickly pivoted to a live memorial, even as the attacks continued.
I will never forget gathering together less than a week later on Shabbat, October 13. The room was full. I could barely manage to keep myself from crying as we prayed and wept together. Two things stick out in my mind the most. The first, that around the room, in addition to Jews representing all the many towns of our membership, we had a strong cadre of our interfaith partners, including Father Rick and Pastor Dan — there with us in our most vulnerable moment. These friends continued to show up for us throughout the year. The second thing I remember is how we turned from mourning into Shabbat, as we said that our holiest day cannot and will not be taken from us. A truly Jewish response to the devastation.
The following morning, we celebrated the last of the Mitzvah celebrations for the season, and then I left for sabbatical.
Rabbi Emmanuel and Cyndy Wyatt deserve a tremendous amount of credit and blessing for the way that they held our community together in this most difficult time of war and increased antisemitism. Rabbi Emmanuel coordinated and led multiple learning opportunities for teens and adults, and his gentle presence allowed for many pastoral conversations. Meanwhile, Priscilla Minkin made well over 100 calls to our JCOGS members to check in during this vulnerable time.
Since being back, I have heard from so many of you what an incredible community we are. Along with Rabbi Emmanuel, our lay leaders led prayers beautifully and our musicians stepped up. Like in our time of crisis during COVID, our community rallied towards each other. Much was learned within our community and by me during the sabbatical, and I am hoping that our next steps forward integrate that deep sense of community.
The sabbatical for me was a time of great introspection, learning, and family. The sabbatical had three chapters, each with its own lessons. The first two months involved a lot of recovery. I had a severe case of jet lag, I caught a tough flu, and I severely hurt my back twice. In no uncertain terms, my body was telling me: it’s time to slow down! And I did. And it served me well.
Chapter two involved family time and cultivating awe. During the summer break (yes, we were snowbirds this year) we took a family trip around the south island of New Zealand. We swam in the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. We saw hundreds of waterfalls at Doubtful Sound. We jumped into ice cold waterfalls. We hiked countless trails. This was a time of deep family bonding and bearing witness to the ever-flowing creation of G-d’s world.
Chapter three included a deep dive into spiritual practice. For over a year and a half, since becoming a fellow with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, I have been practicing mindfulness and meditation. This February, I sat a 10-day silent meditation retreat, which included 10 hours a day of sitting meditation. There, I learned and relearned the art of being present with the ease and difficulties of every moment. Since then, I have deepened my daily practice in ways that continue to sustain me.
In each of these chapters, I learned Torah and storytelling that I am eager to share with the congregation. All throughout, you all were regularly in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and safety, and in gratitude for this replenishing time.
Finally, as we look ahead, I am very excited for this next chapter of JCOGS life. I want to draw your attention to an event like no other. This September 7, we will gather for a remarkable evening as we celebrate 30 years of JCOGS! There will be special musical rabbinic guests of the highest caliber as we honour Ron Feinstein for his dedication to our community. Whatever plans you have, please change them… so that you can be here for this momentous event.
B’ahavah rabbah, with abundant love,
Rabbi David
