As we step into a new year of Jewish learning, growth, and connection, we do so in a moment of exciting transition and renewal for our Olam Chesed Education Center at JCOGS. With abundant gratitude for the foundation built by prior educators Barbara Bauman, Sephirah Oshkello, and Beth Liberman, we are thrilled to introduce a talented and passionate team of educators who will guide our children and families in the year ahead. This next chapter will also be shaped by Rabbi David’s expanded vital role in educational leadership, deepening his connection with students and families across all ages, including co-teaching across all programs. Together, these educators bring deep experience, joyful energy, and a strong commitment to nurturing Jewish life in our community.
Please join us in welcoming:
Amy Rosenthal, amy.rosenthal@jcogs.org, who will coordinate and teach our combined Mitzvah and new Pre-Mitzvah programs, as well as serving as our Teen Youth Group advisor, supporting families through this meaningful and transformative time. Amy will also continue to act as primary Mitzvah tutor for our Mitzvah students and support their families. Amy is well known at JCOGS, having served our family and youth for 9 years. Beloved by families and teens, this expanded role is a boon to our tweens, teens, and their families.
Sarah Villenueva, sarah.villanueva@jcogs.org, our new Family and Youth Education Coordinator, who will oversee and teach the weekly Wednesday Olam Chesed program for 2nd-5th graders, lead family holiday programming, and support Jewish learning in Mad River Valley and the Northeast Kingdom. She will also deepen our relationship and coordination with Beth Jacob Synagogue, where she also works as an educator. With her background in Jewish education including a Master of Religious Studies, special education (Master of Special Education), and nonprofit leadership, Sarah brings a whole-family approach to Jewish learning and is known for her creativity, inclusivity, and thoughtful leadership.
Katie Yoskowitz, katie.yoskowitz@jcogs.org, who will lead our monthly Young Families programming on Saturday mornings and for the High Holy Days, creating joyful and age-appropriate Jewish experiences for children from birth through 1st grade and their families. A longtime early and elementary childhood educator, Katie brings warmth, experience, and deep love of JCOGS to our youngest learners and their grownups.
Atara Jaffe, atara.jaffe@jcogs.org, who will lead our weekly Hebrew Pods program, providing small-group online Hebrew instruction for grades 2–5. With nearly two decades of experience tutoring Mitzvah students across the country, Atara brings warmth, flexibility, and a deep knowledge of Hebrew education to her work with learners of all backgrounds.
These educators will work with Rabbi David to foster meaningful Jewish engagement across all ages and stages. We are thrilled about the energy and vision this team brings to our community and look forward to all the learning and connection that awaits in the year ahead.
May this be a wonderful year of growth, joy, and renewal for our students, families, and the entire JCOGS community. Stay tuned for enrollment information for all of our programs coming in August.
Rabbi David Fainsilber and Lis Erickson, chair on behalf of the JCOGS Children’s Education Committee Kara Rosenberg Barb Sokolow Matt Yoskowitz Lauren Antler (Beth Jacob representative) Rachel Fish (Beth Jacob representative)
Jewish Community of Greater Stowe 1189 Cape Cod Road Stowe, VT 05672
