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Passover Blessing: Praying for Elijah’s Visit

04/21/2024 09:36:58 AM

Apr21

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe

Dear JCOGS Family,

I want to wish each of you a chag kasher v’sameach, a joyous and spirited Passover. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at JCOGS’s annual Second Night Passover Seder where we will welcome Rabbi David and his family back from his sabbatical in New Zealand.

As I shared at JCOGS services last Friday night, I have been thinking about the modern Hebrew word for “tie” as we prepare for Passover this year. Not “tie” as in “necktie,” but “tie” meaning “equal in competition,” as if the soccer team Hapoel Jerusalem tied Maccabi Haifa by a score of 1-1. In such a case, the result would be a called a “teiko (תֵּיקוּ),” or tie.

The origins of this modern Hebrew word are quite ancient. The Talmud records that when two rabbis disagree and no consensus can be reached, the text declares: “teiko” or, “let the matter stand.” In other words, a tie.

Yet a famous rabbinic interpretation also reads teiko as an acronym for (ת)Tishbi (י)Yitaretz (ק)Kushiot (ו)U’Baayot, meaning “the Tishbite will come and answer all challenging questions and difficulties.” “The Tishbite'' is a name for Elijah the Prophet, as in “Eliyahu HaTishbi.” Many stories imagine Elijah as a mysterious time traveler, appearing as a kind, elderly man to help those in need. “It is Elijah,” the prophet Malachi writes, “who will turn the hearts of the parents toward their children and the hearts of the children toward their parents.” In doing so, Elijah has the power to solve our “teikos,” the challenging questions and difficulties we are yearning to resolve.

Traditionally, we open our doors as the Seder nears its end and welcome Elijah to our table. Gathered around Elijah’s cup, many of us sing “Eliyahu Hanavi.” We hope that the presence of Elijah blesses our home.

What might Elijah’s blessing be? This year, as we reckon with the suffering in Israel and Gaza and its reverberations across North America, many of us are facing heartbreaking questions and divisions within our families and communities. I pray that Elijah’s spirit brings us the answers we seek, and that his message of peace and reconciliation visits us all.

With wishes for a Zisn Pesach, a sweet and peaceful Passover,

Emmanuel Cantor
Rabbinic Intern

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Happy Passover-Weekly Email

04/17/2024 03:25:01 PM

Apr17

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

2nd Night Passover Seder 2024/5784

Tuesday, April 23, 5:30-7:30pm

Celebrate 2nd night Seder with Rabbi David, Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and your JCOGS family. EXTRA LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE. Online registration is closed so please call Laura in the office at 802-253-1800 or email jcogs@jcogs.org to reserve your seat/s at the Seder table.
Click here for details and a full menu.

Yizkor Memorial Service for Final Night of Passover with Rabbi David ONLINE ONLY
Tuesday, April 30, 5:45-6;30pm
Click here to register

Teens NYC Trip

Three intrepid JCOGS teens, Ella, Fiona, and Manny, joined the Jew Crew of Kol haEmek (Upper Valley Jewish Community) and teens from Shir Shalom (Woodstock) for an amazing, whirlwind visit to NYC.
We toured a private exhibit of tapestries created by a Holocaust survivor, went to services at Temple Israel, took a food tour of the Lower East Side, explored Ellis Island, ate a kosher Chinese dinner, saw a Broadway show, and wrapped it all up with a visit to the famous Zabar's food emporium.
Incredible memories and fast friendships were made and we can't wait to get together again! Click here for more pictures.

Friday Services

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band
Friday, April 12, 6:00pm-7:15pm In Person & Online

Clergy Corner

Matzah Brei Fry!
Sunday, April 28, 3:30-5:30pm

Rabbi David, Alison, and family invite you into their home for a Pesach springtime gathering to reconnect and celebrate chag.
If you haven't yet had the opportunity to taste Rabbi David's famous fried matzah, now's your chance! Click here for more info and to register

Education

K&G Passover Palooza
Saturday, April 27, 10:00-11:30am
It's Pesach and we're celebrating the holiday of freedom. Rabbi David is back! Join us for games, story, music and delcious matzah brei! Bring your favorite stuffie to dance and play with Tzipi the curious bird and Gamal the camel. For families with children from birth to 6 years old.

Family & Friends Community Shabbat and Final Mitzvah Class Celebration
Saturday, May 4, 10:00am-12:00pm
The JCOGS community comes together for a special Shabbat morning. Join us as we celebrate the end of an amazing year of ahavah/love with Rabbi David, the Mitzvah class, and Olam Chesed Club as we say farewell and thank you to Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor.

Yom Hashoah

The Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS), in cooperation with Vermont Holocaust Memorial, will host the stirring Vermont Stage community performance of James Still’s:

And Then They Came for Me
Remembering the World of Anne Frank
At a time when hate crimes and anti-Semitism are on the rise, and authoritarianism is gaining traction around the globe, this is a story for everyone.

SUNDAY, MAY 5th | 4:00PM - 6:30PM
YOM HASHOAH - HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMEMORATION
This event is free and open to the public, and is suitable for Grades 6 and up.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED (CLICK HERE)
Only those who register in advance will be admitted.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

ONEG: Edee Simon Israel,Barbara Sokoloff, Karen Stewart, Patti Rubin.

ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

Passover Office Closure Dates: April 23, 24, 29 and 30
No Mah Jongg at JCOGS on April 23 or April 30

Olam Chesed Club : TODAY, Wednesday, April 17, 4:15pm-6:00pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS band: Friday, April 19, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Passover 2nd Night Community Seder: Tuesday, April 23, 5:30pm-7:30pm

From Passover to Shavuot: A seven-week Mindfulness Journey with Rabbi David: Saturday, April 27, 9:00-9:45am Online

K&G Passover Palooza: Saturday, April 27, 10:00am-11:30am

Rabbi David's Famous Matzah Brei Nosh at Rabbi David and Alison's home:
Sunday, April 28, 3:30-5:30pm

Olam Chesed Club : Wednesday, May 1, 4:15-6:00pm

Musical Shabbat with Rabbi David + Farewell to Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor: Friday, May 3, 6:00-7:15pm

Family & Friends Community Shabbat and Final Mitzvah Class Celebration: Saturday, May 4,10:00am-12:00pm

Special Yom Hashoah-Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration, And Then They Came for Me, a Vermont Stage community performance Sunday, May 5, 4:00pm-6:30pm

Kinderlach & Gesher plant a garden of gratitude: Saturday, May 18, 10:00am-11:30am

Volunteer Shabbat and Oneg: Friday, May 31, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Lunch and Learn: The Two Lives of Henrietta Szold: Wednesday, June 5, 12:00pm-2:00pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Eric Stanley Gould

Monday
Joseph Goins

Tuesday
Shema Bear Sussman

Wednesday
Bella Schnitzer Margolis

Thursday
George Friede
George Carl Saul

Friday
Joyce Segal

Shabbat
Sheila Steinerman

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

JCOGS teens go to nyc - april 2024

04/17/2024 01:36:50 PM

Apr17

Three intrepid JCOGS teens, Ella, Fiona, and Manny, joined the Jew Crew of Kol haEmek (Upper Valley Jewish Community) and teens from Shir Shalom (Woodstock) for an amazing, whirlwind visit to NYC. We traveled by Dartmouth Coach arriving just in time to visit Ted Comet at his Upper West Side apartment where he gave us an emotional tour of tapestries created by his wife, Shoshanah, a Holocaust survivor.

Then, we went to services at Temple Israel of the Upper East Side and met with teens there. On Shabbat we took a delicious food tour of the Lower East Side eating bialys, donuts, pickles, knishes AND old time candies all before noon!. Next we made our way to the southernmost tip of Manhattan to take the ferry to Ellis Island, where we spent the afternoon learning about how difficult our ancestors' arrival in this country must have been.

That evening we had dinner at a kosher Chinese restaurant and then saw Kimberly Akimbo, an emotional Broadway show.

Sunday morning we left the hostel on the Upper West Side and wrapped up the weekend with a visit to the famous Zabar's food emporium. We delighted in the new Moynihan Hall at Penn Station as we raced to catch the Amtrak train back to NH/VT.

Register for Passover Today-Weekly Email

04/10/2024 03:13:54 PM

Apr10

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

2nd Night Passover Seder 2024/5784

DEADLINE: THURSDAY 4/11 TO REGISTER FOR THE JCOGS SEDER
(Registration is required for a proper headcount for the chef)
Tuesday, April 23rd, 5:30pm-7:30pm
5:30pm-6:00pm Schmooze with Rabbi David and Alison

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY to attend our in-person, interactive, participatory, and musical seder co-led by Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and by Rabbi David on his first event back with the JCOGS community!

Clergy Corner

All those looking for Seder ideas or new ways to connect to Passover are invited to pick up this year's Passover reader from The Hadar Institute in the JCOGS lobby. On the theme of "Al Pedut Nafsheinu - Inner Redemption," the reader contains essays reflecting on Passover in general, and on freedom as both a physical and spiritual experience in particular. Enjoy the learning, feel free to let us know what you think!

Friday Services

Shabbat Service with Lay Leaders Nat Bacon and Patti Rubin
Friday, April 12, 6:00pm-7:15pm In Person & Online

Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting service to welcome Shabbat in community followed by a delicious Oneg co-sponsored by Nat and Patti and catered by Alladin in Stowe.

Yom Hashoah

The Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS), in cooperation with Vermont Holocaust Memorial, will host the stirring Vermont Stage community performance of James Still’s:

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

ONEG: Mich Kabay, Deborah Black, Emmanuel Cantor, Jonathan Freedman, Patti Rubin

Mazel Tov!

Sending a tribute/dedication in honor of or in memory of someone, is a wonderful way to offer a joyful Mazel Tov, mark a milestone, or offer condolences. “Tributes” sent out by JCOGS on your behalf, are a loving way to support your Jewish community.

Donate

Education

JCOGS teens head out on Friday with the Jew Crew from Kol haEmek in Hanover, NH, and teens from Shir Shalom in Woodstock for a weekend exploring
Jewish New York.

Summer camp registration is open! Click HERE.
June 17th-21st. For kids 5-9 years old. You don't need to be Jewish to have fun at JCOGS!

Community

Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications:

2 3-bedroom homes in Morrisville available
Applicants must be at or below 80% of the area median income to qualify.
Questions/apply: Email David at dmullin@vermonthabitat.org

ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

Passover Office Closure Dates: April 23, 24, 29 and 30

Olam Chesed Club : TODAY, Wednesday, April 10, 4:15pm-6:00pm

Teen NYC trip: Friday, April 12, 9:00am-Sunday, April 14 8:00pm

JCOGS Mad River Valley Jewish Education Program: Friday, April 12, 2:45pm-4:30pm

Shabbat Service with lay leaders Nat Bacon and Patti Rubin: Friday, April 12, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Oneg co-sponsored by Nat Bacon and Patti Rubin and catered by Alladin: Friday, April 12, 7:15pm-8:00pm

Mah Jongg: Tuesday, April 16, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS band: Friday, April 19, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Passover 2nd Night Community Seder: Tuesday, April 23, 5:30pm-7:30pm

K&G Passover Palooza: Saturday, April 27, 10:00am-11:30am

Family & Friends Friday: Friday, May 3, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Family & Friends Community Shabbat and Final Mitzvah Class Celebration: Saturday, May 4,10:00am-12:00pm

Special Yom Hashoah-Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration, And Then They Came for Me, a Vermont Stage community performance.: Sunday, May 5, 4:00pm-6:30pm

Kinderlach & Gesher plant a garden of gratitude : Saturday, May 18, 10:00am-11:30am

Volunteer Shabbat and Oneg: Friday, May 31, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Lunch and Learn: The Two Lives of Henrietta Szold: Wednesday, June 5, 12:00pm-2:00pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Myron Amerman

Tuesday
Ben Katz

Wednesday
Rhoda Burleson

Shabbat
Sophie Weinstein
Bonnie Bauman

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

Invitation to JCOGS’s 2nd Night Passover Seder: Beginning the Journey Home

04/05/2024 08:11:09 AM

Apr5

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe

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

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Purim, Passover and Penguins-Weekly Email

04/03/2024 03:13:56 PM

Apr3

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

A Postcard from Rabbi David

Dear JCOGS family,
By the time this postcard reaches you, it will be a few short weeks until our family returns to VT and JCOGS from New Zealand. After this rejuvenating time with family, and deep spiritual practice and learning, I am excited to return to you all.
I have missed our community and the purposeful way we create friendships and connection.
This year has been devastating for Israel, for the Jewish people around the world, and for those innocent lives in Gaza. My abundant prayers remain with our community and all through these challenging times.
As we prepare for Passover, we again are grateful-dayeinu-for the redemptions from difficulties in our past, as we hope and work for what redemption may yet come, speedily and soon.
If you are able, join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and me for our annual 2nd night seder at JCOGS on April 23rd.

P.S. Our kids absolutely loved seeing these adorable Blue Penguins in person. Enjoy!

2nd Night Passover Seder 2024/5784

Tuesday, April 23rd, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Register by April 11th

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW to attend our in-person, interactive, participatory, and musical seder co-led by Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and by Rabbi David on his first event back with the JCOGS community!

Community

The JCOGS Purim Party on Saturday was enjoyed by all! For more pictures click here.

Mazel Tov!

Mazel Tov to Barbara Segal and Howard Brown who have a new grandchild. Their daughter Margot and her husband Alex welcomed their son Abraham Noe Simon into the world on March 19, brother to Arthur and Evie. The Bris was held in Ottawa on Wed. They’re all doing well.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

Mich Kabay, Deborah Black, Beth Liberman,Edee Simon-Israel, Michael Furst, Moni Liberman, Aron Temkin, Patti Rubin for helping with oneg.
PURIM THANKS
Willa for coordinating and Nat, Dani, Aron, Lis, Abe, Arlo, and Neil for reading our Megillah so beautifully
Marni, Kara, Eli, and Abe for creating an awesome spiel and all the impromptu players who joined in
Leah for face painting
Rachel and friend for leading songs and story for our little ones
Amy R, Nora, and Jo for help setting up
Gavin, Lily, and Judah for running games
Sarah E for sparkly sangria
Patti for coordinating the potluck picnic
And enormous thanks to Moni for setting up decorations and wrapping up in record time.
Thank you to everyone who brought delectable dishes for the Persian Potluck Picnic!
And
Adan Schwartz for bringing his music to Olam Chesed Club helping us learn a song for our end of year celebration

Friday Services

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern, Emmanuel Cantor
Friday, April 5, 6:00pm-7:15pm In Person & Online

In keeping with Monday's eclipse, Emmanuel Cantor's sermon will speak to different Jewish perspectives on eclipses as opportunities for spiritual practice and reflection. Join us for a delicious community oneg following services.

Education

Summer camp registration is open! Click HERE.
June 17th-21st. For kids 5-9 years old. You don't need to be Jewish to have fun at JCOGS!

ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

THE JCOGS OFFICE IS CLOSED ON 4/8/2024

JCVT is looking for a Part-time Director of Community Engagement to join our team to direct PJ Library in Vermont and other grant initiatives in coordination with the Executive Director. Click here to find out more.
Click here to sign up for the JCVT enews.
Parents! Would you like your child(ren) to receive a gift of monthly Jewish books in the mail? Jewish Communities of Vermont sponsors this incredible program for families throughout Vermont for families raising children ages 0-12. To find out more, click here!

Olam Chesed Club IN PERSON: TODAY

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor: Friday, April 5, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, April 6, 10:00am-12:00pm

Teen NYC trip: Friday, April 12, 9:00am-Sunday, April 14 8:00pm

JCOGS Mad River Valley Jewish Education Program: Friday, April 12, 2:45pm-4:30pm

Oneg co-sponsored by Nat Bacon and Patti Rubin and catered by Alladin: Friday, April 12, 7:15pm-8:00pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS band: Friday, April 19, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Passover 2nd Night Community Seder:Tuesday, April 23 5:30pm-7:30pm

K&G Passover Palooza: Saturday, April 27, 10:00am-11:30am

Family & Friends Friday: End of year celebration - Friday, May 3 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat and Final Mitzvah Class Celebration: Saturday, May 4 10:00am-12:00pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
William Allen

Monday
Anne Gibs

Friday
Abe Margolis

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

Purim 5784/2024!

04/03/2024 01:25:56 PM

Apr3

Click here to see all the Purim fun!

Purim volunteers

Willa for coordinating and Nat, Dani, Aron, Lis, Abe, Arlo, and Neil for reading our Megillah so beautifully
Marni, Kara, Eli, and Abe for creating an awesome spiel and all the impromptu players who joined in
Leah for face painting
Rachel and friend for leading songs and story for our little ones
Amy R, Nora, and Jo for help setting up
Gavin, Lily, and Judah for running games
Sarah E for sparkly sangria
Patti for coordinating the potluck picnic
And enormous thanks to Moni for setting up decorations and wrapping up in record time.

Thank you to everyone who brought delectable dishes for the Persian Potluck Picnic!

Let's Party for Purim!-Weekly Email

03/27/2024 03:15:52 PM

Mar27

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

2024 March Appeal

Security, Jewish Education, Social Action, Community

We appeal to members to make a donation to support our annual budget. The Board has set a goal to raise an additional $30,000 and we are 1/2 way there!

DONATE

JCOGS staff warming up for Purim!

JCOGS PuRiM Party!
Saturday, March 30, 5:00pm- 8:00pm JCOGS

Purim! Fun for ALL ages: Joyous Megillah reading, Silly Spiel, Persian Potluck Picnic, and Dance Pary!
Click here for more details

2nd Night Passover Seder 2024/5784
Tuesday, April 23rd, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Register by April 11th

A Special Message from Rabbi David and Alison Link

Dear JCOGS family,
We are kvelling! We have a Jewish adult. “When Adar enters, joy increases!” משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה

We are filled with depths of pride and joy, as this past Shabbat, right before Purim, we celebrated Adar’s Bar Mitzvah (Aleph) here in Aotearoa New Zealand while on sabbatical. Adar led services and shared important words of Torah with poise, chanted beautifully, and even called up Rabbi Dean of Beth Shalom for an aliyah! Adar is a blessing to us and a deep caring passionate soul.

We’ll also be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah (Bet) back home in Vermont. How many kids do you know prepare for more than one Bar Mitzvah ceremony?!
Here is a picture taken last week from his final rehearsal before the big day.

Purim sameach, everyone. Excited to see you all soon!

FRIDAY SERVICES

Shabbat Service with lay leader Jared Hendler
Friday, March 29, 6:00pm-7:15pm In Person & Online

Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting service to welcome in Shabbat in community and to celebrate Jared's birthday with him, followed by a delicious Oneg. Participants are welcome to bring a vegetarian dish to share (no peanuts). Please also bring a serving untensil.

EDUCATION

Summer camp registration is open! Get your spot. Click HERE to reserve your spot/s. Open to all. You don't need to be Jewish to have fun at JCOGS! June 17th-21st. For kids 5-9 years old. We have an awesome week planned.

COMMUNITY

JCOGS welcomes Myria McNally, Administrator for Facilities, Technology and Events!

Myria received her BA in Anthropology from the University of Vermont, where she interned for Hillel and worked in technical theatre. Myria’s previous employment included a career as an editor/writer for banking procedures and policies at Wells Fargo. She currently resides in the Waterbury area with her favorite walking companion, her Lancashire Heeler named Chevelle.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

Mich Kabay, Dov Schiller, Cheryl Carmi,Amy Hoskins, Aron Temkin, Emmanuel Cantor, Patti Rubin for helping with oneg.
Aron Temkin for showing the JCOGS Megillah to Olam Chesed Club kids. They loved learning about it.

ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

OFFICE CLOSURE: 4/8/2024

TODAY! Olam Chesed Club IN PERSON: Wednesday, March 27, 4:15pm-6:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leader Jared Hendler: Friday, March 29, 6:00pm-7:15pm

JCOGS PuRiM Party!: Saturday, March 30, 5:00pm-8:00pm

Mah Jongg - All Levels: Tuesday, April 2, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Olam Chesed Club IN PERSON: Wednesday, April 3, 4:15pm-6:00pm

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, April 5, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, April 6, 10:00am-12:00pm

Olam Chesed Club IN PERSON: Wednesday, April 10, 4:15pm-6:00pm

JCOGS Mad River Valley Jewish Education Program: Friday, April 12, 2:45pm-4:30pm

Shabbat Service with lay leaders Nat Bacon and Patti Rubin: Friday, April 12, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Teen NYC trip: Ateed teens join teens from across VT and NH on a Jewish roots trip to NYC. - Friday, April 12, 9:00am-Sunday, April 14 8:00pm

K&G Passover Palooza: Saturday, April 13,10:00am-11:30am

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor: Friday, April 19, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Zelda L. Glazier
Josh Segal

Monday
Morris Shreter

Wednesday
Aida Cohen

Friday
Harry Gould

Shabbat
Leah Cramer
Norman Black

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

Purim-Weekly Email

03/20/2024 03:36:01 PM

Mar20

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

2024 March Appeal

Security, Jewish Education, Social Action, Community

DONATE

CLERGY CORNER

TONIGHT!
On “JewBarrassment”: Rabbinic Stories on Not Knowing or “Mistake-Making” in Jewish Practice
Wednesday, March 20, 7:00pm-8:30pm Online only

Join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor over Zoom as we explore a diversity of sources on “Jewbarassment,” the fear of being caught unaware of a specific Jewish ritual or prayer.

FRIDAY SERVICES

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band
Friday, March 22, 6:00pm-7:15pm In Person & Online

Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting service to welcome in Shabbat in community, followed by a delicious Oneg. Participants are welcome to bring a vegetarian dish to share (no peanuts). Please also bring a serving untensil.

EDUCATION

TONIGHT!
Teens talk about Homelessness with Areille Sabot (online only) Wednesday, March 20, 7:00pm-8:00pm

What does Judaism say about homelessness? How can we address it? We'll look at this critical issue in preparation for our trip to NYC April 12, but also as it relates to the challenges our unhoused neighbors face right here in Vermont. All Ateed teens are welcome to join this conversation with Arielle who is the statewide Jewish teen leader. Click here to register

JCOGS PuRiM Party!
Saturday, March 23, 5:00pm- 8:00pm JCOGS

5:00 Festival of Fools for all: be amazed, be wowed, try your hand at a game or two as the Fools engage us with fun!
plus Miss Rachel's songs and stories for little ones
5:30 Persian Potluck Picnic: we'll provide the hamantaschen, you provide the feast!
6:00 Megillah reading: readers of all ages will chant from the very special JCOGS Megillah gifted to us in memory of Michael Heitner
6:30 Just Come On Get Silly Spiel: the Purim story gets groovy with a 1970s vibe!
7:00 Disco Dance Party! with Sparkly Snacks and Sarah’s Sangria

Volunteers needed for: decorating, potluck coordinating, festival activity running, and spiel performing
Contact Beth to help out! beth.liberman@jcogs.org

SAVE THE DATE FOR PASSOVER 2024/5784
Tuesday, April 23rd, 5:30pm-7:30pm

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW to attend this in-person, interactive, participatory, and musical seder co-led by Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and by Rabbi David on his first event back with the JCOGS community!

COMMUNITY

JCOGS teens met up with Temple Sinai teens to see Matisyahu in concert last week. It was amazing to hear Am Yisrael Chai, Shema, and ancient Jewish text woven through soulful reggae. The highlight was getting to meet Matisyahu at the end of the show!

Click HERE to listen to Matisyahu's music

VOLUNTEERS

Oneg Volunteers: Lynne Gedanken, Debby Sherman, Bobbi Rood,
Mich Kabay, Patti Rubin

Many thanks to Barbara Bauman for baking delicious hamantaschen with Olam Chesed Club! We will be putting them in mishloach manot baskets for the guests at Lamoille Community House.

ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

Teens talk about Homelessness with Areille Sabot - ONLINE ONLY: Wednesday, March 20 7:00pm-8:00pm

On “JewBarrassment”: Rabbinic Stories on Not Knowing or “Mistake-Making” in Jewish Practice (online only):Wednesday, March 20 7:00pm-8:30pm

Olam Chesed Club IN PERSON: Wednesday, March 20 4:15pm-6:00pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band: Friday, March 22 6:00pm-7:15pm

JCOGS PuRiM Party!: Saturday, March 23 5:00pm-8:00pm

Mitzvah Class: Writing a d'var Torah/sermon #2: Saturday, March 23 10:00am-12:00pm

Mah Jongg - All Levels: Tuesday, March 26 2:00pm-4:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leader Jared Hendler: Friday, March 29 6:00pm-7:15pm

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor: Friday, April 5, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, April 6, 10:00am-12:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leader Nat Bacon: Friday, April 12, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Rhoda Hazen

Wednesday
Rose Shain
Sylvia Seides

Shabbat
Lore Furst
Meta Denneboom

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

A Holiday for JCOGS: The 7th of Adar

03/15/2024 10:24:28 AM

Mar15

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe

Dear JCOGS Family,

The next several weeks are filled with holidays and celebrations. Tonight, we are gathering for Shabbat services and an oneg in honor of beloved JCOGS member Mel Siegel’s 92nd birthday. A week from tomorrow (March 23) is our Purim Party, replete with a potluck, megillah reading, silly spiel (Purim play), dance party, and more. Finally, we are very much looking forward to our Second Night Community Passover Seder where we will welcome Rabbi David back from sabbatical.

We break a glass at a Jewish wedding, because our tradition asks us to acknowledge the world’s brokenness, even while we are rejoicing. So too, as we celebrate our upcoming holidays, I know we will continue holding the ongoing loss and heartbreak in Israel and Gaza.

In this spirit, there is one more holiday I want to add to our calendar, one in which celebration is also blended with sadness. According to the Talmud, the 7th of Adar (which begins tomorrow night and ends Sunday evening) is Moses’s yahrzeit, the anniversary of his death. The Torah describes Moses being buried by God, prompting rabbinic commentators to understand the work of caring for the dead and their loved ones to be one of the most sacred—literally, “Godly”—acts of care human beings perform for one another.

As such, the 7th of Adar is historically a day when Jewish communities celebrate the work of the Chevra Kadisha, the “holy society” responsible for preparing the deceased's body for Jewish burial. The people who carefully and lovingly prepare a body for dignified burial typically carry out this sacred task quietly and anonymously. The work is often referred to as “chesed shel emet,” loving-kindness in its truest form.

The JCOGS Cemetery, Darchei Shalom (Paths of Peace), is a pillar of our community, foundational to JCOGS founder Marvin Gameroff’s vision. This 7th of Adar, I want to celebrate all those who have contributed to the building and sustaining of the JCOGS Cemetery. I especially want to lift up the work of past Cemetery Chairs Steve Lichtenstein z"l and Steve Berson, current Cemetery Chair Lynne Gedanken, and our Cemetery Superintendent, Bruce Godin.

In keeping with the 7th of Adar, I also want to honor the JCOGS volunteers who offer their support to grieving members in many ways: attending funerals, making minyans for those saying kaddish, picking up the phone to offer condolences and an empathic ear, and organizing meals of consolation, such as when our community recently came together after the funerals of Steve and Carole Lichtenstein z"l.

The Torah’s image of Moses being buried by God—according to one midrashic interpretation, “with a kiss”—is beautiful and poignant. It is also a lonely one. Save for the divine presence, Moses dies alone. This 7th of Adar, I am grateful to be part of a JCOGS community that supports its members both in times of happiness and hardship. Whether in celebration or mourning, you are not alone.

Shabbat shalom,

Emmanuel Cantor
Rabbinic Intern

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Concerts, Parties, and Birthdays!-Weekly Email

03/13/2024 02:57:11 PM

Mar13

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

FRIDAY SERVICES

Shabbat Service with Rabbi Jan Salzman
and Celebration of Mel Siegel's 92nd birthday!
Friday, March 15, 6:00pm-7:15pm In Person & Online

Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting service to welcome in Shabbat in community, followed by a delicious Chinese Food Oneg sponsored by Mel's family. Click Mel's picture to see tributes from his family.

CLERGY CORNER

On “JewBarrassment”: Rabbinic Stories on Not Knowing or “Mistake-Making” in Jewish Practice
Wednesday, March 20, 7:00pm-8:30pm Online only

Join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor over Zoom as we explore a diversity of sources on “Jewbarassment,” the fear of being caught unaware of a specific Jewish ritual or prayer.

EDUCATION

Ateed goes to Matisyahu concert
Thursday, March 14, 7:00pm -9:00pm Higher Ground, S. Burlington

JCOGS Teens join teens from Temple Sinai and Ohavi Zedek for Matisyahu's concert at Higher Ground. After the show we'll go backstage to meet him! Listen HERE to his music.
Click here to purchase tickets

Teens talk about Homelessness with Areille Sabot (online only) Wednesday, March 20, 7:00pm-8:00pm

What does Judaism say about homelessness? How can we address it? We'll look at this critical issue in preparation for our trip to NYC April 12, but also as it relates to the challenges our unhoused neighbors face right here in Vermont. All Ateed teens are welcome to join this conversation with Arielle who is the statewide Jewish teen leader. Click here to register

JCOGS PuRiM Party!
Saturday, March 23, 5:00pm- 8:00pm JCOGS

Volunteers needed for: decorating, potluck coordinating, festival activity running, and spiel performing
Contact Beth to help out! beth.liberman@jcogs.org

Summer camp registration is open! Get your spot. Click here to reserve your spot/s. Open to all. You don't need to be Jewish to have fun at JCOGS! June 17th-21st. For kids 5-9 years old. We have an awesome week planned.

SAVE THE DATE FOR PASSOVER 2024/5784
Tuesday, April 23rd, 5:30pm-7:30pm

JCOGS IS HIRING

Position Available: Administrator for Facilities, Technology & Events
Click here to see the full job description.

VOLUNTEERS

Oneg Volunteers: Mich Kabay, Ryan Erickson, Deborah Black, Debby Sherman, Judith Wine, Patti Rubin for 3/8 Thank you!

Thanks to Nancy and Allan Salzman for baking gluten free hamentashen for our JCOGS Purim Party!

ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

Today: Olam Chesed Club: 4:15-6:00pm

JCOGS Mad River Valley Jewish Education Program: Friday, March 15, 2:45pm-4:30pm

Shabbat service with Rabbi Jan Salzman: Friday, March 15, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Oneg sponsored by Mel Siegel's family in honor of Mel's 92nd birthday!: Friday, March 15, 7:15pm-8:00pm

Mah Jongg-All levels: Tuesday, March 19, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Olam Chesed Club: Wednesday, March 20, 4:15-6:00pm

Teens talk about Homelessness with Areille Sabot - ONLINE ONLY: Wednesday, March 20, 7:00pm-8:00pm

On “JewBarrassment”: Rabbinic Stories on Not Knowing or “Mistake-Making” in Jewish Practice (online only: Wednesday, March 20, 7:00pm-8:30pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band: Friday, March 22, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Mitzvah Class: Writing a d'var Torah/sermon #2: Saturday, March 23, 10:00am-12:00pm

JCOGS PuRiM Party!: Saturday, March 23, 5:00pm- 8:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leader Jared Hendler: Friday, March 29, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Yahrzeits

Tuesday
Frank Manitzas
Eddie Abramowitz
Marcy Bauman
Bobby Kaplan

Shabbat
Paula Goldstein

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

What's new at JCOGS-Weekly Email

03/06/2024 02:38:01 PM

Mar6

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

FRIDAY SERVICES

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern, Emmanuel Cantor
Friday, March 8, 6:00pm-7:15pm In Person and Online

Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting, musical service to welcome in Shabbat as a community, followed by a delicious POTLUCK oneg. (Bring a main or side dish with serving utensil, vegetarian/dairy, no peanuts please). Click here to register for a Zoom link.

CLERGY CORNER

Community Shabbat: Morning Torah Service
Saturday, March 9, 10:00am-12:00pm In Person and Online

Join us in the sanctuary with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor for this monthly Shabbat morning practice of community Torah reading, prayer, and meditation. Click here to register for a Zoom link.

EDUCATION

Olam Chesed Club is back in person TODAY: 4:00pm-6:00pm

We are back! Olam Chesed Club is in person today at JCOGS. We have an exciting day of games and fun led by Sarah Villanueva, the Olam Chesed educator from Beth Jacob.

JCOGS PuRiM Party!
Saturday, March 23, 5:00pm- 8:00pm JCOGS

5:00 Festival of Fools for all
plus Miss Rachel's songs and stories for little ones
5:30 Persian Potluck Picnic
6:00 Megillah reading
6:30 Just Come On Get Silly Spiel
7:00 Disco Dance Party! with Sparkly Snacks and Sarah’s Sangria

Volunteers needed for: decorating, potluck coordinating, festival activity running, and spiel performing
Contact Beth to help out! beth.liberman@jcogs.org

SAVE THE DATE FOR PASSOVER 2024/5784

JCOGS IS HIRING

Position Available: Administrator for Facilities, Technology & Events
Click here to see the full job description.

COMMUNITY

ZOOM BASED POETRY SALON
March 7 from 7:30 -9:00 p.m.
Jewish poets living in Vermont are invited to a Zoom-based salon on March 7 from 7:30 -9:00 p.m. Whether or not your writing includes Jewish content, no matter if you are religiously Jewish or culturally Jewish, as long as you self-identify as Jewish and you write poetry, you are welcome to a salon where we’ll share writing and explore interest in further connection. For more information and to register click here .
This event is inspired by Yetzirah: A Hearth for Jewish Poets, a nonprofit literary group devoted to supporting Jewish poets and Jewish poetry.

VOLUNTEERS

Oneg Volunteers: Susan Bauchner for 2/29 and Bill and Addie Shore for 3/1 Thank you!

ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

OLAM CHESED CLUB IN PERSON TODAY 4:00PM

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor: Friday, March 8, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat: Morning Torah Service: Saturday, March 9,10:00am-12:00pm

Shabbat service with Rabbi Jan Salzman: Friday, March 15, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band: Friday, March 22, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Mitzvah Class: Writing a d'var Torah/sermon #2: Saturday, March 23, 10:00am-12:00pm

JCOGS PuRiM Party!: Saturday, March 23, 5:00pm-8:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leader Jared Hendler: Friday, March 29, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, April 5, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, April 6, 10:00am-12:00pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Arthur Harold Simms

Monday
Edith Besser Segall

Wednesday
Sunya Berson

Thursday
Mack Weinstein
Harry Cohen
Richard Winokur

Friday
Judith Schecter

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

More Joy, Less Oy-Weekly Email

02/28/2024 02:53:03 PM

Feb28

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

CLERGY CORNER

Tonight's program POSTPONED
On “JewBarrassment”: Rabbinic Stories on Not Knowing or “Mistake-Making” in Jewish Practice

Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor is out and away from Thursday, February 29th to Sunday, March 3rd. Rabbi Jan Salzman is available for rabbinic emergencies. She can be reached at rabbijan@ruachhamaqom.org and 802-356-1668.

FRIDAY SERVICES

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbi Jan Salzman
Friday, March 1, 6:00pm-7:15pm

JCOGS IS HIRING

EDUCATION

Vacation! No classes until March 6th.

JCOGS PuRiM Party!
Saturday, March 23, 5:00pm- 8:00pm JCOGS

5:00 Festival of Fools for all
plus Miss Rachel's songs and stories for little ones
5:30 Persian Potluck Picnic
6:00 Megillah reading
6:30 Just Come On Get Silly Spiel
7:00 Disco Dance Party! with Sparkly Snacks and Sarah’s Sangria

Volunteers needed for: decorating, potluck coordinating, festival activity running, and spiel performing
Contact Beth to help out! beth.liberman@jcogs.org

SAVE THE DATE FOR PASSOVER 2024/5784

COMMUNITY

Veterans Memorial Park in South Burlington on 6/9/2024
family-friendly event for both competitive and casual runners and walkers.
after race activities: live music, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and Alyx the Magician

VOLUNTEERS

Oneg Volunteers: Edee Simon, Bobbi Rood, Willa Bruckner, Aron Temkin, Debby Sherman, and Patti Rubin

ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

Shabbat service with Rabbi Jan Salzman: Friday, March 1, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Mah Jongg Tuesday, March 5, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, March 8, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, March 9, 10:00am-12:00pm

Shabbat service with Rabbi Jan Salzman: Friday, March 15, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band: Friday, March 22, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Writing a d'var Torah/sermon #2 : Saturday, March 23, 10:00am-12:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leader Jared Hendler: Friday, March 29 6:00pm-7:15pm

Yahrzeits

Monday
Burton Bauchner

Tuesday
Robert E. Link
Zalman Stern

Wednesday
Robert Dorfman
Nathalena Castagna
Cindy Goldstein Beer
Janet Laxer
Rhoda Rosenbloom

Friday
Esther Gamliel
Noam Atinsky
Gamliel Atinsky
Ya'ari Atinsky
Abraham Allen
Saul Geller

Shabbat
Leonard Wevrick
Lillian Yanow

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

Tetzaveh With An Interfaith Heart -Weekly Email

02/21/2024 10:21:32 AM

Feb21

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

CLERGY CORNER

TONIGHT: Poetry for War in Israel and Gaza 7:00pm-8:30pm ONLINE ONLY

A repeat offering for those unable to attend the fall session, all are invited to join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor for discussion over Zoom about poetry written both before and after October 7th. Click here for more information, and to receive the zoom link.

On “JewBarrassment”: Rabbinic Stories on Not Knowing or “Mistake-Making” in Jewish Practice

Wednesday, February 21, 7:00pm-8:30pm online only

Sadly, a fear of not knowing the words of the prayers or making a “mistake” in services is widespread among Jews across a wide variety of backgrounds and traditions. Join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor over Zoom as we explore a diversity of sources on “Jewbarassment,” the fear of being caught unaware of a specific Jewish ritual or prayer.

FRIDAY SERVICES

Musical Shabbat Service with Lay Leader

Patti Rubin and Guests:

"Tetzaveh With An Interfaith Heart"
Friday, February 23, 6:00pm-7:15pm

The Torah portion Tetzaveh translates to "you shall command, bond or connect." In this spirit, "Tetzaveh With An Interfaith Heart," will showcase the powerful words and musical sounds of area clergy reflecting on Tetzaveh's description of the Tabernacle's "ner tamid," or eternal light.

Followed by a Catered Sponsored Oneg, "With Deep and Loving Gratitude to my JCOGS Family."

JCOGS IS HIRING

EDUCATION

We've Got Heart!

We built a world of love in front of JCOGS last week ❤️ Come by day or night to see the beautiful ice sculpture the kids and parents of Olam Chesed made. Love shines brightly in our representation of the phrase "V'ahavta l'reacha kamocha: love the other as you love yourself". Click here to see more pictures and read about the event.

Teen gathering in Hanover March 10th 4pm-6pm. The Jew Crew of Kol haEmek invites Ateed to spend the afternoon together at the Roth Center at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH.

Summer camp is happening! June 17th-21st. Click here to reserve your spot/s. Open to all. You don't need to be Jewish to have fun at JCOGS! For kids 5-9. We have an awesome week planned.

SAVE THE DATE
JCOGS PuRiM Party!
Saturday, March 23, 5:00pm- 8:00pm JCOGS

VOLUNTEERS

Oneg Volunteers: Karen and Paul Stewart, Debby Sherman and Mich Gabbay
Ice Sculpture Helpers: Ryan Erickson, Matt Moore, Debra Ann Pinsof-DePillis
Moni Liberman: for helping with the heart-y soup and pizza for Olam Chesed Club
Patti Rubin: for organizing the blood drive

ANNOUCEMENTS
AND
UPCOMING EVENTS

TONIGHT: Poetry for War in Israel and Gaza: 7:00pm-8:30pm

TONIGHT: Olam Chesed Club is Online: 4:30pm-5:30pm

Shabbat Service with lay leader Patti Rubin: Friday, February 23, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Oneg sponsored by Patti Rubin, "With deep and loving gratitude to my JCOGS Family.": Friday, February 23, 7:15pm-8:00pm

Mah Jongg: Tuesday, February 27, 2:00pm-4:00pm

On “JewBarrassment”: Rabbinic Stories on Not Knowing or “Mistake-Making” in Jewish Practice: Wednesday, February 28, 7:00pm-8:30pm

Shabbat service with Rabbi Jan Salzman: Friday, March 1, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, March 8, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, March 9, 10:00am-12:00pm

Teen meet-up in Hanover, NH: Sunday, March 10, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Sigmund Weichsel
Freida Haimoff

Monday
Fred B. Goldstein
Harry Feinman

Tuesday
Edith Zfass
Claire Rosenbloom

Wednesday
Bunnie Gordon
Resalea Sussman

Thursday
Ruth Feinstein

Friday
Rachel Levy

Shabbat
Harold Rosen
Leonard Braver

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

building a sculpture of love

02/20/2024 12:01:24 PM

Feb20

On Feb 14th a heart-y crew of Olam Chesed Club kids and parents braved the cold to create a giant heart sculpture in front of JCOGS. Faced with the challenges of not-so-frozen ice blocks (it takes days of deep freeze to make good ice), it was decided to create a horizontal sculpture rather than a vertical one. Working together the kids chose a location that would be seen from the road and engineered a sloping base to elevate the heart as much as possible.

After a raucus session of sledding down giant snow hills, we gathered for soup and hot chocolate to warm our bones and some activities and discussions about love. We had a love song sing-off and compared two different Jewish concepts of love: chesed חסד/lovingkindness and ahavah אהבה/love, and learned the phrase:

Love the other as you love yourself וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ

Moni told the midrash of R. Shamai and R. Hillel being challenged to tell the whole of Torah on one foot which inspired the kids to launch into a deep discussion of how love is at the heart of our relationship with G!d.

Love of Learning at JCOGS-Weekly Email

02/14/2024 02:43:15 PM

Feb14

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

The JCOGS administrative office will be closed for Presidents Day, February 19th, but please come to JCOGS for our Annual American Red Cross Blood Drive from 12:00 noon through 4:30pm. See details below

EDUCATION

TODAY
Giant Heart Ice Sculpture Building Festival
February 14, 4pm-6pm In Person

Join us for a community ice sculpture build and activities this afternoon in celebration of our theme this year: ahavah/love.

CLERGY CORNER

TONIGHTReading the Poetry of Emma Lazarus After October 7th
Wednesday, February 14, 7:00pm- 8:30pm Online Only

Join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor for learning and discussion about the poetry of Emma Lazarus and its lessons for today. Register for Zoom link.

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanual Cantor and Marom, The JCOGS Band

Friday, February 16, 6:00pm - 7:15pm In Person and Online
Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting, musical service to welcome in Shabbat as a community, followed by a delicious POTLUCK oneg. Please bring a table ready dish with serving utensil to share. (vegetarian/dairy, no nuts please).

Annual JCOGS Blood Drive

Monday, February 19, 12:00pm - 4:30pm JCOGS

In the season of light, give the gift of life. The need is critical this time of year. Did you know that just 1 blood donation can save up to 3 lives? If you are able to donate, register at redcross.org . If you are unable to give, please reach out to others. Throughout the month of February, donors receive a $20 Amazon gift card.

JCOGS is Hiring!

Position Available: Administrator for Facilities, Technology & Events

The Administrator manages facility and technology in support of religious, educational, and community programs and events. We seek a person with strong interpersonal communication and collaboration skills who effectively uses systems technology to help achieve the organization's mission and goals.Click here to see the full job description.

Position Available: Part-Time Development Associate

Over the past three years, JCOGS has been engaged in a fundraising campaign to build an Endowment.
The endowment is a perpetual fund that will help ensure a vibrant future for the congregation.
To support the campaign and the capstone event planned for September 7, 2024, JCOGS seeks an organized, motivated, friendly individual to provide lay leaders, staff, and volunteers with temporary, part-time administrative support from date of hire through September 2024. Click here to see the full job description.

Upcoming Clergy Events

Poetry for War in Israel and Gaza
Wednesday, February 21, 7:00pm-8:30pm online only

A repeat offering for those unable to attend the fall session, all are invited to join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor for discussion about poetry written both before and after October 7th. Click here for more information and to receive a Zoom link.

Upcoming Education Events

Kinderlach & Gesher explore Tikkun Olam, healing the world
Saturday, February 17, 10:00am-11:30am at JCOGS
👐 Bring your favorite stuffies to join special guest Gamal the Shlepping Camel as we explore how we can use our helping hands and our generous hearts to spread more love in the world!

6th grade parent Mitzvah meeting
Sunday, February 18, 9:00am-10:00am Online Only
Grab your morning coffee/tea and bring your questions to this informative session.Click here to register for the Zoom link

Summer camp is happening! June 17th-21st. Click here to reserve your spot/s. Open to all. You don't need to be Jewish to have fun at JCOGS! For kids 5-9. We have an awesome week planned.

Upcoming Holidays

JCOGS PuRiM Party!
Saturday, March 23, 5:00pm- 8:00pm JCOGS

VOLUNTEERS

A huge thank you to Jodi Silverman who is diligently working to organize the JCOGS storeroom. Thank you Jodi!

COMMUNITY

Post your love for JCOGS!
Front Porch Forum has a gratitude contest! Why not write a note about what you love about your JCOGS community and get a chance to win $250 in a raffle! Post through 2/18

Red Cross support: Received a message from the American Red Cross that you may be eligible for flood relief support? Call them back at 1-800-RED-CROSS to see if you are eligible for up to $1,200 in assistance.

Meal Train for Patti Rubin Click here to sign up for a meal

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

TODAY:Giant Heart Ice sculpture building Festival IN PERSON ONLY:February 14, 4:00pm-6:00pm

TONIGHT:
Reading the Poetry of Emma Lazarus After October 7th :February 14, 7:00pm-8:30pm

JCOGS Mad River Valley Jewish Education Program: Friday, February 16, 2:45pm - 4:30pm East Warren Community Market

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band: Friday, February 16, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Kinderlach & Gesher explore Tikkun Olam, healing the world: Saturday, February 17, 10:00am-11:30am

6th grade parents Mitzvah meeting ONLINE ONLY: Sunday, February 18, 9:00am-10:00am

Annual JCOGS Blood Drive: Monday, February 19, 12:00pm-4:30pm

Mah Jongg: Tuesday, February 20, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Poetry for War in Israel and Gaza: Wednesday, February 21, 7:00pm-8:30pm Online Only

Shabbat Service with lay leader Patti Rubin: Friday, February 23, 6:00pm-7:15pm In Person and Online

On “JewBarrassment”: Rabbinic Stories on Not Knowing or “Mistake-Making” in Jewish Practice: Wednesday, February 28, 7:00pm-8:30pm Online Only

Shabbat service with Rabbi Jan Salzman: Friday, March 1, 6:00pm-7:15pm In Person and Online

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Jennie Rosenthal

Tuesday
Arthur Zelman

Wednesday
Samuel Wax
Robert Dorfman
Nathan Siegel
Louis Davis
Louis Shoor

Shabbat
Leonard Friedman

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

So Much Happening-Weekly Email

02/07/2024 04:12:11 PM

Feb7

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

Shabbat Service with Rabbi Jarrod Grover

Friday, February 9, 6:00pm - 7:15pm In Person and Online

Join us for a Shabbat Service with Rabbi Jarrod Grover followed by a delicious POTLUCK ONEG (Bring a main or side dish with serving utensil, vegetarian/dairy, no nuts please).

CLERGY CORNER

Reading the Poetry of Emma Lazarus After October 7th
Wednesday, February 14, 7:00pm- 8:30pm Online Only

Join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor for learning and discussion about the poetry of Emma Lazarus and its lessons for today. Register for Zoom link.

EDUCATION

Giant Heart Ice Sculpture Building Festival
Wednesday, February 14, 4pm-6pm In Person

Please join us for a community ice sculpture build in celebration of our theme this year: ahavah/love. Join us for the build at 4pm or just come for the lighting ceremony and a family-friendly activity from 5 - 6 pm. Pizza, “heart-y” soup, and warm drinks will be served. Click here for instructions if you’d like to make ice for the event!

Summer camp is happening! June 17th-21st. Quick! Click here to reserve your spot/s. Limited space for kids 5-9. We have an awesome week planned.
Come see us at the KidsVT camp fair in Burlington this Saturday from 10-2. Click here for FREE tickets

Meal Train For Patti Rubin
Click here to sign up for a meal

Our much loved and appreciated Patti is recovering from her shoulder surgery and working diligently on her own physical therapy in order to get back to her biggest passion, cooking. Until she is able to fully participate in her own kitchen, Patti would be thrilled to be gifted some of her favorite 'take out' meals from various restaurants in the area. Let's wrap Patti in the loving care and warmth that she shows others by picking up one of her special vegan meals. She is eating less than usual so one meal might last her a couple of days. Thanks for showing Patti how much her community loves her.

JCOGS is Hiring!
Position Available: Administrator for Facilities, Technology & Events

The Administrator manages facility and technology in support of religious, educational, and community programs and events. We seek a person with strong interpersonal communication and collaboration skills who effectively uses systems technology to help achieve the organization's mission and goals. This position reports to the President. Click here to see the full job description.

Position Available: Part-Time Development Associate

Over the past three years, JCOGS has been engaged in a fundraising campaign to build an Endowment.
The endowment is a perpetual fund that will help ensure a vibrant future for the congregation.
To support the campaign and the capstone event planned for September 7, 2024, JCOGS seeks an organized,motivated, friendly individual to provide lay leaders, staff, and volunteers with temporary, part-time administrative support from date of hire through September 2024. Click here to see the full job description.

COMMUNITY

Buyout Q & A Webinar: For flood survivors, those who live in flood plains, to learn more about the Buyout program

2/8, 6-7:30pm
Register
Unable to make it? Send your questions to learn@uwlamoille.org (webinar will be recorded and shared)

VOLUNTEERS

Ezra B. for helping sort and pack up the siddurim after the Shabbat service at Beth Jacob

SIMCHAS

Mazel tov to Holly Lichtenstein on the marriage of her daughter Pamela Goldberg to Jonathan Bennett.
Mazel tov to Barbara Stern's on her 90th Birthday on February 4th

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

OLAM CHESED CLUB ONLINE TODAY

Shabbat Services with Rabbi Jarrod Grover: Friday, February 9, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Mah Jongg: Tuesday, February 13, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Giant Heart Ice sculpture building Festival IN PERSON ONLY:Wednesday, February 14, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Reading the Poetry of Emma Lazarus After October 7th: Wednesday, February 14, 7:00pm-8:30pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band: Friday, February 16, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Kinderlach & Gesher explore Tikkun Olam, healing the world:Saturday, February 17, 10:00am-11:30am

6th grade parents Mitzvah meeting ONLINE ONLY: Sunday, February 18, 9:00am-10:00am

Red Cross Blood Drive at JCOGS: Monday, February 19, 12:00pm-4:30pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
David R. Gottlieb
Anne Bayer

Monday
Randolph Wolfgang
Alex Gibs

Thursday
Monte Aaron Feinstein

Friday
Clara Cohen Link

Shabbat
Jon Goldstein
Irving E Gordon
Francis Rosenblatt
David Tunick

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

The Ten Commandments in Montpelier-Weekly Email

01/31/2024 01:55:12 PM

Jan31

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor

Friday, February 2, 6:00pm - 7:15pm PM In Person and Online
Join us for a Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor followed by a delicious POTLUCK ONEG.

CLERGY CORNER

Community Shabbat Morning Torah Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor at Beth Jacob Synagogue
Saturday, February 3, 10:00am-12:00pm Beth Jacobs

Join Emmanuel Cantor, JCOGS Rabbinic Intern, as he leads from the pulpit of our neighbors at Beth Jacob Synagogue in Montpelier. This Shabbat we receive the Ten Commandments with three of last year’s Mitzvah students doing the reading! A famous midrash says that we were all at Sinai. What a special occasion to come together as a larger Jewish community to receive such important Torah. Followed by a lite kiddush sponsored by the Beth Jacob community.

"The World stood still when God gave Israel its laws" artwork by Nancy Schwartz-Katz

EDUCATION

Tu biShvat Ice Sculpture Building Festival
Wednesday, Feb. 14th

We’re building a community ice sculpture in honor of our theme this year: ahavah/love. Join us for the build at 4pm or just come for the lighting ceremony and a family-friendly activity from 5 - 6 pm. Pizza and warm drinks will be served. Click here for instructions on how to make ice!

COMMUNITY

Teen Tobacco Use Youth survey - regarding use behavior, access, policies and laws, and awareness/exposure to marketing

Students 12-17
Earn gift cards!

VOLUNTEERS

Tuesday's Meal of Consolation Super Helpers: Barbara Bauman, Barbara Jacobs, Shoshana Frieden, Karen Stewart, Jodi Silverman, Art Dorfman, Judith Wine, Bobbi Rood, and Lynne Gedanken

Zoom Recording at Darchei Shalom Cemetery: Bill Scudder

SIMCHAS

Please call (802 253 1800) or email the office with your happy news! It brings joy to all.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

TODAY OLAM CHESED CLUB ONLINE

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, February 2, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Morning Torah Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor at Beth Jacob Synagogue : Saturday, February 3, 10:00am-12:00pm

Mah Jongg: Tuesday, February 6, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Shabbat Services with Rabbi Jarrod Grover: Friday, February 9 6:00pm-7:15pm

Ateed meets up with friends- in person and online: Tuesday, February 13, 5:30pm - 7:30pm Hanover NH and online

Giant Heart Ice sculpture building Festival IN PERSON ONLYWednesday, February 14, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band: Friday, February 16, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Kinderlach & Gesher explore Tikkun Olam, healing the world:Saturday, February 17, 10am-11:30am

Red Cross Blood Drive at JCOGS: Monday, February 19 12:00pm-4:30pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Max Minkin
Muriel Brown

Monday
Fred Erstein

Tuesday
Bertram Polow
Sig Baltuch

Wednesday
Ethel Spielvogel
Joseph Lyman
Morris Dananberg

Thursday
Anne Klein
Gertrude Anna Zamvil
Dinah Adelson
Rhoda Lee Baskin Kaplan
Reva Schneps
Michael Heitner

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

Thursday 1/25 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day-Weekly Email

01/24/2024 02:28:55 PM

Jan24

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

CLERGY CORNER

Shabbat Service with lay leaders Kara Rosenberg and Lis Erickson
Friday, January 26, 6:00pm - 7:15pm n Person and Online

Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting service to welcome in Shabbat in community, followed by a delicious Oneg.

EDUCATION

Community Shabbat Morning Torah Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor at Beth Jacob Synagogue
Saturday, February 3, 10:00am-12:00pm Beth Jacobs

Join rabbinic intern Emmanuel Cantor in Montpelier as he leads services from the bimah at Beth Jacob Synagogue. Families of Olam Chesed Education Center from both synagogues gather for our mid-winter Family & Friends service.

Tu biShvat Ice Sculpture Building Festival
POSTPONED Until Wednesday, Feb. 14th

Due to the challenging weather the Ice Sculpture Building Festival has been postponed until Feb 14th. Click here for instructions on how to make ice!
Olam Chesed Club meets online TODAY to celebrate Tu biShvat.

Challah For Taking and Baking

Challahs lovingly made by the Mitzvah Class and Olam Chesed Club are available for a donation of $18 towards Tzedakah. Wouldn't you love fresh baked challah! Click here to donate. Choose Challah for love from the drop-down. Pick up during office hours M-Th 10-3, F 12-5.

COMMUNITY

International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Commemoration
Thursday, January 25, 2024
7:30 – 8:30 PM ET on Zoom

Please join Vermont Holocaust Memorial for a memorable International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration program by the Lappin Foundation. Holocaust survivor Werner Salinger will give his testimony of escaping Nazi Germany as a child, his recollections of time with Albert Einstein, and his journey back to Germany where he married the daughter of a Nazi soldier.
Register here for the free Zoom link, which will be emailed to you after you complete your registration.

dismantle. Contest: Theme - A Call To Men

Students share their solutions and visions for a more equitable society via preferred artistic medium
Submissions accepted through March 22
Each of five chosen winners will receive a cash prize of $2,000

VOLUNTEERS

Judith Wine for creating a web page for the JCOGS 30 year Community Celebration on 9/7/2024

Arlo K. for helping to set up ice blocks for the sculpture building.

SIMCHAS

Please call (802 253 1800) or email the office with your happy news! It brings joy to all.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

TODAY! OLAM CHESED CLUB ONLINE: please remember to log in to access link

Tu biShvat Ice sculpture building Festival IN PERSON ONLY: [POSTPONED-NEW DATE FEBRUARY 14TH]

Shabbat Service with lay leaders Kara Rosenberg and Lis Erickson: Friday, January 26, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Mah Jongg: Tuesday, January 30, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, February 2, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Morning Torah Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor at Beth Jacob Synagogue: Saturday, February 3, 10:00am-12:00pm

Shabbat Services with Rabbi Jarrod Grover: Friday, February 9, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Kinderlach & Gesher explore Tikkun Olam, healing the world:Saturday, February 10, 11:30am

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Blanche P. Karkus
Harvey Steinerman

Monday
Margery Roth Cohen-Greene
Phoebe Peister

Wednesday
Anna Schlesinger

Thursday
Steven Alan Dorfman

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) jcogs.org

A Personal Update: The Hope of Tu BiShvat

01/19/2024 10:04:09 AM

Jan19

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe

Dear JCOGS Family,

We often say that Hanukkah brightens up the “darkest time of the year.” As the clocks change and the December sun sets at 4pm, we light candles when the days are short and the nights are long.

December might be the “darkest time of the year” for us humans, but nature tells a different story. In December, the earth is newly covered with frost. But by late January, the grass has been under the snow for weeks. The trees have gone months without leaves to catch the sun.

It is at this time of year—the dead of winter—when we celebrate the holiday of Tu BiShvat, or “new year for trees.” Even if all seems cold and bare, Tu BiShvat reminds us that seeds will grow and flowers will blossom. Tu BiShvat has a message of hope for anyone who feels as if they are buried deep under the snow: this too shall pass.

I was looking forward to celebrating Tu BiShvat at JCOGS this weekend in anticipation of the holiday, which begins this Wednesday night. Unfortunately, my fiancée Shira is back in the hospital and will need significant care in the days to come. As I am unable to come to JCOGS, I am deeply grateful to Lynne Gedanken and Susan Bauchner for stepping in to lead Friday night services at 6pm tonight, Rachel Funk for supporting Kinderlach & Gesher at 10am tomorrow, and to JCOGS members and staff—especially Cyndy Wyatt, Beth Liberman, Laura Kittel, and Amy Rosenthal—for their partnership and support.

In a world that needs hope, I invite you to mark Tu BiShvat in a way that speaks to you. Those interested in a Tu BiShvat Seder—which, like a Passover Seder, can feature singing, special foods, storytelling, discussion, and four symbolic cups of grape juice or wine— may click here to access a guide I created for the JCOGS community. Skip around and make it your own. Don’t read every word. Have fun.

When confronted with uncertainty, Shira and I often rehash an old debate. “I can hope for the best or expect the worst,” she says, “and I have learned it is better to live hoping for the best.” I, on the other hand, can fear disappointment. “I don’t want to get my hopes up,” I sometimes say.

On Tu BiShvat, we sync up with the earth’s calendar at the darkest point of its year. We do so not to give ourselves the winter blues, but to remind us that seasons change and the world turns. We hope for the best.

Shabbat shalom,

Emmanuel Cantor
Rabbinic Intern

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Let's talk about Israel -Weekly Email

01/17/2024 02:06:55 PM

Jan17

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

CLERGY CORNER

Balancing Universalism and Particularism: Our Moral Responsibilities with Israel at War

Thursday, January 18, 5:30pm-7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Please click to receive a Zoom link and for more information about this JCOGS community learning session with Dr. Sara Labaton of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America.

Musical Shabbat Service and Tu BiShvat Celebration with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band

Friday, January 19, 6:00pm- 7:15pm In Person and Online

Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting, musical Shabbat service.Emmanuel's sermon will also be devoted to the upcoming International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Services will be followed by a Tu BiShvat "Seder," a traditional gathering marked by seasonal fruits and opportunities for meaningful learning and conversation.

Mad River Valley Tu BiShvat Seder

Saturday, January 20, 2:00pm- 4:00pm In Person

Come celebrate the "new year" for trees and our natural world at a seder led by Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor. No prior Tu BiShvat experience or ability to read Hebrew is required!
Potluck: snacks, desserts and drinks welcome. Hosted by Susan Bauchner, Willa Bruckner, and Bobbi Rood. Click here to register and get location information.

EDUCATION

Kinderlach & Gesher Celebrate Tu biShvat

Saturday, January 20, 10:00am - 11:30 am JCOGS

Join Miss Rachel and Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor for a special gathering in honor of Tu biShvat, the birthday of the trees. Bring our favorite stuffies to join us in song and story as we celebrate the Jewish way of caring for the earth!

Tu biShvat Ice Sculpture Building Festival
IN PERSON ONLY

Wednesday, January 24, 4:00pm - 6:00pm JCOGS

We’re building a community ice sculpture in honor of our theme this year: ahavah/love. Join us for the lighting ceremony and a family-friendly seder from 5 - 6 pm. Pizza and warm drinks will be served.
Adult volunteers needed to help start the building earlier. Helping hands welcome on Tue 1/23 and Wed from 11-2 pm! Contact beth.liberman@jcogs.org

Challah For Taking and Baking

Challahs lovingly made by the Mitzvah Class and Olam Chesed Club are available for a donation of $18 towards Tzedakah. Wouldn't you love fresh baked challah!

COMMUNITY

International Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration
Thursday, January 25, 2024
7:30 – 8:30 PM ET on Zoom

Homelessness Awareness Day: Thursday, January 18th

Local event in Morrisville - Walk and Vigil, 12 pm

Meet at the Manosh Complex, 120 Northgate Plaza; walk together to the gazebo; speakers from service agencies, local government, and people with lived experience will share their thoughts on homelessness in Lamoille County

Statehouse events

Testimony in front house and senate committees viewable via YouTube
In-person Memorial Vigil/Speak-Out on the Statehouse Steps, 12pm

Events happening around the state

VOLUNTEERS

Oneg Helpers- Mary Estelle Hendler and Mich Kabay

SIMCHAS

Please call (802 253 1800) or email the office with your happy news! They bring joy to all.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

TODAY OLAM CHESED CLUB ONLINE

Balancing Universalism and Particularism: Our Moral Responsibilities with Israel at War :Thursday, January 18, 5:30pm-7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Musical Shabbat Service and Tu BiShvat Celebration with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band: Friday, January 19, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Kinderlach & Gesher celebrate Tu biShvat: Saturday, January 20, 10:00am-11:30am

Mad River Valley Tu BiShvat Seder: Saturday, January 20, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Mah Jongg: Tuesday, January 23, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Tu biShvat Ice sculpture building Festival IN PERSON ONLY: Wednesday, January 24, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leaders Kara Rosenberg and Lis Erickson: Friday, January 26, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, February 2, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Morning Torah Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor at Beth Jacob Synagogue : Saturday, February 3, 10:00am-12:00pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Samuel Salzman
Aleck Glockner

Tuesday
Bertha Figarsky
Ray Nisenholtz

Wednesday
Betty Winter Samuels
Burton Friedman

Friday
Julie Tauben
Manuel Hazen

Shabbat
Edmund Hardoon

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) | 802.477.2550 (cell) | jcogs.org

Tu BiShvat and Martin Luther King-Weekly Email

01/10/2024 02:33:31 PM

Jan10

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

Shabbat Service with Lay Leaders Lynne Gedanken and Barbara Segal

Friday, January 12, 6:00pm- 7:15pm In Person and Online

Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting service to welcome in Shabbat in community, followed by a delicious Oneg. Click here to register for zoom link.

CLERGY CORNER

Balancing Universalism and Particularism: Our Moral Responsibilities with Israel at War

Please click to receive a Zoom link and for more information about this JCOGS community learning session with Dr. Sara Labaton of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America.

Program to Honor MLK Jr:
“Can Loving Kindness Replace Hate?”

Sunday, January 14, 2024 4:00 pm
Stowe Community Church

Free and open to the public
Story telling by participants regarding King’s views on how kindness
can replace hate, with moderator Jed Lipsky

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sponsored by Greater Stowe Interfaith Coalition:
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Bahá'í Faith, Jewish Community of Greater Stowe, St. John’s in the Mountains Episcopal Church, Stowe Community Church, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stowe

EDUCATION

Buy a challah to support democracy in Israel

The Olam Chesed Club and the Mitzvah class still have take and bake challah in the freezer here at JCOGS. Take one or two home and bake for Shabbat. Suggested donation of $18.00 will be directed to the New Israel Fund.

Love to cook and help your neighbors? Join a meal train to help new members Claire Marian and David Eisenbaum as they care for their new baby. Please click the link to sign up to bring them a meal. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/51dlmw

COMMUNITY

Community Food Drive, Sledding Party and conversation with Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas

1/15, starting 1:30pm
Jenna’s House, 117 Saint Johns Road, Johnson
Collection baskets available at Jenna’s House Community Center, JP’s Promising Goods, and Jenna’s Coffee House until 1/15
Items can be brought to the sledding party as well
Sarah Copeland Hanzas will discuss MLK’s legacy, rural issues, recovery, and flood recovery

VOLUNTEERS

Oneg Helper for January 5- Amy Hoskins

SIMCHAS

Please call (802 253 1800) or email the office with your simchas! They bring joy to all.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

TODAY OLAM CHESED CLUB ONLINE

Shabbat Service with lay leaders Lynne Gedanken and Barbara Segal: Friday, January 12, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Mitzvah class: Saturday, January 13, 10:00am-12:00pm

Mah Jongg: Tuesday, January 16, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Musical Shabbat Service and Tu BiShvat Celebration with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor: Friday, January 19, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Kinderlach & Gesher celebrate Tu biShvat: Saturday, January 20, 10:00am-11:30am

Mad River Valley Tu BiShvat Seder: Saturday, January 20, 2:00pm

Mah Jongg: Tuesday, January 23, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Tu BiShvat Ice Sculpture build with Olam Chesed Club: Wednesday, January 24, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leaders Kara Rosenberg and Lis Erickson: Friday, January 26, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, February 2, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Morning Torah Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor at Beth Jacob Synagogue : Saturday, February 3, 10:00am-12:00pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
David Erstein
Rebecca Allen
Shirley Shuster Geller

Tuesday
Fanny Ewen
Ruben Samuels
Julius Allen
Sally Fishman

Wednesday
Joshua Brown
Louis Pinsky
Jack Robert Ross

Friday
Tauba Fainsilber

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) | 802.477.2550 (cell) | jcogs.org

Post Card from Rabbi David- Weekly Email

01/03/2024 02:47:01 PM

Jan3

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

EDUCATION

Today! Olam Chesed is Online

As of today, January 3, class takes place from 4:30-5:30. Click here for the Zoom link( log into your account for access)

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Lay Leader Bobbi Rood

Friday, January 5, 6:00pm- 7:15pm In Person and Online

Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting service to welcome in Shabbat in community, followed by a delicious Oneg. Click here to register for zoom link.

CLERGY CORNER

A Postcard from Rabbi David

Dear JCOGS Family,
I'm reaching out while on sabbatical to send my love from New Zealand. With grief from the October 7 attack still acute, the ongoing hostage situation, the loss of life from the war, the rampant antisemitism-this is truly a difficult time, beyond measure.

Recently, our family visited The Shire (Hobbiton), one place in NZ where the book-turned-movies were filmed. The kids LOVED the visit and it was a true joy to see them so immersed. The Shire is a simple place, not so different than rural Vermont-where people (well.... Hobbits) lead lives in harmony with the simple world around them, even as war rages on far from home (war based on the author's own WWI experience). In our time of war, I couldn't help but think of you all while visiting The Shire, praying for the peace of our Shire and for your health and safety.

This sabbatical, with its personal learning, prayer, meditation, and family time is a blessing of light in dark times.
Wishing you each and all a light-filled Chanukah Sameach Happy Chanukah! (This Chanukah, we celebrate during Summertime!)

With Comfort, love, and blessings to you all, my JCOGS family,
Rabbi David

COMMUNITY

FREE COVID tests: from the United States Postal Service

VOLUNTEERS

Oneg Helpers for December 22: Debby Sherman, Irwin Tauben, Sara Tauben and Steve Levine
Three students from Stowe High School came to JCOGS as part of the school's community service project on Friday, December 22nd and helped with cleaning and organizing!

SIMCHAS

Mazel Tov to new members David Eisenbaum and Claire Marian on the birth of their second son. Stay tuned for the date of the baby naming event at JCOGS!

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

TODAY! Olam Chesed Wednesday Program ONLINE ONLY: Wednesday, January 3, 4:30pm-5:30pm

Shabbat service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and lay leader Bobbi Rood: Friday, January 5, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, January 6, 10:00am-12:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leaders Lynne Gedanken and Barbara Segal: Friday, January 12, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Mitzvah class: Saturday, January 13, 10:00am-12:00pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, January 19, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Kinderlach & Gesher celebrate Tu biShvat: Saturday, January 20, 10:00am-11:30am

Shabbat Service with lay leaders Kara Rosenberg and Lis Erickson: Friday, January 26, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, February 2, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Morning Torah Service at Beth Jacob Synagogue :Saturday, February 3, 10:00am-12:00pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Henry Siegel
Marion Sternfels

Monday
Frances Rosenberg Wolkowitz

Tuesday
Alvin Segal
Ruth Naomi Zell

Wednesday
Thelma Simms

Thursday
Rose Vasilevsky Black

Friday
Theodore Hamber

Shabbat
Richard Michelson

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) | 802.477.2550 (cell) | jcogs.org

Happy 2024!-Weekly Email

12/20/2023 02:00:45 PM

Dec20

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

Help JCOGS Reach 100% Participation in the Endowment Campaign - Your Gift will be Matched!
In these challenging times, you can help JCOGS thrive as a Jewish community and stand strong against antisemitism with a generous gift or pledge to the Endowment Campaign. The goal is 100% participation in building an endowment, and your gift will be matched by a dedicated donor who believes in the importance of JCOGS. Thank you to the many members and friends who have made gifts and pledges to date. Will you join them with a first time pledge or kindly consider an additional gift at this time?

DONATE

Friday Night Service with lay leader and past president Steve Levine

Join us in the sanctuary for an uplifting service to welcome in Shabbat in community. This week's D'var Torah will be given by our own Patti Rubin, who will of course be the chef responsible for the delicious oneg that follows.

CLERGY CORNER

Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor will be out from Dec 21 - Jan 4. Rabbi Jan Salzman is available for rabbinic emergencies and counseling in Emmanuel's absence at rabbijan@ruachhamaqom.org and 802-356-1668.

EDUCATION

Olam Chesed Club Shifts to Online Learning

As of January 3, class takes place from 4:30-5:30. Click here for the Zoom link( log into your account for access)

COMMUNITY

VCIL free flu/COVID molecular tests, telehealth, and treatment : Access to free telehealth and treatment options if you test positive.

Receive 2 free Lucira molecular flu and COVID tests for each household member over 18 (tests diagnose Flu A, Flu B, and COVID)
Qualifications: no insurance, medicaid, medicare, Indian Health Services coverage, Veterans Administration coverage
Sign up

VOLUNTEERS

Hanukkah Volunteers:

Cyndy and Jodi for Hanukkah decorations
Judah B. for helping prepare kiddush for K&G
Folks who helped make the ZenBarn Hanukkah event a success:
- Libby and David Babbott-Klein for an epic retelling of the Hanukkah tale and more
- Moni Liberman for engaging the kids in games so masterfully

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

TODAY! Olam Chesed Club IN PERSON: Wednesday, December 20, 4:15pm-6:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leader Steve Levine In Person and Online: Friday, December 22, 6:00pm-7:15pm

NO Olam Chesed Club: Wednesday, December 27, 4:15pm-6:00pm

Shabbat Service with returning Rabbi Brian Besser: Friday, December 29, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Olam Chesed Wednesday Program ONLINE ONLY: Wednesday, January 3, 4:30pm-5:30pm

Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and lay leader Bobbi Rood: Friday, January 5, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, January 6, 10:00am-12:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leaders Lynne Gedanken and Barbara Segal: Friday, January 12, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Mitzvah class: Saturday, January 13, 10:00am-12:00pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, January 19, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Kinderlach & Gesher celebrate Tu biShvat: Saturday, January 20, 10:00am-11:30am

Yahrzeits

Monday
Jordan (Buddy) Wine

Wednesday
Oscar Antelman
Norma Cummings

Friday
Grace Gellman
Sidney Lichtenstein

Shabbat
Jack Cummings

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) | 802.477.2550 (cell) | jcogs.org

The Seventh Night of Light -Weekly Email

12/13/2023 01:03:44 PM

Dec13

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

TODAY!

Click here for more information and to register

TONIGHT! Miracles: Do You Believe?
Wednesday, December 13 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ONLINE ONLY

Join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor this Hanukkah as we explore multiple Jewish perspectives on miracles: their place in our collective Jewish story, as well as our personal lives. Click here to register and receive a Zoom link.

Hanukkah over the Rainbow

What an amazing Hanukkah party and Iron Chef competition! Thank you to the largest number of competitors ever (17!) Everyone made incredible creations inspired by the secret ingredient: RAINBOW. Click here to see lots of pictures.

Community Shabbat Torah Service with Mitzvah
Saturday, December 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm In Person and Online

Everyone is invited to connect with our next generation of Jewish leaders and join the Mitzvah teens and their families for a lively Shabbat morning service and Torah reading.

CLERGY CORNER

Invitation to Join an Adult Education Committee Meeting
Monday, December 18, 7:00pm - 8:15pm Online Only

Together we will be sharing feedback and reflections on recent JCOGS programs, as well as envisioning future learning opportunities for our community. All those interested in adult education at JCOGS are welcome, regardless of previous attendance. Please register to receive a Zoom link.

EDUCATION

Kinderlach & Gesher revel in the glow of Hanukkah

Saturday, December 16, 10:00am - 11:30am JCOGS

Join Beth and Miss Rachel for a sweet Shabbat morning of song, dance, and play as we revel in the glow of Hanukkah and shine a light into the darkness to celebrate big miracles! Be sure to bring your favorite stuffy to meet Shabbasaurus and Tzipi the curious bird!

Stowe Police Say Preparedness Saves Time and Lives!

Following a building walk-thru and security assessment earlier in the week, Officers Whitcomb, O’Steen and Daly spoke with JCOGS members at a security program Sunday morning. While JCOGS leadership continues work on securing our building and hires security presence for shabbat and gatherings, we are our biggest security strength. What can we all do?

Know your community
Know your building
Don't Hesitate

VOLUNTEERS

Oneg Volunteers: Debby Sherman, Judith Wine, Mich Kabay, Sephirah Oskello, Arielle Sabot and Orah Moore
Volunteer Muscians: David Goodman (clarinet), Sara Lourie (recorder), Lis Erickson (flute), Linda Schiller (vocals)
Hanukkah Volunteers: Shelly Citron for organizing the Iron Chef competition and Art Dorfman for talented tallying.Thank you to all who prepared delicious and beautiful entries for the Iron Chef. Amy Rosenthal for organizing the NEK Hanukkah party, Steve Levine and Patti Rubin for leading the lighting of the outdoor chanukiyah

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Miracles: Do You Believe? ONLINE: Wednesday, December 13 7:00pm-8:30pm

NO Olam Chesed Club TODAY: Come to ZenBarn 4-5:30 instead! - Wednesday, December 13 4:15pm-6:00pm

Increase the Light Family Glo-Dance Party at ZenBarn: Wednesday, December 13 4:00pm-5:30pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, December 15 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, December 16 10:00am-12:00pm

Kinderlach & Gesher revel in the glow of Hanukkah: Saturday, December 16 10:00am-11:30am

Invitation to Join an Adult Education Committee Meeting: Monday, December 18 7:00pm-8:15pm

Mah Jongg:Tuesday, December 19 2:00pm-4:00pm

Olam Chesed Club IN PERSON : Wednesday, December 20 4:15pm-6:00pm

Shabbat Service with lay leader Steve Levine In Person and Online: Friday, December 22 6:00pm-7:15pm

Shabbat Service with returning Rabbi Brian Besser: Friday, December 29 6:00pm-7:15pm

Shabbat service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and lay leader Bobbi Rood: Friday, January 5 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, January 6 10:00am-12:00pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Andrea "Ya Ya" Levy Goldman

Monday

Sonya Schwartz
Helen Piccinini
Arthur Laxer
Max Nisenholtz

Tuesday
Professor Percy Black
Ruth Braver

Wednesday
Peter S. Lonn

Thursday
Idelda Manowitz

Shabbat
Oscar Abrin

DONATE

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
1189 Cape Cod Road | Stowe, VT 05672
802.253.1800 (office) | 802.477.2550 (cell) | jcogs.org

Hanukkah 2023

12/12/2023 06:12:24 PM

Dec12

The Increase the Light family Glow Dance Party brought nearly 70 folks from the Mad River Valley and Waterbury area to celebrate the 7th candle with us. The kids had a great time playing rousing games of "Flip the Latkes" and "Pin the Candle on the Menorah", thanks to the masterful MC, Moni Liberman. Libby and David Babbott-Klein led everyone in an exciting interactive retelling of the Hanukkah story. Many thanks to ZenBarn for delicious latkes and a wonderful space, to Cold Hollow and Shaw's for discounts on cider and donuts.

The annual Iron Chef and Hanukkah party was such a colorful, joyful, light-filled celebration! Everyone created such wonderful delectables using this year's secret ingredient: RAINBOW which was inspired by the colorful Hanukkah candles.
Special thanks to Shelly Citron for coordinating the Iron Chef, to Art Dorfman for tallying the votes, and to Emmanuel Cantor for being such a mensch of a guest judge.

Mazel tov to the winners:

Lyla and Barb S. - braided rainbow challah - overall

Amy Rosenthal and Jonah W - Noah's ark cake and rice crispie sculpture - best Talmudic reference

B. and Fiona B. - rainbow skittles cake - presentation

Amy Hoskins - vegan, gluten free rainbow pizza - taste

Emi M. - rainbow cupcakes with fluffy clouds - best use of rainbow

Much gratitude to our generous neighbors for the gift certificates awarded as prizes:

Sushi Yossi Pizza on Main Aladdin Black Diamond Black Diamond Barbecue Logo

Chanukah Spinning Large Wood Dreidels (pack of 2) Mazel tov to Siena S. for guessing the closest number of dreidels in the bowl!

Here comes Hanukkah! -Weekly Email

12/06/2023 02:59:31 PM

Dec6

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

Community Lighting of the Big Outdoor Chanukiah at JCOGS Thursday, Dec 7, (1st candle) 5pm

Musical Hanukkah-Shabbat with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band + Lighting the antique Hanukkiah at JCOGS Friday, Dec 8, (2nd candle) 6pm-7:15pm

NEK Hanukkah celebration at Greensboro Community Church Saturday, Dec 9, (3rd candle) - 5pm-9pm

JCOGS Hanukkah party + Iron Chef Competition
Sunday, Dec 10,(4th candle) 3:30pm-5:30pm

“Increase the Light” Family Glow Dance Party at Zenbarn
Wednesday, Dec 13, (7th candle) - 4pm-5:30pm

Miracles: Do you believe? "Big Jewish Questions" Learning with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor Thursday, Dec 14, (8th night) 7pm-8:30pm ONLINE

Hanukkah Shabbat

Friday, December 8, 6:00pm - 7:15pm In person and Online

Please join us for this special musical shabbat with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and the JCOGS Band Marom. We will be lighting our special antique Hanukkiah for the second night. Stay for the delicious oneg following the service. Register for zoom link.

JCOGS Hanukkah Party and Iron Chef Competition!

Sunday, December 10, 2023 3:30pm - 5:30pm
at JCOGS

Join us for the annual JCOGS Hanukkah party and Iron Chef competition. Rabbi David has decreed that the secret ingredient this year is … RAINBOW 🌈 What will you create with such a magical ingredient?!
Our guest judge this year is … Emmanuel Cantor!
Here are the categories and gift certificates from generous local businesses:
Presentation - Commodities
Use of Secret Ingredient - Sushi Yoshi
Taste - Pizza on Main
Overall winner - a basket of prizes including a gift certificate from Black Diamond BBQ
There’s fun for all ages. Will you cook something or just be a judge? Click here for details.

Stowe Police Security Presentation

Sunday, December 10, 11:30am - 12:30pm
In Person Only at JCOGS
All members are encouraged to participate.

Click on each event for more information

CLERGY CORNER

Miracles: Do You Believe?

Wednesday, December 13 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ONLINE ONLY

“Miracles” writes Rabbi Jason Rubenstein, “have gone from being the great proof of religion to its great disproof. A source of embarrassment at worst, and perhaps, at best, confusion.” Agree? Disagree? Not sure? No matter where you stand, join Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor this Hanukkah as we explore multiple Jewish perspectives on miracles: their place in our collective Jewish story, as well as our personal lives. Register for zoom link.

EDUCATION

Ateed, our teen group, met Tuesday evening on Zoom for the second in a series of Meaningful Conversations. A follow-up to the conversation on Israel, the subject was antisemitism. Together we explored Jewish texts and unpacked definitions and examples of antisemitism. The teens spoke bravely of their own experiences and asked probing questions about the origin of antisemitism today. Difficult as the topic is, they reflected a sense of hope and strength: "We Jews are strong; we'll still survive. But, you should use your position to stand up and not rely on others to do it for you." Just the kind of light in the world we need in this season.

Come peruse our Hanukkah Boutique

The lovely JCOGS Hanukkah boutique is open! Come on by during office hours (m-th 10-3, f 12-5) for candles, menorahs, gelt, wrapping paper, gift bags, dreidels, games, and fun holiday tchotchkes.

COMMUNITY

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the GSIC Interfaith Display will be aglow. Its design represents 5 religions, Baha'i, Christianity, Islam,Judaism and the Unitarian Universalists,and honors each with their respective symbols. It will be set on the Stowe Village Green. GSIC leadership is grateful for the ongoing support of our town of Stowe.

VOLUNTEERS

Thanks to Debby Sherman, Judith Wine, Shoshana Freiden, and Amy Hoskins for their help with December 1 oneg.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

OFFICE CLOSED DATES: December 25-27 and January 1, 2024

Olam Chesed Club IN PERSON : Wednesday, December 6, 4:15pm-6:00pm

Community Lighting of the Big Outdoor Chanukiyah at JCOGS : Thursday, December 7, 5:00pm-6:00pm

Musical Hanukkah-Shabbat with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band : Friday, December 8 6:00pm-7:15pm

JCOGS Mad River Valley Jewish Education Program: Friday, December 8, 2:45pm-4:30pm

Hanukkah Party in North East Kingdom: Saturday, December 9, 5:00pm-9:00pm

JCOGS Hanukkah Party and Iron Chef Competition!: Sunday, December 10, 3:30pm-5:30pm

Stowe Police Security Presentation: Sunday, December 10 11:30am-12:30pm

Mah Jongg: Tuesday December 12, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Miracles: Do You Believe? ONLINE: Wednesday, December 13, 7:00pm-8:30pm

NO Olam Chesed Club TODAY: Come to ZenBarn 4-5:30 instead! - Wednesday, December 13 4:15pm-5:30pm

Increase the Light Family Glo-Dance Party at ZenBarn: Wednesday, December 13, 4:00pm-5:30pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday December 15, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, December 16, 10:00am-12:00pm

Kinderlach & Gesher revel in the glow of Hanukkah: Saturday, December 16 10:00am-11:30am

Adult Education Committee: Monday, December 18, 7:00pm - 8:15pm Online Only

Shabbat Service with lay leader Steve Levine In Person and Online: Friday, December 22, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Shabbat Service with returning Rabbi Brian Besser: Friday, December 29, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Saul Lighter
Abraham Bernard

Monday
Fannie Bear Besser
Hyman Besser

Wednesday
Nancy Simon

Thursday
Joel Saul Wolk
Milton Fried

Friday
Steven K. Teplick
Dora Yaraus Wine

Shabbat
Emily Hope Salmon

The Iron Chef Secret ingredient is....-Weekly Email

11/29/2023 01:56:11 PM

Nov29

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

TONIGHT!Relating to Israel’s Trauma as North American Jews with Rabbi Dr. Joshua Ladon

Wednesday, November 29, 7:00pm-8:30pm Online Only

In these challenging times, the JCOGS community is invited to gather over Zoom as we reflect on what it means for North American Jews to make sense of the profoundly shattering events of Oct. 7th. Please click here for more information and to register.

Stowe Police Security Presentation
Sunday, December 10, 11:30am - 12:30pm
In Person Only at JCOGS
All members are encouraged to participate.

Click on each event for more information

Hanukkah: “More Faces Than a Dreidel?” Lunchtime learning with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor
Wednesday, Dec 6, 12pm - 1pm ONLINE

Community Lighting of the Big Outdoor Chanukiah at JCOGS Thursday, Dec 7, (1st candle) 5pm

Musical Hanukkah-Shabbat with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band + Lighting the antique Hanukkiah at JCOGS Friday, Dec 8, (2nd candle) 6pm-7:15pm

NEK Hanukkah celebration at Greensboro Community Church Saturday, Dec 9, (3rd candle) - 5pm-9pm

JCOGS Hanukkah party + Iron Chef Competition
Sunday, Dec 10,(4th candle) 3:30pm-5:30pm

“Increase the Light” Family Glow Dance Party at Zenbarn
Wednesday, Dec 13, (7th candle) - 4pm-5:30pm

Miracles: Do you believe? "Big Jewish Questions" Learning with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor Thursday, Dec 14, (8th night) 7pm-8:30pm ONLINE

CLERGY CORNER

Shabbat Vayishlach with returning Rabbi Brian Besser
Friday, December 1, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Based on Jacob's prayer and blessing in this week's Torah portion, our Shabbat evening service will explore themes of: trust in God, concern for others, and gratitude. We will honor on her birthday, longtime JCOGS member Dr. Gretchen Besser, who gracefully exemplifies these three Jewish virtues. Please stay for a delicious and celebratory oneg.

JCOGS Hanukkah Party and Iron Chef Competition!

Sunday, December 10, 2023 3:30pm - 5:30pm
at JCOGS

Join us for the annual JCOGS Hanukkah party and Iron Chef competition. Rabbi David has decreed that the secret ingredient this year is … RAINBOW 🌈 What will you create with such a magical ingredient?!
Our guest judge this year is … Emmanuel Cantor!
Here are the categories and gift certificates from generous local businesses:
Presentation - Commodities
Use of Secret Ingredient - Sushi Yoshi
Taste - Pizza on Maine
Overall winner - a basket of prizes including a gift certificate from Black Diamond BBQ
There’s fun for all ages. Will you cook something or just be a judge? Click here for details.

Come peruse our Hanukkah Boutique

The lovely JCOGS Hanukkah boutique is open! Come on by during office hours (m-th 10-3, f 12-5) for candles, menorahs, gelt, wrapping paper, gift bags, dreidels, games, and fun holiday tchotchkes.

VOLUNTEERS

The Tennenbaum Family, Mich Kabay, Edee Simon and Lynne Gedanken for help with the oneg
Barb Sokolow for organizing the Challah of Love initiative and for leading challah making with both Mitzvah and Olam Chesed Club.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

TODAY!Olam Chesed Club IN PERSON: Wednesday, November 29, 4:15pm - 6:00pm JCOGS

TONIGHT! Relating to Israel’s Trauma as North American Jews with Rabbi Dr. Joshua Ladon: Wednesday, November 29, 7:00pm-8:30pm ONLINE

Shabbat Vayishlach with returning Rabbi Brian Besser: Friday, December 1, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Oneg in honor of Dr. Gretchen Besser on the occasion of her birthday: Friday, December 1, 7:15pm-8:00pm

Mitzvah class: Saturday, December 2, 10:00am-12:00pm

Hanukkah: “More Faces Than a Dreidel?” ONLINE: Wednesday, December 6, 12:00pm-1:00pm

Community Lighting of the Big Outdoor Chanukiah at JCOGS : Thursday, December 7 5:00pm-6:00pm

JCOGS Mad River Valley Jewish Education Program: Friday, December 8, 2:45pm-4:30pm

Musical Hanukkah-Shabbat with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor and Marom, the JCOGS Band : Friday, December 8, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Hanukkah Party in North East Kingdom: Saturday, December 9, 5:00pm-9:00pm

JCOGS Hanukkah Party and Iron Chef Competition!: Sunday, December 10, 3:30pm-5:30pm

Stowe Police Security Presentation: Sunday, December 10. 11:30am-12:30pm

Increase the Light Family Glo-Dance Party at ZenBarn: Wednesday, December 13, 4:00pm-5:30pm

Miracles: Do You Believe? ONLINE: Wednesday, December 13, 7:00pm-8:30pm

Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor : Friday, December 15, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Community Shabbat Torah Service: Saturday, December 16, 10:00am-12:00pm

Kinderlach & Gesher revel in the glow of Hanukkah: December 16, 10:00am-11:30am

Shabbat Service with lay leader Steve Levine In Person and Online: Friday, December 22, 6:00pm-7:15pm

Yahrzeits

Sunday
Beatrice Link
Harvey Maron
Rosita Frieden

Monday
Steven Shawn Klein

Tuesday
Anne Pinsky

Wednesday
Rosita Hardoon
Sylvie Rose Hughes
Louis Haimoff
Anita Cohen

Thursday
Ruth Miller
Theodore Tunick
Patricia Mitiguy

Friday
Benjamin Frank

Shabbat
Lorne Abramowitz

"Paths of Peace": Statement on the Burlington Shooting

11/27/2023 07:18:55 PM

Nov27

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe

Dear JCOGS Family,

As many are aware, three college students of Palestinian descent were the victims of an unprovoked and senseless shooting last Saturday night in Burlington. While an investigation is underway, authorities are looking into whether this crime was motivated by bias and hate —two of the victims were wearing kaffiyehs, a traditional Palestinian headdress, and speaking a hybrid of English and Arabic at the time of the attack.

We first and foremost pray for the speedy and complete recovery of all three victims: Tahseen Ahmed, 20, of Trinity College, Kinnan Abdalhamid, 20, of Haverford College, and Hisham Awartani, 20, of Brown University. The students were shot while walking to the home of Hisham Awartani’s grandmother for dinner.

In response to this violence, I added my name on behalf of the JCOGS leadership to the statement below. Organized by Jewish Communities of Vermont, our message is in support of the students, their families, and the Vermont Palestinian and Muslim communities in the wake of this horrific attack.

We are saddened and appalled by the shooting of three Palestinian American college students that took place on Saturday, November 25 in Burlington. Our hearts go out to these young men and their loved ones and to the Vermont Palestinian and Muslim communities. We hope the perpetrator(s) will be brought to justice.

We denounce this horrendous violence in our community. And we denounce any hatred that could lead to an act like this. As Jews, we are keenly aware of the impact of violence on minority religious communities, and so we stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters at this frightening time.

We have contacted the Islamic Center of Vermont president to offer our support. We pray for the recovery and strength of those impacted by this horrific act.

A full list of Jewish community signatories can be found below.* We will continue to update the JCOGS community with ways to support the affected families and the Islamic Center of Vermont as we are made aware of opportunities to do so.

The image of young men attacked while wearing ancestral garb on their heads, interspersing their English with words from their people’s native language—it hits close to home for me as a Jew, and motivates me to stand with our neighbors against Islamophobia and xenophobia, alongside Antisemitism. Perhaps it does for you too.

When I joined JCOGS, I learned that the JCOGS’s cemetery is called Darchei Shalom, meaning “Paths of Peace.” I admired the name, and was reminded of the following passage from the Babylonian Talmud:

“Our Sages taught: One gives to the non-Jewish poor with the Jewish poor, visits the non-Jewish sick with the Jewish sick, and buries the non-Jewish dead with the Jewish dead. This is done in order to build darchei shalom, paths of peace.”

As we pray for the healing of Tahseen, Kinnan, and Hisham, and offer our support to Vermont’s Palestinian and Muslim communities, let us build darchei shalom, paths of peace.

With prayers for healing, and for peace,

Emmanuel Cantor
Rabbinic Intern

*Rabbi David Edleson, Temple Sinai, S. Burlington
Rabbi Aaron Philmus, Ohavi Zedek Synagogue
Rabbi Jan Salzman, Congregation Ruach haMaqom
Rabbi Eliyahu Junik, Chabad of Vermont
Matt Vogel, UVM Hillel
Rabbi Tobie Weisman, Jewish Communities of Vermont
Emmanuel Cantor, Rabbinical Intern, Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
Board of Directors, Beth Jacob Synagogue, Montpelier
Michael Brown, President, Woodstock Area Jewish Community
Cantor Scott Buckner, Israel Center of Manchester
Rabbi Amita Jarmon, Brattleboro Area Jewish Community
Rabbi Seth Daniel Riemer, Congregation Beth El, Bennington

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What We Share: An Invitation for Israel Learning and Conversation

11/24/2023 08:54:24 AM

Nov24

Jewish Community of Greater Stowe

Dear JCOGS Family,

I’ve been moving through the days with a heaviness in my chest—thinking of the hostages, the loss of innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives, rising antisemitism at home and abroad, and of friends and family in harm's way. I have also been thinking of our JCOGS community. I have spoken with many of you grieving the losses of October 7th and beyond, as well those deeply frightened by our present moment and uncertain future. I invite you to continue to reach out to me and one another in this time of need.

I have also heard from JCOGS members a diversity of views and relationships to Israel and the current choices it is facing. Inspired by JCOG’s commitment to pluralism, I see our range of experiences and connections—to Israel, and to all aspects of Jewish life—as a collective strength. The JCOGS’s mission statement adopted last summer lists “Eilu V’Eilu: Diversity as Vitality”* as one of its four core values:

As a pluralistic, egalitarian community welcoming wide-ranging beliefs, identities, and practices, we value human diversity as the source of our collective vitality. We actively listen to and value each other’s perspectives in an environment of mutual respect. We seek to understand differing and even challenging points of view, while celebrating the dignity and unique gifts of each individual.

At the same time, there are important things we share. United in our concern for one another and our Israeli friends and families, we are a community of North American Jews—including Israeli-Americans, Israeli-Canadians, and non-Jewish family members. How do we, “over here,” relate to Israel and the challenges it faces “over there?” What wisdom from Jewish history, texts, and ideas might guide our way as a North American Jewish community?

To reflect on these questions and more, I invite you to join me this Wednesday, November 29th at 7pm to hear from educator and scholar Rabbi Dr. Joshua Ladon as he leads our community in a session entitled "Relating to Israel’s Trauma as North American Jews." Rabbi Dr. Ladon is the Director of Education for the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, a center for Jewish thought and education on Jewish peoplehood, identity, and pluralism, and a past partner of JCOGS programs. JCOGS is grateful to Adult Education Committee Co-Chair Barbara Segal for connecting our community to the Hartman Institute and supporting this program.

Our gathering will be held over Zoom, from 7:00pm-8:30pm. Registration is required, so please click here for an event description and to register and receive a Zoom link.

I recently heard back from an Israeli friend who had been called up in reserves. “I am doing okay,” my former roommate wrote. “But what about you? I imagine that being Jewish in America right now is no simple thing.”

No simple thing indeed. I invite you to join us this Wednesday, as we hold the pain and complexity of this moment together.

With prayers for peace and safety, and for a shabbat shalom,

Emmanuel Cantor
Rabbinic Intern

* “Eilu V’Eilu” is a reference to a Talmudic passage in which a debate between the School of Hillel and the School of Shammai is resolved by a heavenly voice declaring “Both these and these (Eilu V’Eilu) are the words of the Living God.”

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Fri, April 26 2024 18 Nisan 5784

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