News

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

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.

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.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

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

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

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

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

An Invitation to JCOGS Poets and Creative Writers
Do you write poetry or creative prose? Are you interested in sharing your work at one of JCOGS's Friday night services? If so, please contact Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor at emmanuel.cantor@jcogs.org to discuss further.

EDUCATION

JCOGS Hanukkah Party and Iron Chef Competition!

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

JCOGS IN THE COMMUNITY

VOLUNTEERS

COMMUNITY

LFC’s Holiday Project sign ups open: for Lamoille County families who would benefit from assistance with holiday gifts for their children ages 0-12
Registration ends 11/30 
Pick-up runs by appointment the week of 12/4
Call Wendy directly to register and schedule pick-up time: 802-888-5229

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

Tonight! "GOD! Oy, What a Word"

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

Challah Bake

Saturday, Nov. 11, 12:00PM-2:00PM-Mitzvah class
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 4:15PM-6:00PM-Olam Chesed

A Mah Jongg Party at JCOGS!

 Sunday, November 19, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Join players from JCOGS, Beth Jacob and our Jewish communities. Snacks and raffle prizes galore! Suggested donation of $18.  Additional donations welcome. Players can donate at the door, but you must register. Please RSVP by Thursday, November 16.

JCOGS IN THE COMMUNITY

Patti Rubin and board member Aron Temkin represented JCOGS at the Northern Nosh food festival in Burlington this past Sunday. Hundreds of people, including JCOGS board member 
Craig Oshkello, delighted in all sorts of Jewish delicacies.

EDUCATION

Words of Wisdom
The newest adults in our community shared some incredibly wise teachings over the past year. Every d'var (sermon) of the 5783 Mitzvah cohort, from Bobbi Rood's Ki Tisa through Molly's Bereshit, is now available on our website. Please click HERE to read these stirring words of wisdom.

VOLUNTEERS

• Alice Goins for helping with Olam Chesed outreach
• Patti Rubin and Aron Temkin for representing JCOGS with their delicious dishes at the 2nd annual Northern Nosh Jewish food festival in Burlington. 
• ​​​​​​​Oneg helpers: Judith Wine, Aron Temkin, and Ryan Erikson​​​​​​​

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Dear JCOGS Family, 

In this week’s Torah portion of Lech Lecha, Abraham and Sarah set out on a journey towards the Land of Israel. Commanded by God to leave their homeland, the couple are our tradition’s first monotheists, charting a bold, new chapter in human history. Lech Lecha means “go for yourself,” and as such, the portion inspires us to reflect on when we too have embarked on new and uncertain experiences.  

Yet not even Abraham and Sarah, role models for marching to the beat of our own drummers, made the journey alone. Tucked away at the end of last week’s portion, we learn that Abraham’s father, Terach, moved his family from present-day Iraq to what is now the Turkish-Syrian border. In doing so, Terach laid the groundwork for the next generation’s journey to the Land of Israel. Even while charting a new course, Abraham and Sarah were supported by those who came before them. 

In my previous letter, I wrote about my fiancée Shira’s surgery and hospitalization. We are both so grateful for all the warm messages we received from the JCOGS community. I am happy to report that Shira is back home and recovering well.

In the hospital, a few kind people commented on the fortitude Shira and I showed. To them, we might have looked like Abraham and Sarah, a couple navigating an unfamiliar and challenging experience. Yet what they couldn’t see were all the Terachs—our families, friends, and communities, including JCOGS—who supported us on our journey.

I write to you at a painful time for Israel and the Jewish people. We are faced with immense grief, and likely a long and challenging road ahead. At this moment, it is easy to identify with Abraham and Sarah. Jolted from our comfort zone, we are now navigating an uncertain future. Some of us may be feeling alone.

If we see ourselves in Abraham and Sarah, let’s remember we also have Terachs: ancestors who can help us on our journey. These ancestors—some familial, some spiritual—passed down Jewish wisdom and practices. It has not always been easy, or safe, to transmit Judaism from one generation to the next. Today, as we mark the 5th anniversary of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, we remember how Jews throughout the ages have turned to our traditions in times of fear and heartbreak.

To this end, I want to invite everyone for a series of classes I will be teaching, opportunities to come together for learning and conversation. Over the next several Wednesdays, we will gather on Zoom from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm for “Big Jewish Questions,” exploring central pillars of Jewish thought and ritual. Classes will be designed for newcomers to Jewish learning, as well as those who have been studying for decades.

Inspired by Rabbi David’s Yom Kippur Dvar Torah, our first session will focus on Shabbat: both classical texts and practices, alongside our personal Shabbat goals. We will reflect on excerpts from Rabbi Heschel’s The Sabbath, which JCOGS distributed on Yom Kippur, and consider our experiences of marking Shabbat during difficult and distressing times. Please click here to register and receive a Zoom link.       

Information about upcoming classes can be found on the JCOGS calendar and in Weekly Emails to come. At a time when it feels precious to be in community, all are welcome as we remember Terach, and explore our ancestors' gifts together.

Shabbat shalom,

Emmanuel Cantor
Rabbinic Intern

Announcements and Upcoming Events

MAH CHADASH:
WHAT'S NEW AT JCOGS

Rally in Solidarity with the People of Israel

In an event that unified the Jewish community across geography and denomination, nearly 600 Jewish Vermonters and allies gathered beneath the steps of Burlington City Hall to show their solidarity with the people of Israel. Click HERE for a stirring speech by  JCOGS director of education, Beth Liberman. Read more here on our news blog.

Stowe Jewish Film Festival Final Film of the Season 

The Story of Annette Zelman
 Set in Nazi-occupied Paris, the film brings to light the tragic love story of Annette Zelman and Jean Jausion, whose affair was exposed to the Gestapo. 
Thursday, October 19, 2023 
7:00pm - 9:30pm
 Savoy Theater, Montpelier 
*French with English subtitles
You can support the Savoy's flood relief effort by purchasing tickets to the prize draw at the Savoy on film night.  

JCOGS IN THE COMMUNITY

Raise the Roof to End Homelessness 
Join the Tikkun Olam Committee for an evening of music, food, and community to benefit the Lamoille Community House homeless shelter. 
 Saturday, October 21, 2023 
6:00pm - 9:00pm Stowe Cider, 17 Town Farm Lane
Contact Judith Wine to volunteer. wine.judith@jcogs.org 

Gleaning for our Neighbors in Need
On Sunday, Oct 15th members of the JCOGS community were "out in the fields." A multigenerational crew gathered at Valley Dream Farm in Cambridge. Our wonderful group gathered over 200 pounds of potatoes and nearly 400 pounds of cabbage, which will go directly to our neighbors in need.

CLERGY CORNER

WAYS TO HELP ISRAEL

Magen David Adom - Training, equipment, and medical supplies for Israel’s paramedics, EMTS, first responders, and first-aid providers

Jewish Federations of North America Israel 2023 Emergency Fund


OneFamily Fund - Comprehensive support services to victims of terror and their families

Herzog's Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma  - Therapeutic support for victims of terror and other trauma

EDUCATION

Join Tzipi the curious bird and Shabbasaurus for a sweet Shabbat morning all about ahavah/love. We'll sing, dance, play and learn about the Shema and V’ahavta. We'll nosh and shmooze at the end. Be sure to bring your favorite stuffies!
Saturday, October 21, 2023   10:00am- 11:30am JCOGS

LOCAL COMMUNITY

18th annual Wheels for Warmth: 10/26- 10/28 Recycle/donate tires  

Habitat for Humanity is looking for 4-6 volunteers to work on a home being built on the corner of Olive and Maple Street in Morrisville. No experience is needed, training will be provided. Consider joining as a group to volunteer for a day. Contact Judy at bickford@vtlink.net. or call 802-888-6918 to volunteer.

SIMCHAS
Steve Levine and Judith Wine's daughter, Samara Levine, married Michael Gale

Brit Ben and Brit Bat covenant and baby naming of twin grandchildren of Toni and Russel Barr

We love to share your lifecycle simchahs! Send the happy news to jcogs@jcogs.org

Update Your JCOGS Profile with your lifecycle events

VOLUNTEERS
oneg helpers
Debby Sherman, Cyndy Wyatt, Barbara Bauman, Shoshana Freiden, Jonathan Freedman, Amy Hoskins (Oct 6)
Debby Sherman, Cyndy Wyatt, Barbara Bauman, Shoshana Freiden, Jonathan Freedman, Amy Hoskins (Oct 13)

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Dear JCOGS Family, 

I am humbled and honored to begin serving this community, especially at such a challenging time for Israel and the Jewish people. We are still reeling from the horrific Hamas attacks—the deadliest single day for Jews since the Shoah—and frightened by the rockets raining down on Israel. Our prayers and protests cry out for the release of the Israeli hostages in Gaza. The shock, anger, grief, and fear cut bone deep. The other day, my cousin in Israel sighed, and offered three slow, heavy words: “everything is hard.” 

During our Yizkor memorial gathering following the attacks, I shared a teaching from Pirkei Avot, "Teachings of the Sages,” a rabbinic text compiled in the Land of Israel almost two thousands years ago. It has stayed with me throughout these heartbreaking days.

It begins, “beloved are human beings for they were made in the Divine image. So beloved are human beings that it was made known that they were created in the Divine image, as it was written ‘in the Divine image the human was created’” (Gen. 9:6). 

Our Torah teaches that all life is sacred. In this spirit, we pray for the safety of all innocent people, both in Israel and Gaza. As Rabbi David shared last Shabbat, our empathy for all who unjustly suffer is a sign of strength. 

The text continues: “beloved are the Jewish people, who are called ‘God’s children.’ So beloved are the Jewish people that it was made known that they are God’s children, as it was written ‘you are children to YHVH your God’..'' (Deut. 14:1). 

As Jews, we have a special obligation to our people. We are called to protect our Jewish and Israeli family, both their physical security and emotional wellbeing. Today, as many Israelis are still sitting shiva for their murdered family, peace and safety feel all too far away. 

For two thousand years, we have been asked to do two things at once. To have compassion for the suffering of all human beings, and to hold a special place for the suffering of our own. This is hard work, especially now. And yet, doing two things at once is what our tradition asks of us.

As our hearts turn towards Israel, I know many of us are also navigating challenges in our personal lives. In this vein, I want to share that my fiancée Shira was in the hospital last week and will be having major surgery this weekend. Shira is, most fortunately, not in any life-threatening danger, and we are reassured by her doctors that the procedure will enable her to resume her active life after a period of recovery. We feel lucky that we have the support of our families nearby, and many friends and communities to lean on.  

As Shira and I begin our life together, caring for each other in times of hardship feels—to borrow Rabbi David’s phrase—deeply Jewish. Unfortunately, the timing of Shira’s surgery and post-op hospitalization means I am unable to be in Stowe for Shabbat services this week. My heartfelt thanks to Lynne Gedanken and Susan Bauchner for stepping in to lead services, and to the JCOGS leadership—including Rabbi David, Education Director Beth Liberman, President Cyndy Wyatt, and Sabbatical Friday night coordinators Lynne and Steve Levine—who each responded with such generosity and care when they were informed. Shira and I are very grateful for their support.
 
In the same measure, serving JCOGS and supporting Jewish community at this moment means the world to me. As you see me over email and Zoom in the coming days, and in Stowe in the coming weeks, please know that I am present for JCOGS despite the extenuating circumstances. Thankfully, there are times when we are able to do two things at once. 

With prayers for peace and healing, 

Emmanuel Cantor
Rabbinic Intern

Announcements and Upcoming Events

Sabbatical Message from President & Rabbi David

Dear JCOGS family,

The JCOGS Board is well prepared for Rabbi David’s upcoming departure this Sunday, October 15 for his well-earned sabbatical. The process for planning Rabbi David’s sabbatical began early last spring as a committee of lay leaders interviewed candidates for the position of rabbinic intern. As our entire community learned over these past weeks, we are very fortunate to have Emmanuel Cantor as our spiritual leader while Rabbi David is away. Emmanuel will be traveling to JCOGS two weekends each month for Friday night services and Saturday educational opportunities with our Mitzvah students, Kinderlach and Gesher families, and adult education participants. Other Shabbat services will be led by local guest clergy and, excitingly, by a team of lay leaders who have been learning and preparing with Rabbi David. When Emmanuel is not in Stowe he will meet with members, staff and lay leaders via Zoom. Emmanuel is eager to hear from members and offer rabbinic support. He may be reached at: emmanuel.cantor@jcogs.org.
 
On the administration side, staff and lay leaders have already stepped up, taking on additional roles and responsibilities. A big thank you goes to Beth Liberman, education director, beth.liberman@jcogs.org, Laura Kittel, administrative assistant, laura.kittell@jcogs.org, and Amy Rosenthal, mitzvah coordinator, amy.rosenthal@jcogs.org for working patiently and so diligently to serve our JCOGS community. Our JCOGS office is here for you. The office is open for visitors every day, Monday-Thursday 10-3 and Friday 12-5 or by appointment. Email us at jcogs@jcogs.org.

All of us wish Rabbi David a rejuvenating sabbatical and look forward to his return in April filled with fresh ideas and a renewed spirit. To this end, during his absence Rabbi David will be unavailable by phone or email. Rabbinic intern Emmanuel Cantor (emmanuel.cantor@jcogs.org) is the contact person for rabbinic needs; please contact the JCOGS office for administrative questions; and I invite members to contact me (cyndy.wyatt@jcogs.org) at any time, especially as questions arise during this transition period.

Cyndy Wyatt, President


Sabbatical reflections and plans from Rabbi David

As I head out on sabbatical, beginning after Shabbat, I am keenly aware—with a heavy heart—at what a horrific time this is for the Jewish people.  As Alison and I thought about the sabbatical, one of our top choices was to be in Israel.  Alas, we chose differently—particularly poignantly now—as we will spend our time in New Zealand.  But Yehudah Halevi said what many of us feel today, that wherever I am, “my heart is in the east.”  And it shall be.

I want to thank the board and community for their deep consideration in making this sabbatical a success for both the congregation and myself and our family.  I will return in time to co-lead the annual second night Passover Seder at JCOGS alongside our rabbinic intern Emmanuel Cantor.

This sabbatical is a meaningful time for the synagogue’s growth and learning.  We are so blessed to have such devoted and committed lay leadership and strong staff support.  I feel the congregation is particularly blessed to have our rabbinic intern Emmanuel Cantor (emmanuel.cantor@jcogs.org), who impresses me with every interaction.  Emmanuel has a caring, empathetic, and passionate soul.  He will be a thoughtful and devoted spiritual leader for JCOGS in the coming months.

I remarked on Yom Kippur that I see this sabbatical as sacred time, and I thus hope to use the time wisely to rejuvenate and replenish in the following ways:

I will be devoting myself to much Torah learning.  I hope to work on a translation project (permission pending) of one of my beloved hasidic 20th century teachers, Netivot Shalom.  I also have a suitcase full of books (under 50 pounds for the airlines!), as well as access to Jewish libraries in New Zealand. I am looking forward to studying sources and articles that will be a source of enrichment for the coming years, including particular interests in Jewish storytelling, and plans to study our Siddur Lev Shalem in depth.

I will also be continuing as part of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality fellowship for clergy, which includes Torah study, meditation and mindfulness, prayer, and more.

Finally, of course, I also plan to take this time to devote to my family.  Given my day-to-day schedule on typical days, it feels important, sacred, and deeply Jewish to prioritize my family on this sabbatical.

You will be in my thoughts regularly, and I will keep our whole community in my prayers during this time.

I hope to see you tonight—in person or on Zoom—as we gather for Israel and in honour of Shabbat. Now is a time to be together, to lean on each other and our Jewish home here in the mountains.  
 
Tihiyu bri’im, may you be healthy and safe.  Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi David

Announcements and Upcoming Events