Iron Chef Competition
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with the famous JCOGS Iron Chef Competition! Enter with an amazing dish prepared with the secret ingredient or come hungry and vote. Bring your family menorah as we light up the dark together. Dreidel games, latkes, and song.
The secret ingredient this year is .... Light and Dark! Be creative! Think out of the "black and white cookie" box ;)
This year's celebrity judge is Ari Fishman of ZenBarn in Waterbury.
Compete for fantastic prizes from local businesses:
Commodities, Piecasso, Stowe Cider, Ranch Camp, Skinny Pancake, and Black Diamond BBQ!
To compete in the Iron Chef (registration appreciated at jcogs.org):
1. Dishes must be vegetarian*. Your creation can be savory or sweet or a combination ... (*dairy and fish are fine but no meat, no shellfish)
2. No peanut products please.
3. Make enough for fifty people to taste: small portions or can be cut into pieces after presentation. The celebrity judge will decide the first place winner. Party-goers will be voting for their favorites in the other categories.
4. Please prepare an ingredient list on a sheet of paper that's clear and easily read (computer printed preferred but not required).
5. Be creative! Judging will be for taste, presentation, and creative use of the secret ingredient
https://www.jcogs.org/event/iron-chef-competition.html
NEK Hanukkah Party & Havdallah
Gather with the northern Jewish community for Hanukkah music with Rabbi David, a fabulous potluck, basking in the glow of the fourth candle . Bring your favorite menorah and a creative dish to share as we celebrate the Festival of Lights together in the Northeast Kingdom. Fun and games, too! All welcome!
Light up Waterbury & Stowe
Join us Sunday afternoon, December 29th, at Rusty Parker Memorial Park, at 4:00 pm for our third annual Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration! Delicious Chanukah treats, music, hot cocoa, and and so much more! Also on the menu: good vibes and festive fun.
Our noses may be a little frosty, but with community togetherness and a public display of BEAMING Jewish pride like no other, our souls will be warm and bright.
We are so looking forward to you joining us for our biggest and best year yet. This event is open to all.
We hope to see you there!
https://www.chabadofstowe.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/5741315/jewish/Chanukah-at-Chabad.htm
Chanukah Bonfire & Community Sing
We'll gather at Living Tree for an intergenerational celebration including:
Community crafts and games for all ages—you don't want to miss the infamous Maccabee fort, human dreidel contest, and gelt stacking!
A special music performance for the little ones with Miss Andrea of Musical Munchkins
Menorah lighting—feel free to bring your own!
Chanukah storytelling
Cozy potluck dinner—Latkes and Soup will be provided - bring a vegetarian dish to share
Seasonal song circle around the bonfire with Musicians Avi Salloway and Emma Back.
Co-sponsored by Jewish Communities of Vermont, PJ Library VT and Living Tree Alliance
Pay-what-you-can donation ($18–$56 per family suggested). No one turned away for inability to pay.Donations for this event will be split between LTA's end-of-year fundraising goals and the Good Samaritan homeless warming shelter in Montpelier.
Family Hanukkah Glow Party and Concert with Joanie Leeds
Kids of all ages come celebrate Hanukkah with the catchy pop tunes of Grammy winner Joanie Leeds! Latkes, dreidels, and lots of Hanukkah fun as we light the second candle together.
This is event is free and open to all thanks to JCVT and a generous grant from the Covenant Foundation.
BJ's Annual Movie & Asian Food Event
Join us for our annual Film & Asian Food Night! Dinner will be provided from Capitol Pho with options to choose from below. Film to be announced shortly!
Registration is required for ordering the correct meals. RSVP below!
Chanukah Party
Join us for our annual Chanukah Party on December 22 at 3:00pm! Latkes and other refreshment are potluck style. Please email Sarah if you are intending to bring latkes/condiments! Other vegetarian dishes are encouraged as well. Registration is encouraged
Connecting with our Hidden Light through the mystical teachings of Hanukkah
Exploring our Natural Creativity through Spiritual Teachings of Hanukkah, Tu B’Shvat and Purim
We will be focusing on the teachings on Hanukkah and how they resonate with each person. We will explore selected texts from the Jewish tradition in Hevrutah (with a study partner) and then will follow a simple process to creatively express ourselves through making art. No previous knowledge of Hebrew, Jewish Text study or artistic expression necessary! Materials provided. (The process we will use comes from the Jewish Studio Project that R. Tobie Weisman has been learning for the past year) Co-sponsored by Beth Jacob and JCVT.
Hanukkah Fun at the Johnson Jubilee
Come play dreidel, sing Hanukkah songs, and make art for the Festival of Lights. We're excited to be part of this wonderful community tradition in downtown Johnson.
Connecting with our Hidden Light through the mystical teachings of Hanukkah
Exploring our Natural Creativity through Spiritual Teachings of Hanukkah, Tu B’Shvat and Purim
A three session series focusing on the teachings on Hanukkah, Tu B’Shvat & Purim and how they resonate with each person. We will explore selected texts from the Jewish tradition in Hevrutah (with a study partner) and then will follow a simple process to creatively express ourselves through making art. No previous knowledge of Hebrew, Jewish Text study or artistic expression necessary! Materials provided. (The process we will use comes from the Jewish Studio Project that R. Tobie Weisman has been learning for the past year) Co-sponsored by Beth Jacob and JCVT
What Now? A Post-Election Gathering for Solidarity and Hope
For those confused about how to proceed, let's gather to share and reflect on Nov. 24 at 1:00pm.
As Jews, we come together to give each other strength, hope, resolve, and to share different perspectives. Join us to share your perspective and whatever action steps you're taking now.
Facilitated by Andy Robinson. Registration required
Story & Havdalah
Join us for a potluck dinner to welcome new members to our intergenerational community! Bring the kids, too! We will read a story, perform the Havdalah blessings (volunteers welcome!) and share a meal together in the Community Room! We will also be having a book "sale" to find good homes for our library overflow. Books are "sold" by donation of your choice, and can be left in the tzedakah box on the table by the door. Registration is encouraged please. We hope to see you there!
A pastor, priest, and rabbi walk into a bar...
All are welcome to an evening of 'quiz the clergy' with Pastor Dan Haugh of Stowe Community Church, Father Rick Swanson of St. John's Episcopal Church, and Rabbi David Fainsilber of Jewish Community of Greater Stowe.
Collaborative Sukkah Building Featuring Talking Hands Theatre
Calling all PJ and PJ Our Way Families!
Save the date for a Pop Up Sukkah contest on Sunday morning, October 20th, 10:30-12:30 at Living Tree Alliance. Families will be given the simple guidelines of how to create a Sukkah. We will then use our innate creativity and ingenuity to construct a very fun, easy small sukkah. We will provide the natural materials for the Sukkot and you can add materials you find in nature. Afterwards, you and your kids can take it home and enjoy it for the rest of the Sukkot holiday! We will also learn why Sukkot is called the Festival of Joy, shake the lulav, hear a story, dance and sing songs. A light vegetarian lunch will be provided for eating in the Sukkah.
Potluck Breakfast in the Sukkah
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Join us for a breakfast in the sukkah on the (almost) halfway mark of the Sukkot holiday! Bring a dairy or vegetarian dish to share and a sweater/jacket! Seating will be prepared inside the sukkah. Come for a meal and a craft for the kids to help decorate our sukkah!
Celebrate Sukkot with Living Tree!
Now in its 11th year, our Sukkot on the Farm festival brings together song, learning, nature, community, delicious food, and fun—all centered around the abundance of the fall harvest and the shelter of our creatively designed temporary dwelling, the sukkah.
This year’s highlights include:
Harvest Festival on Saturday afternoon, with sauerkraut making, apple pressing, and more
Saturday-night musical extravaganza, with harvest veggie soup from the farm, spirited havdalah, and a barn concert with Vermont’s own art-rock global spirit band, Billy Wylder
Come for the day, or bundle up and camp overnight! Note that event and camping tickets are separate—please read through the ticket options on the registration page carefully. Limited indoor sleeping accommodations are also be available; if you’re interested, please contact usdirectly for more info.
We’re delighted to have Rabbi David Fainsilber, of Jewish Communities of Greater Stowe, and Rabbi Aaron Philmus, of Ohavi Zedek, back this year to bring their voices and music to our programming. We’re also delighted to have Jewish Communities of VT with us for a pop-up sukkah-building contest on Sunday morning.
We’re grateful to our sponsors: JCVT, JCOGS, Ohavi Zedek, and Beth Jacob Synagogue, with support from Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
Rosh Hashanah in the Field with Rabbi Lee
Led by Rabbi Lee Moore and Cellist Aaron Fried
Join us for an inspiring, land-based, musical outdoor prayer ceremony!
Greet the new year with a radical Jewish prayer experience in nature that weaves together traditional melodies with eco-poetics. At Living Tree’s fifth annual Rosh Hashanah celebration, we’ll tap into our roots as we soar with song—all while surrounded by the stunning peak foliage of the Mad River Valley.
When: October 4, 10 am–12:30 pm, with vegetarian potluck lunch to follow
Where: All activities held under the pavilion in the Living Tree meadow (rain or shine)
96 Living Tree Lane, Moretown, VT
Suggested donation: $36–$360
Children welcome!
Youth will join with adults for the first part of the service, where our woods, sandbox, and tree house provide a child’s wonderland within sight of our open-air pavilion.
Partway through the program, kids under age 8 will be able to join our youth program, celebrating the earth’s birthday with interactive story and song—and snacks, of course!
We’ll come back together for the awakening Shofar service.
Tashlich
All participants are welcome to join us for a Tashlich ceremony in the afternoon, 2:30–4 pm. We’ll walk down to Living Tree’s private beach on the Mad River and together enact this High Holy Days ritual of casting away/releasing what no longer serves us.
Rosh Hashana Park Bash
Rosh Hashana Park Bash
On the first day of Rosh Hashana, Thursday, October 3rd, join us at Hope Davey Memorial Park in Waterbury Center for a Rosh Hashana Park Bash and Shofar sounding. We'll be gathering at 5:00, but timing is fluid- feel free to drop by any time until 5:45. We can keep blowing the shofar! There will be sweet Rosh Hashana treats for all, activities for the kids, and apples and honey for dipping. Representing the themes of renewal and rejuvenation, the call of the shofar ushers us into the new year and recenters our connection with G‑d.
Bagels, Lox, Tefillin
JOIN US IN THE FRESH SEPTEMBER AIR FOR A SUNDAY MORNING OF BAGELS, SCHMEAR, AND A SIDE OF TEFILLIN WRAPPING FOR THE GUYS. THE KIDS WILL GET TO CREATE A ROSH HASHANA CRAFT AND THEIR OWN SHANA TOVA CARDS FOR FRIENDS. WE'LL BLOW THE SHOFAR AS IS CUSTOMARY IN THE MONTH OF ELUL AND ENJOY PLENTY OF ROSH HASHANA SWEET TREATS, PRETTY VIEWS, AND GOOD COMPANY
Lewis Franco Live Musical Performance
Come sing your favorite Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, and Jewish-American songs with beloved artist Lewis Franco! Beth Jacob welcomes members of all ages to join us for some Jewish music to prepare for the upcoming new year!
This program is part of a year-long monthly youth program for families with kids of all ages. New families are always welcome to join in! Enroll at bethjacobvt.org/learning/youth-programs or email programming@bethjacovt.org for more information!
JCOGS 30th Birthday
HISTORY OF JCOGS
Incorporated in 1995, the Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS) began as a collection of Jewish families meeting for observance in homes, hotel rooms and at the Baggy Knees Shopping Center. In 2005, thanks to the leadership of Marvin Gameroff and many generous donors, the community opened its beautiful current space on Cape Cod Road in Stowe. During JCOGS’ early years, Rabbi Brian Besser provided the community with inspiring spiritual leadership. In 2014, JCOGS transitioned to a new phase of vibrancy and growth with the arrival of Rabbi David Fainsilber, the community’s first full-time ordained rabbi living in the area. With his soulful music and dynamic style, Rabbi David provides the community with all that a full-time ordained spiritual leader has to offer, including weekly sabbath services, lifecycle events, social and educational programming, and comprehensive pastoral care. Over the years, JCOGS has formed close bonds with the area’s other religious centers, highlighted by this past year’s interfaith trip to Israel with the Stowe Community Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church. JCOGS is now a thriving multi-generational community center that fosters Jewish engagement, learning, arts, culture, and a vibrant future for a diverse range of individuals and families across North-Central Vermont. As part of its mission, JCOGS addresses issues of social justice, advocates for awareness and support for unhoused people, and stands up against antisemitism, bigotry, and prejudice of all types.
Do The Hora at the Farmers Market
Let’s create a robust Jewish presence at the Stowe Farmers Market THIS SUNDAY! Hang with your JCOGS friends and meet new folks. In these days, it is vitally important to gather in community and spread Jewish joy.
Singalong with great Jewish music, enjoy activities for all ages, and dance your heart out in a great big hora!
Come by any time between 10:30am-3pm.
L’hitraot! See you there!
https://www.jcogs.org/event/doing-jewish-at-the-farmers-market-with-jcogs.html
Community Picnic
Join us for a community picnic at the New Shelter in Hubbard Park. Bring a potluck dish to share (and bring friends!)
Sarah Villanueva will meet everyone at the New Shelter off of Hubbard Park Dr.
Tisha B'Av Learning, Mindfulness, & Reading of Eichah/Lamentations
The ongoing persecution of Jews across millennia has been commemorated every year on this one important day: the 9th of the month of Av, when the first and second Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed. In the light of October 7, we join again this year in remembering, mourning, and healing. Together, we will reflect on the personal and communal consequences of anti-Jewish hatred, then and now.
8pm Learning and mindfulness practice
8:45pm Special prayers and reading of the mournful Book of Lamentations/Eichah
3 Blessings and a Potluck
3 Blessings & A Potluck (in person)
Come on down for our next 3 Blessings & a Potluck at 6:00pm hosted by Arne and Deborah Abramowitz! Bring a vegetarian or dairy dish to share with great company. RSVP below!
Thruline of Distrust & Broken Conceptions: Contextualizing the Fraying Edges of Israeli Society
Guest speakers and Israeli citizens Gabe Axler and Ravit Greenberg examine the multifaceted crises in Israel prior to and following October 7th. They outline the political instability marked by frequent elections and a deep mistrust in government under Netanyahu's leadership.
They will also discuss the failure of high-tech military solutions and the right-wing government's "tough on terror" stance, which did not prevent the devastating October 7th attacks. They also explore the shattered hopes of the left for a peaceful two-state solution, exacerbated by the widespread support among Palestinians for the attacks. Finally, Gabe and Ravit will highlight the significant civil society mobilization in Israel and the state's commitment to rescuing hostages.
BBQ Party
Join us at a BBQ Party this Sunday hosted by Chabad of Stowe-Waterbury. There will be a delicious BBQ spread, smores, sparklers, lawn games and an awesome bounce house for the kids. Come for a good time, stay a while, and get to know some others in the neighborhood.
This Sunday, July 28th at 5:00 pm.
To RSVP email: chabadofstowe@gmail.com
Address provided upon receipt of RSVP
Linda Kopper: The Two Lives of Henrietta Szold
Henrietta Szold was one of the most important Jewish leaders of the 20th century. Her long life, from 1860 to 1945, spanned some of the most turbulent years in modern history. The events of that time shaped the lives of millions of people and are woven into the fabric of Szold’s life story. Linda Kopper, who serves as President of Hadassah Vermont, explores the “two lives” of Henrietta Szold, and discusses how her legacy lives on today.
Shabbat Retreat
Celebrate a restful Shabbat in community and nature!
Shabbat Summer Retreat
Friday, July 12
2-5pm – Arrival to set up camp
4:30pm – Challah braiding & crafts for children
4:30pm – Mikveh – ritual dunking in the river
5:30pm – Kid dinner
6:15pm – Candle lighting and Kabbalat Shabbat songs & prayer for all ages
7:30pm – Shabbat Dinner in the white tent
Saturday, July 13
8 am – Breakfast
10 am – Shabbat morning song & prayer and embodied Torah led by Rabbi Aaron Philmus of Ohavi Zedek (with optional Parasha Art for the kids)
12:30 pm – Shabbat Lunch
Afternoon rest & rejuvenation – walk down to the river, lay in a hammock, wander through the forest
4:30 pm – Discussion about Shared Society in Israel led by Ravit Greenberg
6:30 pm – Community dinner
8pm – Story telling and havdalah around the fire
July 14
7:30am – farm & animal chores
8am – Closing circle & breakfast
9:30am- 11am – Give back on the farm! Working together on the farm can be so rewarding as we prepare more contemplative spaces and grow the food that nourishes us.
Enjoy the beauty of Vermont with contemplation, embodied prayer, ancient Jewish wisdom teachings, song, and delicious farm-grown food.
We look forward to collaborating with Ohavi Zedek, Beth Jacob Synagogue & Ruach HaMaqom for a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend.
Friday night we share in family-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat song & prayer experience. This will close the week of Valley Teva Camp as campers share the sparkles and gems of the camp week, and the community settles into Shabbat on the farm.
Saturday morning Rabbi Aaron Philmus of Ohavi Zedek will lead us in morning prayer, song, and Torah learning. Children’s programming will be provided as well. Saturday late afternoon, join us for a discussion about shared society in Israel with Ravit Greenberg. (See full description below)
Meals are included (bring your own snacks), and participants have the option to camp overnight.
Want to come for the whole week and send your child to Valley Teva Camp? Register here for camp and stay the weekend for celebratory family time in nature.
We’re grateful for the support of Jewish Communities of Vermont and the Covenant Foundation; as well as co-sponsors Ohavi Zedek, Beth Jacob, Ruach HaMaqom ,and Nefesh.
Saturday late-afternoon program: Investing in Shared Society in Israel Post Oct 7
Please join Ravit Greenberg, a Living Tree summer resident, to discuss why she believes in investing in shared society in Israel, as opposed to divesting from the country. You will hear about the acute challenges the Arab-Jewish shared society ecosystem faced post-October 7, and the strategic directions she is committed to pursuing.
About Ravit Greenberg
When Ravit Greenberg was at Rutgers University during the second intifada (early 2000s) she was disturbed by the divisive rhetoric promoted by both the Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israel groups on campus. This is one of the experiences that contributed deeply to her desire to move to Israel, as she wanted to be engaged building a shared, pluralistic and democratic society. Since then, she has chosen to engage in civil society work to support the inclusive development of the Negev, while building an alternative Jewish community in Beer Sheva. In 2016, she sought out Bedouin visionaries with whom she worked to advance socioeconomic projects together with until 2021. Over the past few years, Ravit has become a philanthropic advisor who focuses on ‘shared society’ and Arab society in Israel.
JCOGS Summer BBQ
Come to the Annual BBQ and schmooze with your JCOGS friends! Let's celebrate where we are as a community and where we are headed. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy delicious food, fun activities, and warm fellowship with friends old and new.
Food and drinks are served in the tent. All food is kosher. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
Registration is required to enter. Register below.
$30 / Adult | $15 / Children 7-12 | Free / Children 6 and under
Shavuot on the Farm
Shavuot on the Farm on June 11–13
Celebrate Shavuot with Living Tree! This two-night festival will offer Jewish teachings, communal prayer, delicious farm-grown food, and the beauty of Vermont in the summer.
Our program will be led by Living Tree staff and some incredible Jewish wisdom-keepers. The first night will feature learning programs through the evening as we celebrate the receiving of Torah at Mt. Sinai. On Shavuot day, we’ll immerse in embodied movement, have a holiday Torah service, enjoy free time in nature, and cap it off with a heart-opening cacao ceremony. Our closing morning will feature a guided nature experience.
All meals are included, and participants have the option to camp overnight.
Shavuot on the Mountain
Join us June 9, three days before Shavuot, as we hike to the Mountain Chapel on Mt. Mansfield to prepare for this holiday of first fruits and receiving the Torah!
We’ll gather at the Stowe Mountain Resort, then make our way up the mountain, finding the first fruits of Vermont (spring wildflowers like trout lilies and trilium) and enjoying community, contemplation, and the beauty of nature. At the Mountain Chapel, we’ll share in a bikkurim (first fruits) parade and songs in the chapel with Rabbi David and JCOGS educators. Seeking musicians to help support the parade with joy.
When: June 9, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Meet outside the Mansfield Lodge at Stowe Mountain Resort
Details:
Hike is 1.5 miles each way, and is moderate but accessible for kids and families.
Prepare to be on the mountain for about 3 hours.
Event will run rain or shine!
What to bring: filled water bottles, backpack, bug repellant, rain gear, hat, sunscreen, snacks
We will provide: fun and reflective programming along the way, community building, songs, Shavuot teachings, smiles, fruit, and chocolate.
We are grateful for our co-sponsors: Jewish Communities of VT and Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS).
