All are welcome to an evening of food provided and discussion with Pastor Dan Haugh of Stowe Community Church, Pastor Becca Girrell of United Community Church of Morrisville, Father Rick Swanson of St. John's Episcopal Church, and Rabbi David Fainsilber of Jewish Community of Greater Stowe. In honor of the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Suggested donation: $20

Honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service, community, and care.  

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Join us for an afternoon of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) from 12:30-4:30pm, followed by community soup meal from 4:30-6pm. Projects for all ages!

Activities include:

• Cooking and baking for local shelters

• Donating, sorting and delivering winter gear to local agencies

• Creating Tikkun Olam T-shirts

• Visiting or calling JCOGS members through our Chesed Circle of Care

• Helping with the community soup meal ( or just attending!)

• Volunteering at the UCC Morrisville Church warming shelter

• Supporting other JCOGS initiatives

Whether you’re in Stowe or contributing remotely, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/gugrQa5wVZSebBf46

Explore all opportunities to engaging in Tikkun Olam with JCOGS this Mitzvah Day!

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Mitzvah Day – What You Can Bring!

If you're coming to Mitzvah Day, here’s how you can help:

1. Bring a T-Shirt to Create Tikkun Olam T-Shirts!
   (T-shirts will also be available for sale. Proceeds go to our Tikkun Olam Fund for future projects.)

2. Bring Donations by 2:30 PM (or bring them in advance)!
   We’re collecting:

   • Winter gear

   • Gently used men’s & women’s pants

   • Winter boots & snow pants (all sizes)

   • Sneakers & hiking boots

   • Gently used bath towels, washcloths, & hand towels

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Learn more here

Kinderlach and Gesher is now TOT SHABBAT! Young families join Rabbi David and Beth for a sweet Shabbat morning of song, story, dance, and play with Shabbasaurus and Tzipi the Curious Bird. Followed by a lite nosh.

For kiddos birth to 6 years old and their grown ups.

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.

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

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!

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

MENORAH LIGHTING AND STORY TIME WITH THE GOVERNOR

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

REGISTER

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. 

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

Olam Chesed Club begins! First session of the year IN PERSON

MORE INFO

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!

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.

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

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.

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