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.

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).  

REGISTER

Music and farm fun for the family

Families with young children are invited to honor our mothers and Mother Earth with a morning on the farm. We’ll share in song, story, and the joys of planting in the spring. Some of what is planted will be donated to the local food pantry. 

When: Sunday, May 12 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: Living Tree Alliance, under the tent in the field, park at 96 Living Tree Lane
Who: Young children (1–7 years old) and their families; older siblings welcome

We’ll start the morning with song and movement under the tent with Miss Andrea from Musical Munchkins. 

Then, we’ll have fun on the farm:

• Decorating and planting flowerpots to give to moms and grandmothers

• Planting veggies in the garden that will be harvested later for the food shelf

• Visiting farm animals

While children are enjoying the farm with LTA’s farm educators, parents are invited for a discussion about bringing meaningful ritual into your child’s life with educator Melanie Grubman.

Schedule 

10–10:45 am:  Musical Munchkins with Miss Andrea (geared for families of young children with farm & mother themes)  
10:45 am: Healthy snack time  
11am–12 pm: Decorate flowerpots for mom, plant veggies for the food bank 
12–12:30 pm: bring your own picnic lunch to eat under the tent with short discussion about bringing ritual in your own home

Many thanks to our sponsors: Jewish Communities of VT and JCOGS.

Registration coming soon

Celebrate Purim and early spring in the sugarbush!

See an old-school sugar operation that the Crowley Family runs at Living Tree and share in the joy of fresh sap and syrup and the coming of spring. We’ll parade to wake up Mother Earth and honor the Jewish festival of Purim, and we’ll also celebrate with the traditional Purim customs of creating gifts for others and performing skits (in the sugarbush—Living Tree-style). Hibernation season is over, so lets celebrate! People of all faiths are welcome.

• Come in costume, if you’d like!

• Be prepared to walk down a muddy path to the sugar house.

• Bring cash or check to purchase fresh maple syrup to bring home or gift to someone.

Admission based on sliding-scale donation: $8–$25 per person or $18–$54 per family suggested. Funds support community programming and outdoor education.

5 pm Festival of Fools
5:30 Persian Potluck Picnic
6:00 pm Megillah reading
6:30 Just Come On Get Silly Spiel
7:00 pm Disco Dance Party! with Sparkly Snacks and Sarah’s Sangria
Volunteers needed for: decorating, potluck coordinating, festival activity running, DJing , and spiel performing
Contact Beth to help out! beth.liberman@jcogs.org

We’re building a community ice sculpture in honor of our theme this year: ahavah/love. Come help build at 4pm! Lighting ceremony and a family-friendly Tu biShvat seder from 5 - 6 pm. Pizza and warm drinks will be served.

Adult volunteers needed to start the building earlier. Helping hands welcome on Tue 1/23 and Wed from 11-2 pm!

Celebrate the deep beauty of mid-winter with Living Tree Alliance as we gather to honor the holiday of Tu BiShvat, the birthday of the trees. With programs for all ages, we’ll plant seeds of stewardship and intergenerational community-building.

We’ll gather 11 am to 2 pm, with three program options:

• Contemplative showshoe/walk for adults. Led by Kohenet Sephirah Oshkello, we’ll snowshoe or walk through the woods on a contemplative journey inspired by the teachings of Jewish mystics, while appreciating and connecting with the tree community that lives here.

• Outdoor family program. Led by primitive skills mentor Elliot Cluba of Herbs and Arrows and Living Tree Education Director Melanie Grubman, we’ll connect with the holiday through storytelling, forest games and tracking.

• Music for little ones. Ms Andrea of Musical Munchkins will lead a joyful musical program for young children.

A few more details:

• Be sure to dress warmly for outdoor activities.

• If there's snow, you're invited to bring sleds, skiis, and snowshoes for outdoor fun on the property.

• Snowshoes available for rent at Clearwater Sports

• Bring food to share around the fire!