Events By Date
Ohavi Zedek Book Group
My Friend Anne Frank by Hannah Pick-Goslar
In 1933, Hannah Pick-Goslar and her family fled Nazi Germany to live in Amsterdam, where she struck up a close friendship with her next-door neighbor, an outspoken and fun-loving young girl named Anne Frank. For several years, the inseparable pair enjoyed a carefree childhood of games, sleepovers, and treats with the other children in their neighborhood of Rivierenbuurt. But in 1942, Hannah and Anne’s lives abruptly changed forever. As the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam progressed, Anne and the Frank family seemingly vanished, leaving behind unmade beds and dishes in the sink—but no trace of Anne’s precious diary. Torn from her dear friend without warning, Hannah spent the next two years tormented by questions about Anne’s fate, wondering if she had, by some miracle, managed to escape danger.
In this long‑awaited memoir, Hannah shares the story of her childhood during the Holocaust, from the introduction of anti-Jewish laws in Amsterdam to the gradual disappearance of classmates and, eventually, the Frank family, to Hannah and her family’s imprisonment in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. As Hannah chronicles the experiences of her own life during and after the war, she provides a searing look at what countless children endured at the hands of the Nazi regime, as well as an intimate, never‑before‑seen portrait of the most recognizable victim of the Holocaust. Culminating in an astonishing fateful reunion, My Friend Anne Frank is the profoundly moving story of childhood and friendship during one of the darkest periods in the world’s history.
Tropical Shabbat
Minyan802 - Burlington's Young Jewish Collective
Minyan802 is a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to bringing together young Jewish individuals in the Burlington area. We aim to create a supportive and engaging environment where young Jewish adults can connect, celebrate their heritage, and explore their Jewish identity
Mother’s Day on the Farm
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.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut Dinner with Music
Come celebrate Israel's Independence with a festive dinner and joyous music in this event co-sponsored by Ohavi Zedek and Temple Sinai. There is a $15 fee per family for food. Please register using the link below.
Lunch and Learn: The Forgotten History of Barre’s Jewish Community
With deep ties to Burlington and Montpelier, Barre’s Jewish families nevertheless forged their own singular identity in a diverse environment of Yankees, Italians, French Canadians, Scots, Spanish, Syrians and other vibrant ethnic groups.
Dr. (and Rabbi) Carol Harris-Shapiro (who is also a part-time resident of Barre) will share some of the unique stories of Barre’s Jewish residents and the life of their community, based on information she has gathered from interviews, books and articles, and genealogical research.
FUN VENER VELT
Ohavi Zedek is pleased to welcome our recent visiting clergy member Rabbi Jessca Kate Meyer (vocals) and Boston-based musicians Hankus Netsky (piano) and Itay Dayan(clarinet). Their trio is called Fun Yener Velt” (“From Another World”).
Join us for a spirited performance to benefit OZ’s Full Circle Preschool.
Soulful Jewish melodies rescued from a Carpathian farming village
Joyfully raucous Klezmer and Yiddish theater tunes
and a few surprises…
Join us beforehand for a wine & cheese benefit art show reception at 6:30 pm.
Antisemitism Workgroup
HOW DO YOU DEFINE ANTISEMITISM? HOW ARE WE IMPACTED? WHAT’S NEXT?
An Event Sponsored by OZ’s Kulanu Committee
Kulanu is Hebrew for “all of us”. OZ is one of more than 250 synagogues participating in Kulanu, a program sponsored by ADL.
BAGELS AND COFFEE AT 9:15
WORKSHOP 9:30 TO 11:30 AM
Israel Discussion For Teens
Are you a Jewish teenager, come from a Jewish family, or have a Jewish parent or grandparent?
Are you curious about what is happening in Israel and Gaza and looking for a safe space to talk about the issues?
Teen Retreat
Welcome to the Jewish Communities of Vermont Teen Retreat!
Come join us for a weekend of fun, learning, and community at the Earth Sky Time Community Farm. This retreat is specially designed for Jewish teens in Vermont to connect, engage, and grow together. From workshops to outdoor activities, there's something for everyone!
Event Details:
Date: May 24-May 26
Location: Earth Sky Time Community Farm
Activities: Workshops, outdoor games, bonfire, and more!
Who Can Join: Jewish teens in Vermont
Transportation available
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to bond with fellow Jewish teens and create lasting memories. See you there!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jewish-communities-of-vermont-teen-retreat-tickets-881477903137
Vermont Eats From Eastern Europe to Burlington
“Vermont Eats: From Eastern Europe to Burlington,” part of our fundraising series that focuses on the food and communities that make up Vermont’s diverse history and story.
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.
Yom HaShoah u' Gevurah
Join us for a solemn evening of remembrance on Yom haShoah. We’ll gather for songs, candle lighting, poetry readings, and hear from second-generation members of Holocaust survivors. Together, we’ll offer prayers for the victims of the Shoah (catastrophe), ensuring their memory endures.
YOM HASHOAH
A Service of Remembrance
Sunday, May 5 at 5 pm
Join us in-person or via Zoom
As part of our service, the names of Jewish victims from Breclav, the Czech Republic, where our Holocaust Memorial Scroll is from will be read. If you’d like to add any names of family members who perished in the Holocaust, please send them to Chris at office@uvjc.org.
Please click HERE for more information from Rabbi Mark.
And Then They Came For Me- Remembering the world of Anne Frank
VERMONT HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL (VTHM), JEWISH COMMUNITY OF GREATER STOWE (JCOGS) TO PRESENT
A VERMONT STAGE THEATER PERFORMANCE ON HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
“AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME—Remembering the World of Anne Frank”
Calendar Note: This free educational event is suitable for Vermonters in grade 6 and up. Advance registration is required--space is limited.
WHAT: The Vermont Holocaust Memorial, a nonprofit working to advance Holocaust education in Vermont, in partnership with JCOGS, is pleased to present a multimedia reading performance that is part oral history, part dramatic action, part direct address, part remembrance. “And Then They Came for Me” is like an historic newsreel brought to life. The presentation is sponsored in part by Vermont Humanities, the Greater Stowe Interfaith Coalition, and is part of Temple Sinai’s “HALT (((H8)))” initiative.
WHEN: Sunday, May 5th, 4:00 to 6:30 pm. The play will last for 90 minutes with no intermission. The event will also include traditional memorial prayers and a candle lighting ceremony. An interactive, optional “talk back” about the rise of antisemitism will follow the performance.
LOCATION: Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS), 1189 Cape Cod Road, Stowe, VT
COST: Free to the public. Advance registration required at: https://www.jcogs.org/event/yom-hashoah1.html
Star Wars Themed Havdalah
KOL HA'EMEk & DARTMOUTH HILLEL
A STAR WARS-THEMED
HAVDALAH STORYTIME
WHAT: MARK THE END OF SHABBAT WITH DARTMOUTH STUDENTS READING TO JEWISH CHILDREN AGES 3-8
ENJOY MILK AND COOKIES!
SING HAVDALAH MUSIC & LIGHT CANDLES (LIGHT SABERS)
WHEN: SATURDAY, MAY 4TH, AT 5:30-6:30 PM
WHERE: ROTH CENTER LOUNGE (DOWNSTAIRS ON THE BIG RED COUCHES!)
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU
From Generation to Generation
Meet Michelle Weinfeld, Author of From Generation to Generation
Six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, but Michelle Weinfeld's grandfather survived. From Generation to Generation explores the intersection of values, history, and identity. It answers
questions such as:
How are we influenced by the generations that came before us?
How do we embrace religion and culture in a secular society?
What is necessary for self acceptance?
Come hear Michelle tell her family story!
International Folk Dancing
Please join us for International Folk Dancing at the RJC. Come and dance, or you can enjoy sitting and watching. Please bring clean, dry shoes for dancing.
For more information, please get in touch with Judy.
ICM Passover Seder
Passover Seder! Experience the beauty of Passover
REVO by April 16. Click anywhere on this image or call 802-362-4578
At will donations gratefully accepted.
Pot Luck Community Seder
2nd Night Passover Seder
Thank you all for your responses to the Temple Sinai Seder. A reminder that a Passover Seder is on Tuesday April 23rd in the Weisbein Social Hall at Temple Sinai.
We will be sending out a sign-up for dishes to bring to the Seder when it gets closer (April 11th).
Chicken will be provided by Temple Sinai as our main meal.
Reminders:
1) Everyone should bring their own wine (for the blessings and to drink), juice , or other beverage. Also - please bring one box of Matzah per family.
2) We are asking for each family to donate $10 for clean-up.
3) Seder plates will not be provided - please let us know if you will bring your plate and the components.
Second Night Seder
Why is JCOGS’s 2nd night Passover seder different from other nights?
Rabbi David Returns from Sabbatical!
JOIN US TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Register by Thursday, April 11th
Early bird pricing ($36) ends Tuesday, April 2nd
Adults $45 | Children 11-18 $18 | Under 11 Free
A fully catered, interactive, participatory, musical seder co-led by Rabbi David and Rabbinic Intern Emmanuel Cantor. With childminding and plenty of seder resources for our children! Everyone is invited!
Annual Havurah Passover Seder
Havurah of Addison County annual Passover Seder
email for details sarit@havurahofaddisoncounty.ccsend.com
Passover Seder
Enjoy a meaningful and interactive family friendly Seder in a warm and inviting atmosphere! Delicious Passover Cuisine, 4 cups of Wine (or Grape Juice), Songs and lots of traditional Matzah!
2024 1st Night Passover Seder
Passover, First night seder! Monday, April 22nd at the ONE Community Center, 20 Allen St. Join together for our rousing, spiritual, vegetarian* pot-luck seder!
Shir Shalom
Mah nishtanah? Why is this night different
from all other nights?
מַה נִּשְׁתַּנָּה הַלַּיְלָה הַזֶּה
The Listening Project
The Listening Project Continues! (in person)
Sunday, April 21, 2024 • 13 Nisan 5784
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Just in time for those potentially challenging Passover seder conversations, join us for a Listening Project practice session hosted by Andy Robinson. We'll warm up with a few listening exercises. Then we'll set up small groups to discuss whatever subjects you want to talk about: Israel and Palestine, antisemitism, how you're thinking about Judaism, etc. Come prepared to listen with curiosity and without judgment.
Registration is encouraged
Lunch and Learn
Lunch and Learn: The Two Lives of Henrietta Szold
Thursday, April 18, 12:00 PM
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.
Long-time OZ member Linda Kopper, who serves as President of Hadassah Vermont, will explore the “two lives” of Henrietta Szold, and discuss how her legacy lives on today.
SISTERHOOD MAHJONGG MARATHON AND LUNCHEON
All are invited to play and/or learn to play mahjongg.
Bring a pot luck dish to share.
Please RSVP by April 10.
COLLABORATION, COMMUNITY BUILDING, AND THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
The Annual Rabbi Max B Wall Lecture Series
Navigating the complexities of the conflict in the Middle East
Saint Micheals College McCarthy Arts Center
The Book of Israela
The Book of Israela
Monday, April 8, 2024 • 29 Adar II 5784
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Join Rabbi Rena Blumenthal, who has led BJ High Holiday services for the past two years, read from her novel, “The Book of Israela.” No prior familiarity with the book is necessary to enjoy the reading and participate in the discussion that follows. For those who would like to read the book ahead of time, a small number of copies will be available for purchase at Bear Pond bookstore. (The book is also available on Amazon in paperback and kindle editions). Light refreshment will be served at the reading. Limited copies can be purchased ahead of time at Bear Pond Books or on Amazon. Registration is encouraged!
Register
Beth Jacob Views the Eclipse
Join the BJ community in viewing nature’s most remarkable celestial spectacle – happening this year right in our own backyard! Rabbi Rena, who has been leading BJ High Holiday services for the past two years, will gather us in song, story and silence so that we can be fully present for the soul-awakening experience of totality. Bring eclipse glasses, a blanket or lawn chair, and your very open heart. **Rain or heavy cloud cover will, of course, cancel this event.
The Roots Of The New Antisemitism
Exploring the Politics of Contemporary
Education How can it be that many of our institutions of higher learning are grappling with outbreaks of antisemitism, even as they espouse the values of social justice and diversity? In pursuit of this question, we must delve into the prevailing ideas and ideologies that have gained prominence in the
educational arena. We will also consider what might be gained and what might still be missing from current approaches and implementations of critical theory as we strive for greater tolerance, understanding,
and healing across all communities.
The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel
The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel
A Documentary Screening and Discussion
This film combines archive footage -much of which has never before been shown - with Ertel's
own brave telling of his extraordinary odyssey. A true story so bold, brave, and beautiful, it will restore your faith that humanity can survive even the darkest days.
Filmmaker Joseph Cahn will join us live on screen for Q & A following the screening.
Suggested donation - $10.00
Reservations recommended.
Email cbevtoffice@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner and TedXTalk
Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner 7:00-7:30 PM
TEDx Talks 7:30-9:00 PM
Members and friends of BAJC share a brief talk on a subject they are passionate about.
Contact Rabbi Amita if you would like to share yours!
October 7 Survivor Testimonial
Join the Greater Burlington Jewish Community to bear witness to the massacres of October 7th and show your support for a survivor as they bravely share their story and experience.
Temple Sinai Purim Speil
Join us for the Purim Speil:
BOKER TOV, SHUSHAN!
("Riding on the City of New Orleans")
Temple Sinai
Saturday, March 23rd at 6:30 pm
Stay after for fun and refreshments!
Community Purim Celebration
Come celebrate Purim at Israel Congregation!
Sunday, March 24th, 5:00 pm
Beth Jacob Anual Purim Party
Come celebrate Purim with us! Our
annual Purim Party is fun for all ages! Wear a costume and be ready for mask
making and face painting! Hear a section of the megillah, and of course, stay for pizza and
hamantaschen!
The Listening Project: 60 Conversations with Jews About Israel and Palestine
In response to the attacks of October 7 and subsequent events, Andy Robinson took his cue from Erica Heilman of the Rumble Strip podcast, who says, "You can be curious. You can be judgmental. But you can't be both at the same time.
Andy, who serves as board president of Beth Jacob Synagogue, reached out to fellow Jews, asked a lot of questions, and tried to listen more deeply. Join him as he shares what he learned from 60 conversations: how people are feeling, how they connect with Judaism, their experiences (or not) with antisemitism, their thoughts about Israel and Palestine, and possible paths to peace and reconciliation.
His next webinar is Sunday afternoon at 3:30. For the Zoom link, please reach out: andy@andyrobinsononline.com.