Events By Date
An Evening of Classical Music
Come in from the cold and join us for an evening of classical music played by our very talented congregants. Cheese and libations will accompany this performance.
ZOOM Zentangle Workshop with Jan Orlansky
Temple Sinai Sisterhood and Members, and Friends of both are invited to sign up for the class.
Learn a new skill and have fun doing it!
Theme: Valentines
Jan Zatzman Orlansky, Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) will teach some basic tangles that we will do together. The creative part comes when you incorporate these patterns in your own unique ways. You may be pleasantly surprised by your creativity!
No special equipment is necessary. Here is a list of suggested materials that you probably have at home and should have at hand for the workshop:
Fine tip black pen
Paper
Charcoal pencil for shading
Gold gel pen
Red pastel pencil or a red gel pen.
Q-tip
Please register by Friday, January 31st
ZOOM LINK will be shared after registration.
(Sponsored by Sisterhood)
Presentation & Book Signing – Religion is Not Done with You
Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst (Author and OZ Member) and Megan Goodwin (Author) lead a discussion relating to their new book, Religion Is Not Done with You: Or, the Hidden Power of Religion on Race, Maps, Bodies, and Law.
Religion Is Not Done with You is a smart, irreverent, and accessible guide to thinking more deeply about how religion permeates and shapes the world around us – and why you need to understand the work it’s doing.
9:35 am – 10:30 am / OZ Main Sanctuary
Presentation by co-authors Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst and Megan Goodwin
10:30 am – 11:30 am / OZ Social Hall
Book signing, coffee, bagels and additional discussion
About Religion Is Not Done with You
Religion lurks in the floorboards of our daily lives, whether we want it to or not. A departure from more traditional approaches to “Religion 101,” Religion Is Not Done with You gives thought-provoking context to the basics of religious studies by challenging readers to consider the origins of their assumptions about religion and broaden their perspectives on what religion is and does.
Religion scholars and Keeping It 101 podcast duo Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst and Megan Goodwin offer their straightforward, plainspoken overviews of religious studies theory: that religion is what people do (not just beliefs or individual practices); that people are complicated and messy and constantly changing, which means religion is also complicated and messy and constantly changing; that religion shapes what choices you get to make. Choices like what you can learn in school; how your government works; what kind of options you have (or increasingly don’t have) in caring for your own body.
Tu Bishvat Virtual Lobby Day for Climate Solutions with Jewish Earth Alliance
Take Action for People and Planet on Tu Bishvat
Tu Bishvat Virtual Lobby Day for Climate Solutions with Jewish Earth Alliance
February 13, 2025
Join climate-concerned Jews across Vermont and the Jewish Earth Alliance for Tu Bishvat -- our Jewish Earth Day. On Tu Bishvat we remember our dependence on nature and our responsibility to take care of Earth so that it can take care of us.
Today the Earth itself is threatened by climate change. This Tu Bishvat we will take action to urge our senators towards a just transition. By advocating for policies to clean up the pollution caused by fossil fuels, build renewable energy capacity, and further equity by investing in communities, we act on our shared Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Bal Tashchit (not to waste), as well as our imperative to be Shomrei Adamah (stewards of the land).
You can make a difference on Tu Bishvat by joining members of our community for a virtual meeting with your Senators and their staff. Jewish Earth Alliance, the organizing power of this meeting, will provide you with everything you need to participate. Join us on Zoom, February 13th 2025 to Register now.
Shoe B'Shvat
Beth Jacob is hosting an all ages/ all-levels snowshoe hike with Sarah Villanueva from 10:00am-12:00pm at North Branch Nature Center. Join naturalist Fiona Modrak for a guided hike where we discuss the local ecology of central Vermont and discuss how animals endure our winters! Take some trail mix home, each ingredient with a different intention as we bring in Tu B'Shvat together!
Gentle disclaimer: this is not a boots hike. Trails are maintained for those using snoeshoes/cross country skiis, and divits in the snow disrupts this. Snowshoes are available for rent upon arrival. Registrants are responsible for renting their own shoes. Bringing your own is also welcome!
Registration required for snowshoe count. We hope to see you there!
https://www.bethjacobvt.org/event/34shoe-b39shvat34-nature-walk-in-person.html
Tu Bishvat: a Celebration for the Trees
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 build our relationship with the earth and with each other.
We'll gather at 1 pm, with the choice of three program options:
Tracking and nature exploration for families with guest leader Elliot Cluba
Song, crafts, and nature stories for little ones
Ashkenazi herbalism workshop, with raspberry syrup making
After that, we’ll gather together around a bonfire for singing, stories, and cake to celebrate the trees’ birthday! We’ll cap off our time together with sledding and other winter fun on Living Tree’s beautiful property.
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
Tu BiShvat falls approximately halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. As the trees become another year older, this holiday invites us to consider the ways we can live in reciprocity with Mother Nature.
When Critique Becomes Hateful: Defining Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism – Derek Penslar, Harvard University (Copy)
What rights do people have to criticize their country? Other countries? When do those criticisms become hateful? And when they become hateful, how should they be combatted? This talk discusses how these questions relate to contemporary anti-Zionism and antisemitism. His discussion draws upon three relevant documents: The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s “Working Definition of Antisemitism” (2016); The Nexus Document: Understanding Antisemitism and its Nexus with Israel and Zionism (2021); and The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (2021).
Derek Penslar is the William Lee Frost Professor of Jewish History at Harvard University and Director of Harvard’s Center for Jewish Studies. He is also a resident faculty member at the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies (CES) and is affiliated with Harvard’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies.
Penslar takes a comparative and transnational approach to modern Jewish history, which he studies within the contexts of modern nationalism, capitalism, and colonialism. His books have engaged with a variety of approaches and methods, including the history of science and technology (Zionism and Technocracy: The Engineering of the Jewish Settlement in Palestine 1870-1918, 1991), economic history (Shylock’s Children: Economics and Jewish Identity in Modern Europe, 2001), military history (Jews and the Military: A History, 2013), biography (Theodor Herzl: The Charismatic Leader, 2020), and the history of emotions (Zionism: An Emotional State, 2023). In two co-edited volumes, Penslar has brought Jewish studies into conversation with postcolonial studies (Orientalism and the Jews, 2005) and Unacknowledged Kinships: Postcolonial Theory and the Historiography of Zionism, 2023). His current interests lie in international history, and he is writing a book about worldwide reactions to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Sponsored by the Raul Hilberg Distinguished Professorship of Holocaust Studies at the University of Vermont
Two pastors, a priest, & a rabbi- MLK Legacy: Must We Love Our Enemy?
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
JCOGS MITZVAH DAY
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:
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.)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
Bread for Peace
A fundraiser for humanitarian aid in Israel and Palestine. A partnership between communities, volunteers bake and sell bread in the community kitchens to benefit these medical relief organizations:
United Hatzalah: first responders in Israel
Palestine Children’s Relief Fund: medical care for children in Gaza and West Bank
Participating organizations: Ohavi Zedek and Burlington Friends Meeting
Bread (challah, pita, gluten-free oat) will be baked on January 19th from 1pm – 5:30pm and available for pick-up in the evening or the following day.
Can We Talk & Listen About Israel?
Are you nervous about sharing your views and beliefs about Israel?
Do you want to be able to safely say to others at Ohavi Zedek how you feel?
…So do we!
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ONGOING SERIES
OF FACILITATED CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ISRAEL.
The goal is to engage and learn from each other honestly, respectfully, and with curiosity in order to better understand each other. This is not about changing anyone’s mind or coming to agreement.
We know members of Ohavi Zedek hold diverse views – and we welcome them! Sharing will help us enhance our trust, learning and community here at OZ.
In person at Ohavi Zedek, open to all OZ adult members – you don’t have to be Jewish.
Hosted by Adult Education at Ohavi Zedek
Biographical Film on the Songwriter Known as Doc Pomus
Please join us to watch a biographical film on Jerome Felder, "AKA Doc Pomus." Landing him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Doc Pomus authored more than 1,000 songs including such hits as, "Save the Last Dance for Me" and "This Magic Moment." Revel in hearing terrific music and his incredible life story. Click below for more information and to view the poignant trailer.
No RSVPs are required. We will have popcorn and drinks available. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Kathy F.
Teens Sleepover at JCOGS
JCOGS teens host friends from Ohavi Zedek and other VT/NH teens for a sleepover at JCOGS. Lots of great activities planned including Havdalah with special guest Noah Dines of Stowe who climbed 3 million feet to claim the known world record for most human powered vertical feet skied in one year!
Please register below or contact beth.liberman@jcogs.org for more information.
Jewish Mindfulness Retreat
The second annual Hineni* retreat is a day-and-a-half of mindfulness meditation for Jewish, Jewish-adjacent, and curious individuals from all backgrounds. It is open and appropriate for experienced and new meditators alike.
Taught by Rabbi Seth Castleman, the retreat is offered by Ohavi Zedek Synagogue and will be held at the Burlington Friends Meeting House.
The retreat will have interspersed periods of silence, along with sitting meditation, walking meditation, guided meditation, eating meditation, instructions, teachings, and Q&A. Friday dinner and Saturday lunch will be provided.
The retreat runs between Friday January 10 from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm and Saturday January 11 from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
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.
8th Night of Hanukkah Party
Hanukkah Party Everyone Welcome 8th Night!!!! Bring Latkes and Menorahs
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.
Chana-Kava
Ruach HaMaqom and Ohavi Zedek join together in this celebration of Winter’s darkness and the light of hope kindled by the menorah’s flames. We’ll share in the most ancient of Jewish—human!—spiritual technologies: song and story.
BYOM – Bring Your Own Menorah: we will light them together.
Kava tea and sufganiyot/donuts will be served. Bring a story, a song and some snacks!
Chanukah Celebration
Havdalah, Chanukah candlelighting, a potluck supper, and most of all, being with community!
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 (Copy)
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.
Chanukah Party
COME CELEBRATE AT OUR CHANUKAH PARTY
Live klezmer music, latkes & jelly donuts, dreidel games and crafts
to help get us ready for the holiday!
JOIN US AT HAVURAH HOUSE
To help us plan our set up needs please RSVPand let us know what you can bring! (You are most welcome to attend without bringing anything but like all Havurah events this is a community effort with lots of ways to lend a hand).
Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story
Join us for a screening of this documentary film exploring the connection and history between American Jews and baseball. Narrated by Academy Award-winner Dustin Hoffman, written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Ira Berkow, and directed by award-winning documentary filmmaker Peter Miller.
International Dancing w/Judy
Please join us for International Folk Dancing at the RJC. Come and dance, or you can enjoy sitting and watching.
Yom Limmud: Day of Learning
Come join us and learn! On Sunday, December 8, we will consider the topic of Jewish Peoplehood: Concepts, Challenges, Futures. Our keynote by Dr. Claire E. Sufrin will begin at 11:30am followed by a kosher luncheon by Valerie Philmus and two sessions of workshops by local speakers including: Cantor Jessica Silverberg, Rabbi Danielle Stillman, Rabbi Ira Schiffer, Rabbi Eliyahu Junik, Rabbi David Fainsilber and Susan Leff.
Click below to sign up before Dec. 2!
The registration deadline is Monday, December 2 at 5pm. This cannot be extended because this is a catered event.
Bingo Night
Join us following Havdalah for a Bingo night of fun and prizes!
BYOB with pizza, snacks and soft drinks to be provided.
Open to all adults. Child care (ages 5-12) available upon request at $8 a child.
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.
Temple Sinai Great Brisket Bake Off!
There will be a short service to say kaddish followed by dinner!
Please bring a brisket or latkes or side dish to share!
Online attendees can view or download most of the pages that we normally use on Friday nights.
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!