Covenant Grant Award

In January 2022, JCVT was chosen from a nationwide pool to receive a very competitive Signature Grant from the Covenant Foundation entitled Shmita Statewide! This is a three year  grant for $150,000. Convenant Foundation recognizes recipients, such as JCVT,  for proposing some of “the newest and most exciting ideas in Jewish education.”

The purpose of Shmita Statewide is to develop a sustainable, predictable, and exciting statewide program of activities that unites the Jewish community through collaborative Jewish education activities focused on a variety of issues, including shmita and the seven-year cycle of renewal and action.

JCVT is very excited to announce that for the year 2023 we have awarded funds to 4 Regional Gathering Covenant Grantees.

Our theme for this year's Covenant Grant is “Hakel, Gathering”, which is the name of the Jewish tradition of gathering the community during Sukkot and for the year after the Shmita year to learn Torah together. Our main emphasis for the year is on gathering the Jewish community together in order to strengthen individual and community connection to Jewish life. Read more about Hakel.

Limmud Day of Learning Slideshow

1. July 28-30 Multi-generational Shabbat Campout Retreat at Living Tree Alliance cosponsored by JCOGS, Beth Jacob, Kesher Shalom, Ruach HaMaqom, PJ Library in Vermont.

Kids activities at the Multigenerational Campout Retreat

Preparing Food For the Multigenerational Campout Retreat



2. August 18  Summer Fun in the Upper Valley at Silver Lake sponsored by Shir Shalom and Upper Valley Jewish Community.



3. November 4-5 Northern Nosh - Cosponsored by Ohavi Zedek, Temple Sinai, Ruach HaMaqom, Chabad, UVM Hillel and more!



4. December 2 Third Meal of Shabbat dinner with singing and stories before Lerner Moguilevsky Argentine Duo Concert at Next Stage Arts - Cosponsored by Brattleboro Area Jewish Community and Next Stage Arts



All of these grants include pre and post smaller gatherings with the goal of community building. 



We are also planning our first Limmud day of (hybrid) learning on Sunday December 3 which will feature local rabbis, Jewish educators, guest speakers and lay leaders. Slideshow from Limmud above!

Building Jewish Communities of Vermont

The principal goal of the Convenant Grant is to connect the Jewish community in Vermont around activities that provide entry points for everyone regardless of your interests. We hope there is something for everyone to become engaged with other Jewish Vermonters.

With the help of Jewish organizations and individuals in Vermont, you can look forward to being part of:

  • Regional Gatherings with pre/post community building events

  • Shabbat Across Vermont

  • Limmud (day of statewide learning 12/2/23)

  • Stowe Jewish Film Festival

  • Concerts

  • Speakers