Stowe Jewish Film Festival: "Once Upon My Mother"
Set in France and spanning five decades, it tells the true story of Esther Perez, a fierce, devoted Moroccan-Jewish immigrant mother. When her newborn son, Roland, is diagnosed with a clubfoot and given a bleak prognosis in 1963, she relentlessly fights the medical system, refusing to let her son’s physical disability limit his future.
Buy tickets here
Sounds In The Sanctuary
Our 13th season promises to be memorable! Enjoy the returning favorites and new artists, and join us for a special bonus event at the Colonial Theatre featuring jazz clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen.
Shabbat on the Farm
There's nothing quite like welcoming Shabbat outdoors in the summertime. As the sun sets over the mountains, candles are lit, blessings are shared, kids run in the grass, and friends old and new gather around a homemade meal.
Living Tree Alliance invites you to Shabbat on the Farm, our annual celebration of Jewish community, regenerative agriculture, and the rhythms of the natural world. This year, we'll be slow-roasting a lamb raised on our own pastures throughout the day Friday, to serve as the centerpiece of our farm-to-table Shabbat feast (with hearty vegetarian options too) followed by a lively Kabbalat Shabbat in our outdoor pavilion, with kids welcome to play in our adjacent adventure playground while teen counselors keep an eye on things.
Option to camp overnight and stay through a relaxed Shabbat morning gathering and community potluck lunch before heading home—a good way to slow down and celebrate Shabbat and summer together in Vermont.
Sounds In The Sanctuary
Our 13th season promises to be memorable! Enjoy the returning favorites and new artists, and join us for a special bonus event at the Colonial Theatre featuring jazz clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen.
Dylan and Friends: Poets, Protests & Prophets
Dylan and Friends: Poets, Protest & Prophets
Concert with Andris Berry and Bill Borror
This program is brought to Israel Congregation with the support of the Mindy Bloom Cultural Affairs Fund.
Melacha U'Veracha
A 5-DAY EARTH-SKILLS GATHERING ROOTED IN JEWISH TRADITION
Melacha U'Vracha seeks to create resilient, pluralistic Jewish communities where we reclaim our ancestors’ skills, deepen our relationship with the Earth, and grow capacity with one another through tending the sacred with our hands and hearts.
Read more about the gathering here.
Sounds In The Sanctuary
Our 13th season promises to be memorable! Enjoy the returning favorites and new artists, and join us for a special bonus event at the Colonial Theatre featuring jazz clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen.
Daniel Kahn in Concert in Burlington
The Lost Mural Project is thrilled to present the great Yiddish singer/songwriter Daniel Kahn, with his musical brother violinist Jake Shulman-Ment in a concert at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect Street, on Sunday, August 16 at 4:30 pm. Supertitles will be provided for translation during the performance.
An extraordinary troubadour, songwriter, translator, and multi-instrumentalist, Daniel Kahn’s music combines English, Yiddish, German and other languages in a radical mix of klezmer, lyrical folk ballads, and dark cabaret. His projects and groups include the award-winning cult band The Painted Bird, as well as Brothers Nazaroff, Semer Ensemble, The Unternationale, Bulat Blues, The Disorientalists, his duo with Jake Shulman-Ment, "The Building & Other Songs," and a forthcoming trio album with Shulman-Ment and Christian Dawid "Umru."
A graduate of YIVO's 2008 Weinreich Summer Program, Kahn teaches and appears regularly at many international Yiddish culture festivals and workshops. He played the original Perchik in Folksbiene's hit "Fidler afn Dakh," Yosl in "Amerike," Biff in NYR's "Death of a Salesman," the Badkhn in the Netflix series "Unorthodox," and was featured in Carnegie Hall's "From Shtetl to Stage." He’s appeared twice on the UVM Lane Series to sold-out delighted audiences.
Kahn works frequently as composer, actor, and director at Hamburg's Thalia and Berlin's Gorki Theater and co-founded the Shtetl Berlin festival. Videos of his Yiddish versions of Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, and Tom Waits songs have received millions of views. Ashkenaz Foundation named him the inaugural Theo Bikel Artist-in-Residence. In 2018, he received the Chane and Joseph Mlotek Award for Yiddish Continuity and in 2023 he was honored with the Adrienne Cooper Dreaming in Yiddish Award. After being based in Berlin for 16 years, he currently resides in Hamburg, Germany with Yeva Lapsker and their son.
“Kahn’s great and artful songwriting follows in the footsteps of Leonard Cohen or Tom Waits”- German Press Agency (DPA).
“While many artists in Klezmer (and folk music generally) are concerned with preserving the past, Daniel Kahn seems determined to bend it to his will. . .Without exaggeration, it’s some of the best songwriting I’ve ever come across.” -Jon Patton, Driftwood Magazine.
“He’s like the Jewish Bob Dylan!”-a real old lady at a concert.
Concert Tickets Link & Sponsorship Link:
Noah’s Wine vs. Pharaoh’s Beer
Come meet Biblical and Talmudic botanist Dr. Jon Greenberg to learn about the forgotten meanings of foods and drinks while enjoying beer, wine, fruit, pastries, and other familiar foods with deep Biblical significance. You'll learn:
Why Joseph's pharaoh drank wine, but Moses's did not.
The Jewish exile who paved the way for American cuisine by showing Thomas Jefferson that tomatoes are not poisonous
Why some archaeologists think that civilization began as a way to get a beer.
And so much more!
RSVP here no later than Friday August 14th
L'Chaim Summer Camp Shabbaton 2026
Join L’chaim Collective for their first weekend-long Shabbaton! You won't want to miss this joyful all ages weekend of swimming, singing, noshing, creating, schvitzing, schmoozing, kibitzing, star-gazing.
The Teachings of Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks with Rabbi Ilene Haigh
Summer Learning Opportunity
This summer the Shir Shalom community is invited to join Rabbi Haigh in an exploration of the thinking of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. ז׳׳ל . Rabbi Sacks was described by King Charles III as “a light unto this nation” and by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as “an intellectual giant.” Rabbi Sacks has also been a deeply spiritual voice in our own Shir Shalom weekly Torah study.
In his final book, Morality, Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times (2020), Rabbi Sacks, the author of dozens of books expanded on his thoughts as outlined in Not In God’s Name (2025) and The Dignity of Difference, How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations (2002). We will use these three brilliant books as the basis for our learning. An Orthodox Rabbi, Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, his teaching and his voice are cautionary, deeply inspiring and offer us hope and wisdom in these divided times. Please join us at the temple at 11:00 am three Monday mornings this summer. This learning will be repeated after the high holidays on Sunday mornings for the Hebrew School Community and those unable to attend during the week.
We hope that you will join this learning
Monday mornings June 22, July 20 and August 24
11:00 am at Shir Shalom
Out of state guests will be welcome to join on Zoom.
Together we will consider the wisdom of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks.
For a full biography, click the button below.
Sounds In The Sanctuary
Our 13th season promises to be memorable! Enjoy the returning favorites and new artists, and join us for a special bonus event at the Colonial Theatre featuring jazz clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen.
Friends of the Arava Institute 30th Anniversary Concert
The concert features music from Joana Genova and Ariel Rudiakov of Taconic Music. A reception will follow the concert.
For more information please contact:
Rabbi Michael Cohen
Director of Community Relations
rabbimichael@friendsofarava.org
Since 1996 the Arava Institute has brought together Palestinians, Jordanians, Israelis and participants from around the world at its campus on Kibbutz Ketura in Israel. As it marks its 30th year, Friends of the Arava Institute celebrate this work and invite you to help ensure it continues.
VT Jewish Community trip to S Africa - Informational meeting on Zoom
Vermont statewide Jewish community service trip to South Africa hosted by Ohavi Zedek in January 2027.
Join friends from across Vermont to engage in meaningful service, build relationships, and experience Jewish life through a unique social justice lens. Meet the Jewish community, eat Kosher food and celebrate Shabbat!
Led by Naomi Barell, Director of Youth Education and a certified tour guide, in partnership with
Justifi, an international tour company that creates trips designed to strengthen Jewish identity through Tikkun Olam adventure
Informational meeting on Sunday, July 26th, 10 - 11AM with Brian Schneider, Justifi COO
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81614687089?pwd=f7XeKrJGFvaAuRM8ApsmOTNRBjKrEY.1
Meeting ID: 816 1468 7089
Passcode: Africa
The Teachings of Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks with Rabbi Ilene Haigh
Summer Learning Opportunity
This summer the Shir Shalom community is invited to join Rabbi Haigh in an exploration of the thinking of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. ז׳׳ל . Rabbi Sacks was described by King Charles III as “a light unto this nation” and by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as “an intellectual giant.” Rabbi Sacks has also been a deeply spiritual voice in our own Shir Shalom weekly Torah study.
In his final book, Morality, Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times (2020), Rabbi Sacks, the author of dozens of books expanded on his thoughts as outlined in Not In God’s Name (2025) and The Dignity of Difference, How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations (2002). We will use these three brilliant books as the basis for our learning. An Orthodox Rabbi, Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, his teaching and his voice are cautionary, deeply inspiring and offer us hope and wisdom in these divided times. Please join us at the temple at 11:00 am three Monday mornings this summer. This learning will be repeated after the high holidays on Sunday mornings for the Hebrew School Community and those unable to attend during the week.
We hope that you will join this learning
Monday mornings June 22, July 20 and August 24
11:00 am at Shir Shalom
Out of state guests will be welcome to join on Zoom.
Together we will consider the wisdom of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks.
For a full biography, click the button below.
Maccabiah Games
Maccabiah Games & Beach Picnic with PJ Library and Friends
Sunday, July 19 | 10 a.m. to noon | all ages
Waterbury Reservoir State Park
Did you know the Maccabiah Games—often called the "Jewish Olympics"—began with one person's dream? Come meet Vermont alumni who have participated in the games! Try your best at fun obstacle courses and lawn games and nosh on a bagel with friends (GF too). Come celebrate the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and the joy of Jewish identity as we take a peek at the inspiring story behind the Games through the beautiful PJ Library book Maccabiah: The Long Ride to the International Sports Games. Hear about the Maccabiah from Vermonters who've competed! Lawn games and beach fun Bagels and cream cheese Connect with other PJ Library + PJ Our Way families
UVJC Sunset cruise + Havdalah
UVJC Havdalah Cruise
on Lake Sunapee
July 18
7 - 9 pm
Celebrate the end of Shabbat on July 18 with UVJC members and friends as part of a UVJC-chartered two-hour cruise on beautiful Lake Sunapee. The cruise is a tour of the lake's sights, history, and homes of celebrities narrated by the Captain. You will have a choice of sitting on the open deck upstairs or on the covered (yet still with wrap-around viewing) first floor. A soundtrack of klezmer music will set the mood. Rabbi Mark will lead the service as the sun sets while returning to Sunapee Harbor.
Questions? Email Paul Etkind.
Sounds In The Sanctuary
Bernard Rose, Piano
Johann Sebastian Bach
Preludes and Fugues from The Well‑Tempered Clavier, Book I
Aaron Copland
Piano Sonata
Ludvig van Beethoven
Piano Sonata in A‑flat major, Op. 11
Van Gogh Shabbat by Minyan 802
Join us for a beautiful Van Gogh-Themed Shabbat Dinner filled with delicious food, and great company.
Friday, July 10, 2026
Cocktails: 7:30 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat: 7:45 PM
Buffet Dinner: 8:30 PM
80 Summit Street, Burlington, VT
Come celebrate Shabbat in a warm and welcoming atmosphere inspired by the beauty and colors of Van Gogh.
"Land" - Vermont International Film Festival
Born into a family of influential Zionist thinkers and archaeologists whose work helped shape the ideology of early Israel, filmmaker Orly Yadin sets out to examine the foundations of the worldview that defined her upbringing. The film unfolds as a metaphorical archaeological excavation: digging through layers of family history, ideology, and memory, and exploring how national identity is constructed—and how it changes when the stories we inherit are questioned. Archival home movies, photographs, and newsreels intersect with present-day conversations with Israelis and Palestinians. Animated sequences bring imagined encounters with the filmmaker’s ancestors to life, allowing the past to speak directly to the present. As the excavation deepens, the film reveals the blind spots embedded in the national narrative that shaped an entire generation. LAND ultimately becomes both a personal reckoning and a broader reflection on how identities—personal and national—are formed, sustained, and transformed.
"Devout" - a documentary screening and event
“Devout” follows the lives of seven women living in New York and New Jersey who are both Orthodox Jews and queer-identified. The film explores how these women strive to reconcile their sexual identities with the religious expectations of the Orthodox Jewish community, which traditionally views homosexuality as forbidden.
Through intimate interviews and personal stories, the documentary gives voice to women navigating arranged marriages, family expectations, community pressure, and their own spiritual and emotional conflicts.
Following the screening, stay for a panel discussion facilitated by Freyda Neyman with three of the documentary participants: Chani Getter, Elissa Kaplan and Pam Plastock, via Zoom
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival – Quintessence
July 2 | 7:30 PM | Ohavi Zedek, Burlington
This concert is dedicated to the memory of Mindy Evnin, GMCMF board member, daughter of Rabbi Wall, z'l, and longtime supporter and friend.
More Info / Tickets
Fifth Annual Pride Seder 2026
Ohavi Zedek’s fifth annual Pride Seder is a ritual that chronicles the liberation of LGBTQA people, much like the Passover Seder, which retells the story of the liberation of the Jewish people.
Join a diverse gathering of Vermont LGBTQA Jews, Jew-adjacent folks and allies to celebrate our coming out of bondage with songs, prayers, and an unusual and poignant seder plate. People of all ages are welcome.
Event History: The first Pride Seder took place in 1995, using a Haggadah written by Ray Schnitzler and Susie Kisber, of the Berkeley Queer Minyan. Copies of the Haggadah travelled to B’nai Jeshurun in New York, Sha’ar Zahav in San Francisco and many other communities around the world. View our 2024 Pride Haggadah here.
A Bissel Borscht Belt
A Bissel Borscht Belt is a fun-filled tribute to the Catskills variety shows of yesteryear that truly shaped modern American entertainment. This interactive performance experience filled with live Klezmer music, dancing, comedy, juggling, acrobatics, Yiddish language and culture, schtick, spiel, kvetching, and cursing will have you kibbitzing, kvelling, and getting verklempt from all the meshuggaas! In other words, you’ll have a blast and won’t want to miss it!
Featuring an all-star cast of trouble-makers hosted by physical comedy duo Stephanie Abrams and Patrick Branstetter along with…
@sirfossilot
@teolinbianco
@fleeky.flanco
& Klezmer music by Rachel Leader, Ariel Shapiro, & Ozzy Irving Gold- Shapiro
*Dress to impress! Vintage attire encouraged
This project has been made possible through support and sponsorship from:
@yiddish_book_center -Yiddish Arts and Culture Initiative
@jcvt75 JCVT
@haroldgrinspoonfoundation
@brattleboroareajewishcommunity
@morninggloriousvintage
and other generous individual donors
Artwork by @slamboni.mov
#vaudeville #varietyshow #borschtbelt #yiddish #yiddishculture
Spirits & Skepticism: God, Prayer, and Ritual for the Religious Skeptic with Rabbi Sid Schwarz
This interactive discussion helps both religious skeptics and believers access some of the treasured concepts and practices of Judaism without assuming a conventional belief in God. Whether you were raised in a faith community or not, this is a chance to ask “forbidden questions” about religious concepts. Delicious food and flowing drinks provided.
Help, Thanks, Wow - Shabbat Morning with Rabbi Sid Schwartz
Help, Thanks, Wow: An Alternative Prayer Experience + Kiddush Lunch & Learn
Back by popular demand. Rabbi Sid offered this experimental prayer experience during his 2022 visit. There will be some new wrinkles.
Saturday, June 27th
9:45am-1:00pm
at JCOGS
Musical Shabbat with Rabbi Sid Schwartz + Marom Band
An uplifting musical service with Rabbi David and our Marom Band to welcome in Shabbat in community, followed by a catered, special oneg dinner and talk beginning at 7:45 with Rabbi Sid Schwarz. RSVP Needed.
How “Community” Can Save Your Life (and maybe the country as well)
America is suffering from a spiritual “deficit”. It has been made worse by social media, ideological polarization and an erosion of key parts of the American ethos. This talk will offer a formula for turning synagogues into “covenantal communities” that can be transformational for individuals and for society.
6pm Musical Shabbat Service
7pm Dinner
7:45pm Dinner Talk and Q&A with Rabbi Sid Schwarz
Rabbi Sid Schwarz is a social entrepreneur, author and teacher. He is currently a Senior
Fellow at Adamah: People, Planet, Purpose (formerly, Hazon).
Legislative Wrap-Up with Vermont Representatives Ela Chapin and Marc Mihaly
Join the Beth Jacob community for a Legislative Wrap-Up with Vermont Representatives Ela Chapin and Marc Mihaly on THURSDAY June 25 at 6:00 PM. This conversation will provide an opportunity to reflect on the recently concluded legislative session, discuss issues affecting our community, and ask questions of our elected officials.
Cocktails in Memory - an online gathering
Cocktails in Memory is a monthly gathering on Zoom. We joke that it’s a club that you would never want to be a member of. An opportunity for those that have lost their partners to share memories and joys, thoughts on coping and possibilities for laughter. Sometimes friends come broken hearted, and share their challenges, sometimes coping skills that have brightened their days. The group is very informal. Although many members were married for the better part of half a century, we have some young members. If your loss was recent or you’ve garnered experience over time, please come and share. Date & Time: Look for the upcoming Cocktails in Memory meeting in the Shir Shalom weekly newsletter. Cocktails in Memory meets on Zoom at 6 pm (EST) 3 pm (PST) Link to Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/7259482096
The Teachings of Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks with Rabbi Ilene Haigh
Summer Learning Opportunity
This summer the Shir Shalom community is invited to join Rabbi Haigh in an exploration of the thinking of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. ז׳׳ל . Rabbi Sacks was described by King Charles III as “a light unto this nation” and by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as “an intellectual giant.” Rabbi Sacks has also been a deeply spiritual voice in our own Shir Shalom weekly Torah study.
In his final book, Morality, Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times (2020), Rabbi Sacks, the author of dozens of books expanded on his thoughts as outlined in Not In God’s Name (2025) and The Dignity of Difference, How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations (2002). We will use these three brilliant books as the basis for our learning. An Orthodox Rabbi, Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, his teaching and his voice are cautionary, deeply inspiring and offer us hope and wisdom in these divided times. Please join us at the temple at 11:00 am three Monday mornings this summer. This learning will be repeated after the high holidays on Sunday mornings for the Hebrew School Community and those unable to attend during the week.
We hope that you will join this learning
Monday mornings June 22, July 20 and August 24
11:00 am at Shir Shalom
Out of state guests will be welcome to join on Zoom.
Together we will consider the wisdom of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks.
For a full biography, click the button below.
Tot Shabbat at UVJC Kol haEmek
Tot Shabbat!
Tot Shabbat for Jewish children ages birth to 6 years. Everyone is welcome.
Pride Shabbat + Oneg hosted by JCOGS Rainbow Coalition
Join the JCOGS community for a special Pride Shabbat to celebrate the courage, visibility, and sacred contributions of Jewish LGBTQ+ voices throughout history and today. During the service, we will honor remarkable Jewish LGBTQ+ individuals through stories, readings, reflection, and song, affirming the holiness of being fully seen and fully ourselves within Jewish community.
All are welcome for an evening of warmth, pride, learning, and community.
This meaningful evening is being lovingly organized by members of the JCOGS Rainbow Coalition, who will also host a festive community oneg following services.
Those interested in supporting or participating in Pride Shabbat are warmly invited to be in touch with Judith Wine: wine.judith@jcogs.org
Hungarian Strudel Party!
Hungarian Strudel Party!
Join CBE for a fun filled Strudel party with Vera Eisenberg,
the "Strudel Queen", as she demonstrates the art
of the Hand-Stretched Hungarian Strudel.
Lunch and strudel will follow the demonstration.
Need assistance with registration? Email the office
THIS WORLD IS A GARDEN
You are invited to a special performance - A live string quartet with stunning visuals & soulful niggunim.
In this moving story you will experience how this world is seen as G-d’s garden, based on a Chassidic discourse passed down and explored for generations.
This evening will mark the 3rd of Tammuz, honoring the 32nd anniversary of the passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Thursday night, June 11th, beginning at 7:00 pm
Refreshments will be served
RSVP www.chabadvt.org/garden
Book Discussion with Rabbi Jim Glazier: The Boston Girl
Anita Diamant’s historical novel tracing the life of Addie Baum from Boston’s immigrant community to sharing her story with her granddaughter.
Jewish trivia night
Come to Temple Sinai for a fun night of Jewish Trivia, snacks, schmoozing and fun!
Open to teams of 1-8.
Suggested donation of $10 per person.
All proceeds go to the Dorot Capital Campaign.
Vermont Choral Union presents Sim Shalom (Grant us Peace) 400 Years of Jewish Sacred Music
Sim Shalom (Grant Us Peace) 400 Years of Jewish Music
THE VERMONT CHORAL UNION
Eric J. Milnes, Director
The Vermont Choral Union presents a timely and contemplative program of Jewish music from across the centuries.
The Vermont Choral Union (VCU), under the direction of Eric Milnes, presents a collection of choral works from the Jewish tradition, featuring composers such as Salamone Rossi, Louis Lewandowski, Emanuel Kirshner, and Max Janowski. Often overlooked by contemporary audiences, these works illuminate our historical understanding and provide a new context for our present.
The program culminates with Leonard Bernstein’s iconic Chichester Psalms. VCU is excited to share this much-beloved choral masterwork with Burlington audiences. Assistant Director Cole Marino directs Bernstein’s rarely-heard chamber orchestration, featuring some of Vermont’s great instrumental performers. Complementing the first portion of the program, Bernstein’s composition highlights the influence of the Jewish tradition on both his compositional style and the broader choral repertoire.
These performances promise to entertain, enlighten, and engage audiences, and the Vermont Choral Union looks forward to seeing you there!
The Vermont Choral Union - Two Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes - June 2025 - Burlington, Vermont
Vermont Choral Union presents Sim Shalom (Grant us Peace) 400 Years of Jewish Sacred Music
Sim Shalom (Grant Us Peace) 400 Years of Jewish Music
THE VERMONT CHORAL UNION
Eric J. Milnes, Director
The Vermont Choral Union presents a timely and contemplative program of Jewish music from across the centuries.
The Vermont Choral Union (VCU), under the direction of Eric Milnes, presents a collection of choral works from the Jewish tradition, featuring composers such as Salamone Rossi, Louis Lewandowski, Emanuel Kirshner, and Max Janowski. Often overlooked by contemporary audiences, these works illuminate our historical understanding and provide a new context for our present.
The program culminates with Leonard Bernstein’s iconic Chichester Psalms. VCU is excited to share this much-beloved choral masterwork with Burlington audiences. Assistant Director Cole Marino directs Bernstein’s rarely-heard chamber orchestration, featuring some of Vermont’s great instrumental performers. Complementing the first portion of the program, Bernstein’s composition highlights the influence of the Jewish tradition on both his compositional style and the broader choral repertoire.
These performances promise to entertain, enlighten, and engage audiences, and the Vermont Choral Union looks forward to seeing you there!
The Vermont Choral Union - Two Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes - June 2025 - Burlington, Vermont