Shabbat Shirah, Kiddush, and Oneg
Temple Sinai is hosting a special service for Shabbat Shira, the Shabbat when we read the Song of the Sea. Temple Sinai is currently stewarding four Torahs from Ahavat Gerim that was on Archibald Street. To welcome them and honor them, we will roll all seven of our Torah's to the Song of the Sea, and then we will chant verses from each Torah in this song's special melody. We will also have lots of special music during the service, so please come and bring friends. It should be a beautiful evening of song and celebration.
Temple Sinai Playgroup
The Temple Sinai Young Families Program offers a monthly playgroup during the school year. Children are invited to bring push toys or ride on toys to use in our big social hall. We will also have toys available to play with. Designed for ages 0-6, but all are welcome!
Spiritually Navigating Uncertainty
Creating Spiritual Journeys workshop will be focusing on Spiritually Navigating Uncertainty. In our text study, we will explore how the Jewish calendar is a living system, shaped by human responsibility.
We’re looking forward to being together! The next session will be March 22 on Jewish Prayer: Journeys of the Heart and Soul.
Please click this link to register for this class. Please let me know if you are planning to attend.
Oneg Shabbat: A New Table Companion
Join Ritual Well for a discussion of Oneg Shabbat: A New Table Companion including Vermonter Jill Minkoff. Jill will focus on one of her illustrations as it relates to Shabbat, prayer, and our upcoming celebration of Tu B'Shvat.
CBE Celebrates Tu B'Shvat Seder
It may still be winter in Vermont, but it's the New Year of the Trees! Join CBE and chef Dina Bronson for a "fruitful" Tu BiShvat Seder and lunch to celebrate and explore our ecological bounty, our sustainable future, and our spiritual growth.
All ages welcome. $25 per person/ $15 Children under 12
Celebrate Tu B'shvat
All About Grains
All About Grains
On Tu B'shvat it is traditional to eat 7 species, of which 2 are grains. This year, we are fortunate to have Ricky Klein, member of the Young Families group, Jewish farmer, founding member of the Franklin County Havurah and overall mensch, giving a hands-on presentation which will include baking and tasting several different ancient grains.
Tu B'Shvat Community Seder
Join Beth Jacob for a Tu B'Shvat Seder led by Rabbi Shana Margolin at 2:00pm. Registration is encouraged.
Tu B'Shavat
Enjoy a Tu B'Shvat seder, lead by Rabbi Michael Cohen and the students of our Hebrew School. Celebratory and ritual fruits that represent the holiday will be served as we sing, pray and hear readings from our students.
Mah Jongg Beginner Class
Join Ohavi Zedek for beginner Mah Jongg class, taught by Lynda Siegel.
Thursdays: 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5 from 5 pm – 7 pm
In this five week class, students will learn the basics of American Mah Jongg. Upon completion, students will be able to play on their own or at OZ’s drop-in games.
Teen Spaghetti Fundraiser
Teen Spaghetti Fundraiser
Support Shir Shalom teens in raising funds for an end of the year teen activity. Come and enjoy a spaghetti dinner potluck made by Shir Shalom teens. The meal will include pasta (Gluten Free spaghetti will be provided as well), sauce, turkey meat balls, and roasted vegetables. Following the meal will be a service at Shir Shalom with Rabbi Haigh.
Family & Friends Service with Beth Jacob!
Family & Friends Service with Beth Jacob!
Join Rabbi David in song as our JCOGS and Beth Jacob families and Hebrew Schools come together at Beth Jacob Synagogue (10 Harrison Ave, Montpelier). Lite kiddush brunch to follow!
UVJC FAMILY Shabbat
Family Shabbat followed by lunch open to everyone and aimed at families with elementary school children.
Opening Courageous Conversations on Israel/Palestine
All Jewish identified adults to explore our feelings and reactions to the tensions in Israel/ Palestine today. We will use Jewish values, and Jewish and Palestinian writings as a basis for holding courageous conversations together. Coffee and goodies included.
These 5 conversations will build on each other. Come to as many as you can. In person at Ohavi Zedek, monthly on Sunday mornings. Please register so we can send you materials ahead of each session.
Sundays from 9:15 – 11:00 in the OZ Sanctuary & Social Hall
Singing to the Trees
Join Living Tree Alliance and Moretown Library for a joyful midwinter gathering honoring the trees and the deep roots that sustain us through the cold season. Perfect for families with children ages 2–5, this celebration brings together song, craft-making, and connection to the natural world.
Tu BiShvat is a Jewish holiday known as the birthday of the trees. This celebration of trees, seasons, and our connection to the earth is open to families of all faiths and backgrounds who value nature and want to share that wonder with their children.
What to expect:
Songs and movement with Ms. Andrea from Musical Munchkins, celebrating the trees through rhythm, dance, and gratitude
Hands-on nature craft: make all-natural bird feeders to share with our feathered friends
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.
Trees, Trails & Tu BiShvat
The holiday of Tu BiShvat—the time when, in Jewish tradition, the trees become another year older—falls halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox. Join us to honor this moment of renewal and consider how we can live in deeper reciprocity with the natural world while we explore the land at Living Tree.
Choose your own adventure in this all-ages gathering:
Guided nature walks led by naturalists sharing teachings about northern forests
Self-guided exploration on skis or snowshoes at your own pace
Cohousing village tours with discussions on community-centered living (available upon request)
Gather around the fire at 3:30 p.m. We'll come together for singing, storytelling, hot chocolate, and cake to celebrate the trees' birthday. Share your commitments to living more sustainably, and take home garden seeds for spring planting.
Winter fun to follow! After our fireside gathering, enjoy sledding down our adventurous hill that winds through the sugarbush, plus other winter activities across the property.
Shoresh
Join JCOGS for our monthly Shoresh gatherig at JCOGS! Join us for singing/movement with Rabbi David, followed by a hands-on activity, ending with blessings over challah/grape juice followed by a lite nosh.
Tot Shabbat
Tot Shabbat is a Shabbat service designed to engage young children and their families. Snacks and social time will follow the service.
Tot Shabbat
Tot shabbat for Jewish children ages birth to 6 years
For information contact Melissa Herman
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.
Sugar and Schmooze
We will gather in the Living Tree sugar bush to wake up Mother Earth and honor the start of spring and Nissan, the Jewish month of new beginnings. Hibernation season is over, so let's celebrate!
We’ll have lots to do at this all-ages seasonal celebration:
See an old-school maple sugar operation run by the Crowley family at Living Tree
Have fun with flower wreath making and face painting
Enjoy music and food by the fire
Revel in our community theater pageant—an “everyone plays a part” production
Share in the joy of fresh sap, syrup, and the new season
More details and registration info coming soon.
Sponsored by Jewish Communities of Vermont and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Jewish Grandparents Network Learningfest
The first global virtual gathering of Jewish grandparents in partnership with JCVT
Last day to register: January 19, 2026
KEYNOTE: What Parents Want Grandparents to Know About Raising Kids Today
Clinical psychologist and social media megastar Dr. Becky Kennedy shares essential insights on navigating modern family dynamics – bridging the gap between generations with empathy and understanding.
10 Expert Sessions
Topics that matter most — from long-distance grandparenting to navigating interfaith families to keeping Jewish traditions alive. You choose what interests you.
Small-Group Conversations
Ensuring the virtual feels personal by getting to know the people who share your interests (20–24 max); opportunity to stay connected after the event.
Access to Recordings
Option to view recordings of the sessions you were not able to attend.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration 2026
Please join us for a memorable International Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration. The split second it took for then 14-year-old Magda Bader to let go of her mother’s hand and take her sister’s hand to leave the line destined for the gas chamber was her life-changing moment of survival. We invite you to hear Magda Bader’s testimony of her lived experiences during the Holocaust as she shares memories of the ghetto, deportation, surviving Auschwitz, and more. The program is free and everyone is welcome.
For more information contact Sharon Wyner at 978-565-4450 or email swyner@lappinfoundation.org.
Register here. The program is free and everyone is welcome.
Israeli Dancing
Israeli folkdance is a joyous folk art form that is easy to start and difficult to stop. It draws from many cultures and expresses itself in dances that range in complexity and speed. See this article for more information.
Join hosts Adele, Lani and Mitch and a friendly group of people that gathers periodically on Zoom or in person to enjoy the folkdances of Israel!
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
Our goal is to partner with a diverse groups of interfaith congregations on this project. This date will include Ohavi Zedek and Burlington Friends Meeting, as well as other invited local congregations. If your house of worship church, synagogue or mosque is interested in participating, please contact us.
Bread (challah, pita, gluten-free oat) will be baked in the OZ kitchen from 12pm – 6pm and available for pick-up in the evening or the following day in Burlington or Richmond. Volunteers are also needed during the following time slots: Noon – 1:30pm, 1:30pm – 3pm, and 3pm – 5pm.
YOUNG FAMILIES TU B’SHVAT FUN WITH PUPPETEER ANNA SOBEL
Join JCOGS & PJ Library in VT for a Tu b'Shvat themed morning with a magical puppet show by puppeteer Anna Sobel, an interactive storytime, music, crafts, and snacks. The puppet show, "Fairies of the Season", explores the changing of our world each calendar year. Every season has unique qualities: the trees look different, different kinds of plants are growing, and people wear and do different things. In this show, set on a handmade dress that twirls as the year turns, each season has its own fairy that takes care of changing the natural world accordingly. Family-friendly, all are welcome!
Musical Shabbat with special talk by Rabbi Michael Cohen, "Strengthening Hope During Times of Conflict," + Catered oneg by Jessee of Edelweiss and Q&A with Rabbi Cohen
Musical Shabbat and special talk by Rabbi Michael Cohen. After the service, stay for a catered oneg (RSVP below) and Q&A with Rabbi Cohen.
6-7:15pm Musical Shabbat Service with special talk by Rabbi Michael Cohen
7:15-8:30pm Catered Oneg Dinner and Q&A with Rabbi Michael Cohen. Menu highlights: Rubbed Salmon and Winter Salads
30 years ago the doors of the Arava Institute opend on Kibbutz Ketura. Since then it has brought together Israelis (Jews & Arabs), Palestinians, Jordanians, Moroccans and other college age students from around the world to study and live together.
MLK MITZVAH DAY
Each JCOGS Tikkun Olam committee or initiative is being encouraged to identify or lead a project that reflects their passions, connections, and interests, while fostering collaboration within the broader community whenever possible, and some have already begun. We are looking to address all of the topics generated in our plan for this calendar year! It’s a chance for the whole JCOGS community to come together in service and honor Dr. King’s legacy.
If you’d like to get involved, email jcogs@jcogs.org with your ideas, interests, or ways you can help. Once you email, we can get you connected with a project or initiative. You don’t need to attend in person—any contribution counts!
9:00 AM-12:00 PM | UCC Morrisville
Prep Activities for Homelessness Awareness Day
1:00–2:30 PM | UCC Morrisville
Community Hospitality – Share lunch and music as part of the UCC resource center
2:30–5:00 PM | JCOGS
Chesed (Kindness in Action) – Visits, calls, and care-based outreach
Cook for Lamoille Community House – Prepare meals for neighbors in need
Cooking & Baking with Kids – Family-friendly service
Draft Dodgers – Make door/window draft stoppers to use or donate (collection box in JCOGS lobby for scrap material donations)
Tikkun Ha’Bayit – Clean-up and small repairs around JCOGS
USCRI Donations Sorting – Support refugees & immigrants—see below for items needed
Rainbow Coalition Art Project – Create blessing cards for our youth
5:00–6:15 PM | JCOGS
Community Soup Supper – Vegetarian soups, bread, and dessert, with brief clergy reflections on Dr. King's Letter from Birmingham Jail.
Come for one project or stay all day.
Shoe B'Shvat
Join the folks from Beth Jacob Synagogue for a nature snowshoe walk on one of the many trails at North Branch Nature Center. Learn about native animals of the area, learn back tracking skills, and enjoy the immersion in nature during this Tu B'Shvat season.
*This is a snowshoe trail, not a walking trail. The use of shoes is prohibited on these trails.
In partnership with PJ Library in Vermont
Tikkun Olam Tot Shabbat
Tikkun Olam Tot Shabbat with Tu Beshvat songs and stories,open to everyone, aimed at families with kids ages birth - 6 years.
A joint program of UVJC and Shir Shalom in partnership with PJ Library in Vermont
Opening Courageous Conversations on Israel/Palestine
All Jewish identified adults to explore our feelings and reactions to the tensions in Israel/ Palestine today. We will use Jewish values, and Jewish and Palestinian writings as a basis for holding courageous conversations together. Coffee and goodies included.
These 5 conversations will build on each other. Come to as many as you can. In person at Ohavi Zedek, monthly on Sunday mornings. Please register so we can send you materials ahead of each session.
Sundays from 9:15 – 11:00 in the OZ Sanctuary & Social Hall
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.
Cultivating Spiritual Attunement
Join Rabbi Tobie Weisman of YFL Creating Soulful Journeys in Cultivating Spiritual Attunement is the third of 8 monthly sessions, we will explore how Torah (Jewish wisdom) frames time as a sacred dimension of Jewish life, engaging classical and modern sources to examine how days, seasons, and cycles shape consciousness, community, and covenant. Together we will consider how marking time with awareness can nurture balance, resilience, and joy. You can sign up for all 8 sessions or just one at a time.
Playgroup
The Temple Sinai Young Families Program offers a monthly playgroup during the school year. Children are invited to bring push toys or ride on toys to use in our big social hall. We will also have toys available to play with. Designed for ages 0-6, but all are welcome!
Israeli Dancing – Drop In
Israeli folkdance is a joyous folk art form that is easy to start and difficult to stop. It draws from many cultures and expresses itself in dances that range in complexity and speed. See this article for more information.
Join hosts Adele, Lani and Mitch and a friendly friendly group of people that gathers periodically on Zoom or in person to enjoy the folkdances of Israel!
We mostly dance around a circle so no partner is required. We have a large repertoire of beginner-friendly dances. New dancers are encouraged to come at the beginning of the session to benefit from instruction. Please wear shoes with clean soles.
This program is free with an optional donation.
BJ's Annual Movie & Asian Food Event
Annual Asian Food and Movie Night on December 25, 2025!
Requested in 2023 as well, this nostalgic film captures the essence of the small, tradition-steeped town of Anatevka, Russia, where Jews and Russians coexist in a delicate balance. Come relax, dine, and sing along!
Food will be ordered from Capitol Pho in Montpelier with selections listed below. Beth Jacob will provide all dishware and beverages.
Registration is required. We hope to see you!
Latkes & Light
Join CBE for Latkes and Lights and Shabbat to celebrate the last night of Chanukah. Bring your menorahs and candles and your favorite latkes to share. Fun for the whole family.
Mad River Valley Hanukkah on Ice in Waterbury
Come skate with JCOGS at Waterbury Ice for a celebration with our Mad River neighbor
Hanukkah 🕎 Party
Brattleboro Area Jewish Community (BAJC) invites you to join us as we celebrate the festival of Hanukkah.
This joyous celebration will feature
Klezmer music & dancing with A Glezele Tey
menorah lighting
latke contest
traditional treats & refreshments
PJ Library book nook for kids and families!
Donation of $10-$20 per adult will be accepted at the door. (Larger donations appreciated!)
Additional donations of $5 per child will be most welcome!
A Glezele Tey (Yiddish for “a little glass of tea”) invites you into their living room for a little glass of tea from the samovar, bringing audiences into an intimate and enthralling world of klezmer, Yiddish folk song, and tkhines (traditional Ashkenazi prayers centering the experiences of women, trans, and gender non-conforming people, set to new melodies). Drawing from old recordings and contemporary culture rooted in the Eastern European Jewish diaspora, A Glezele Tey’s music is an act of deep care—rooted in community gathering, lineage, and ritual. We raise our collective voices to move through grief, inspire action, and build a frayer velt (a freer world). A Glezele Tey is comprised of acclaimed klezmer musicians and composers Ariel Shapiro, Rachel Leader, and Richie Barshay. For more information on this group go here.
Hanukkah Party in the NEK
Gather with our northern community at United Church in Greensboro for Hanukkah music with Rabbi David, a fabulous potluck, basking in the glow of the seventh candle. Bring your favorite menorah and a creative vegetarian dish to share as we celebrate the Festival of Lights together in the Northeast Kingdom. All are welcome!
Great Brisket Bake Off
Join us for our service in person and on ZOOM.
There will be a short service to say kaddish, followed by dinner!
Please bring your menorah and candles so we can light them all together.
Please bring a brisket or latkes or a side dish to share!
No Registration necessary! Just join us!
Community Chanukah Musical Celebration
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights at our Community Chanukah Musical Celebration
featuring our own Jason Weinberger along with Cantor Scott Buckner
Enjoy a Pizza Dinner! Sufganiyot! Chanukah Games!Jason Weinberger stands out among musicians of his generation for his wholly contemporary approach to the programming, presentation, and performance of ensemble music. Jason is currently Artistic Director of Iowa's pioneering ensemble wcfsymphony. When Jason is not in lowa for concerts and symphony activities or traveling for guest conducting he resides in Winhall, Vermont where he teaches at Israel Congregation's Hebrew School and coaches alpine ski racing at Stratton Mountain.
Family Hanukkah Party & Iron Chef
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with the famous JCOGS Iron Chef Competition! Enter with an amazing dish prepared with the secret ingredient* or come hungry and vote. Fantastic prizes from local businesses. Bring your family menorah as we light up the dark together. Dreidel games, latkes, and song.
Menorah Lighting at the Statehouse
Join the celebration of Chanukah at the Vermont Statehouse
Community Lighting of JCOGS Big Outdoor Menorah + Sufganiyot/donuts
We’ll gather together outdoors to light the first candle of Hanukkah with song and intention followed by noshing and shmoozing indoors. Open to all.
Grand Menorah Lighting
Join us Sunday, December 14th at 4:30 PM to light our beautiful TWELVE FOOT Menorah. We’ll be giving out light up Chanukah sticks to all the kids (and adults too!) to light up the night as we sing our favorite Chanukah songs and display our huge Jewish pride for all to see!
Once the Menorah is lit we will head indoors to the Black Cap Cafe for a grand Chanukah party. We’ll have all the highlights from years past: crafts, music, games, drinks, chocolate coins and more.
There will be donuts, latkes, spiced apple cider, and new this year: A HOT COCOA BAR- hot cocoa with all the toppings!
