Course participants will explore this deeply troubling but deeply fascinating history of American antisemitism, paying particular attention to the present rise of antisemitism and trying to make historical sense of this moment. Even the antisemitism seen today from those who would decry Israel as an illegitimate state and decry Jews as imperial colonialists that should be shunned, even this idea has its own history which we will explore.

Besides an exploration of history, this course will also be an opportunity to share and reflect on our present experiences in what feels like an old-new moment in America’s relationship with Jews and Judaism.

• JCOGS members receive a discounted cost for this course: $90. Regular: $180. In addition, financial aid is available and should not be a barrier to participation.

• For Registration please click HERE.

Over 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.

Course participants will explore this deeply troubling but deeply fascinating history of American antisemitism, paying particular attention to the present rise of antisemitism and trying to make historical sense of this moment. Even the antisemitism seen today from those who would decry Israel as an illegitimate state and decry Jews as imperial colonialists that should be shunned, even this idea has its own history which we will explore.

Besides an exploration of history, this course will also be an opportunity to share and reflect on our present experiences in what feels like an old-new moment in America’s relationship with Jews and Judaism.

• JCOGS members receive a discounted cost for this course: $90. Regular: $180. In addition, financial aid is available and should not be a barrier to participation.

• For Registration please click HERE.

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.

Course participants will explore this deeply troubling but deeply fascinating history of American antisemitism, paying particular attention to the present rise of antisemitism and trying to make historical sense of this moment. Even the antisemitism seen today from those who would decry Israel as an illegitimate state and decry Jews as imperial colonialists that should be shunned, even this idea has its own history which we will explore.

Besides an exploration of history, this course will also be an opportunity to share and reflect on our present experiences in what feels like an old-new moment in America’s relationship with Jews and Judaism.

• JCOGS members receive a discounted cost for this course: $90. Regular: $180. In addition, financial aid is available and should not be a barrier to participation.

• For Registration please click HERE.

We are gearing up for another Jewish trip with teens from multiple Vermont and New Hampshire congregations!  This year we are exploring Boston on Veteran’s Day, Tuesday November 11th. 

• Meet to take the 7:40 am Dartmouth Coach, arriving South Station 10:30 am

• 11-11:30 am Visit New England Holocaust memorial

• 11:30 - 12:30 pm Eat lunch at the Kosher Milk Street Cafe, ice cream at JP Licks (also kosher)

• 1 pm Tour of Vilna Shul and Jewish Beacon Hill 

• 3 pm tea party with teens from Sinai in Brookline

• 4:30 pm Mayyim Hayyim tour

• Take the bus home at 6:30 pm, arriving Hanover at 9:30 pm

The cost is estimated to be $190 per person, which includes transportation on the Dartmouth Coach and Boston T Subway, lunch, snacks, and tours of the shul and the mikvah.  (Those using alternate transportation would pay $55 less). The Harriet Feinberg matching teen grant provides a $90 subsidy to each Kol Ha’Emek teen so their cost will be $100 total. Other congregations may also have funds to subsidize teens participating on the trip–please ask your leader.   If the cost is lower, we will return the extra to families.  

Melissa Herman of Kol Ha’Emek will be leading the trip, with support from educators at other congregations in VT and NH.  

If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form and send a deposit of $100 to Kol Ha’Emek, 5 Occom Ridge, Hanover NH 03755, Attn: Teen Trip to Boston.  Balances will be due on October 17.

Using the Jewish Studio Process – a unique methodology combining art therapy practices with a reimagined approach to Jewish learning and spirituality – we’ll explore our deep yearning, to connect to our souls, to each other, and to the sacred world around us. THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE ONLINE ONLY. The link will be sent upon registration. For more information, contact creatingsoulfuljourneys@gmail.com

At 6pm, you are invited for an exclusive end of Shabbat Havdalah ritual with Nefesh Mountain and Rabbi David Fainsilber at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center. Doors then open at 6:30pm, and the show begins at 7pm.

Use code JCOGS20 to receive 20% off the ticket price

Experience a “taste of Nefesh Mountain” at Shabbat services at JCOGS as the lead band members Doni and Eric join Rabbi David as his special guests. Join us for an uplifting musical service to welcome in Shabbat in community, followed by a delicious Oneg. 

Shows at 2 & 6 Tickets: $8 matinee $10 evening Seniors and students $8 all shows

AMONG NEIGHBORS, a new, award-winning documentary that has been recently released in New York, is coming to the Middlebury Marquis Theatre on October 22!

Produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Yoav Potash (“Crime After Crime,” Sundance Film Festival) and Executive Produced by Anita Friedman, “Among Neighbors” is an evocative and heart-pounding murder mystery with urgent political relevance. This outstanding film tells an incredible story of a town where history has been silenced, but a brave eyewitness to murder speaks out in search of the Jewish boy she loved.

The film brings the Polish response to the Holocaust to life through the last living eyewitnesses, revealing both love and betrayal as it zeroes in on the only living Holocaust survivor from the town, and an aging eyewitness who saw Jews murdered there, not by Nazis, but by her own Polish neighbors.

Using the Jewish Studio Process – a unique methodology combining art therapy practices with a reimagined approach to Jewish learning and spirituality – we’ll explore our deep yearning, to connect to our souls, to each other, and to the sacred world around us. For more information about this process, go to JewishStudioProject.org or email Rabbi Tobie Weisman at creatingsoulfuljourneys@gmail.com

The October 7 massacre took place on the holiday of Simchat Torah in Israel, and is commemorated in Israel on the days that follow the holiday. As we mark the two year anniversary, we will gather for a traditional Yizkor memorial service for the final days of the fall holidays, marking the lives lost on October 7, while also acknowledging the painful present situation. Further, we will gather in memory of all those beloved family and friends who have passed away.

Join Chabad of Stowe in celebrating the harvest festival of Sukkot with an autumnal spread- cozy, delicious, a little sweet and with a dash of spice.

We’ll have apple cider, pumpkin muffins, banana bread, apple cake, creamy chicken soup, potato knishes, and more!
Grab a sweater, and come on over. We’ll warm up around the fire, eat some delicious food in the Sukkah, shake the lulav and etrog, the kids will be at work creating decorations for our Sukkah, and most importantly we’ll gather together as a community in joy and celebration- one of the most special customs of Sukkot.

Sunday, October 12th, 4:00 PM

This event is free of charge and will take place at Chabad of Stowe:
1357 Maple St, Waterbury Center, VT 05677

You can RSVP at sara@chabadofstowe@.com

Experience Yom Kippur through embodied practice, nature connection, and heartfelt community amid Vermont's stunning fall landscape

Embodied prayer, joyous singing & nature connection

 Join Living Tree Alliance for an inspiring, land-based, musical outdoor prayer ceremony, led by Rabbi Lee Moore and cellist Aaron Fried! We’ll greet the new year with a radical Jewish prayer experience in nature that weaves together traditional melodies with eco-poetics. At Living Tree’s fifth annual Rosh Hashanah celebration, we’ll tap into our roots as we soar with song—all while surrounded by the stunning peak foliage of the Mad River Valley.

When: Sept. 24, 10 am–12:30 pm, with vegetarian potluck lunch to follow

In this workshop we will focus on preparing ourselves spiritually for the Jewish New Year. Sparking our imagination through exploring ancient wisdom we will be creating our own art from within. Perfect for those seeking a way to connect to our inner voice as we embark on a journey of growth and transformation.. We will be utilizing the Jewish Studio Process, created by Rabbi Adina Allen and Pat Allen.

Come celebrate the High Holidays and Sukkot with the Rutland Jewish Center and PJ Library at the Wonderfeet Kids' Museum! Enjoy crafts, music, books and refreshments. We will also be serving Apples and Honey on the street!  We look forward to seeing you there. 

This coming Sunday is one of our favorite days of the year.

Our Pre-Rosh Hashana Community Brunch, with a side of BLT- Bagels, Lox, and Tefillin!

Bagels, lox, a full breakfast spread, honey cake, crafts, treats, shofar and tefillin wrapping, all around the fire, in a beautiful setting, in the fresh September air. Sounds like heaven, right?

There will be Rosh Hashana crafts and treats for kids, a warm fire for the adults to gather around, and plates waiting to be piled high. An event for all ages!

Sunday, September 14th
10:30 AM
At the home of Jared and Mary Hendler

We hope to see you there!

Please send RSVP's to sara@chabadofstowe.com for address.

Join Beth Jacob welcoming back beloved artist Lewis Franco to sing your favorite Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, and Jewish-American tunes! Beth Jacob welcomes members of all ages to join us for some Jewish music to prepare for the upcoming new year. Bring the kids, bring your friends, and bring your grandparents for some classic songs!

Tu B’Av Shabbaton: Celebrate community, nature, and love!

 Join us for a transformative weekend celebrating Tu B’Av (the Jewish holiday of love) with a special Shabbaton on the Living Tree farm.

What to Expect

Friday evening. Experience a warm, family-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat featuring traditional songs and prayers as we welcome the Sabbath together. This special evening will also serve as the culminating celebration of Valley Teva Camp, where campers will share the sparkles and gems from their week in nature.

Saturday morning. Deepen your spiritual practice through:

• Uplifting communal singing

• Guided meditation and contemplative practices

• Meaningful Torah study and discussion

• Prayer in community

• Children’s programming

Experience includes

• Friday evening: Community potluck dinner (Living Tree provides challah, farm-grown salad, and simple pasta for kids—guests bring vegetarian dishes to share)

• Saturday: Breakfast and farm-fresh lunch provided by Living Tree

• Beautiful Vermont farm setting for reflection and connection

• Jewish wisdom teachings brought to life

• Opportunities for both solitude and community

• Family-friendly environment welcoming all ages

• Optional camping under the stars in the Living Tree field

Our formal program ends after lunch on Shabbat, but you’re invited stay the day and enjoy our hiking trails and private Mad River swimming spot! You’re also welcome to camp an extra night.

Vermont Jewish Poets – Summer Gathering

Open to Vermont poets who self-identify as Jewish
A day to read our poems, to write and to deepen connection

July 27, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Beth Jacob Synagogue
10 Harrison Ave., Montpelier, VT 05602

Beth Jacob Synagogue is wheelchair accessible, microphones will be used

More information: Email Judy

PLEASE REGISTER

What to expect:

Round-robin reading in which each person will read one poem to the group

Special reading by Featured Poet Jane Shore

Jane Shore’s six books of poems have garnered many prizes—including the Juniper Prize (1977), the Lamont Prize (1986) and the 2010 Poets Prize. She’s

been a Guggenheim Fellow, a Radcliffe Institute Fellow, and a Hodder Fellow at Princeton. Widely anthologized, her poems appeared in The New Yorker, The New Republic and The Yale Review. That Said: New and Selected Poems, was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2012. A Professor Emerita at the George Washington University, she lives in East Calais, VT.

Generative workshop by Jane Shore: Good Poets Steal

T.S. Eliot wrote, “Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal; bad poets deface what they take, and good poets make it into something better, or at least different.”
In this workshop we’ll explore a process of deep learning from poems that we love, basing our own drafts on works we admire. I will share a poem of mine I consider almost done and the original it is based on, with revisions I made over time until it became my own. But how much is mine, how much remains of the original—and at what point does it cross over enough to become a real poem, a poem that sounds like me; an echo, not just a copy? As the mud is still wet, I’ll invite your suggestions for further changes. I find making these hybrid/homages to be an exciting way to stretch my poetic muscle in terms of subject matter, vision, language and tone, and to open up new vistas when I am stuck on what to write. I’ll provide a list of favorite “Imitations” by others.

Please bring a poem you love, are intrigued by, wish that you had written yourself. It can be a poem by another poet written in English or a translation. Bring these to work with during our session, plus anything that also may inform the poem—the backstory, wiki, etc. Bring your computer or paper and pen, whatever your normal process is. By session’s end, you may well be on your way to have a workable draft to take home.

I find this quote by Robert Lowell from the introduction of his book, Imitations, to be helpful in this process: “Boris Pasternak has said that the usual reliable translator gets the literal meaning but misses the tone, and that in poetry tone is of course everything. I have been reckless with literal meaning, and labored hard to get the tone. Most often this has been a tone, for the tone is something that will always more or less escape transference to another language and cultural moment…I believe that poetic translation—I would call it an imitation—must be expert and inspired, and needs at least as much technique, luck and rightness of hand as the original poem.…I have been almost as free as the authors themselves in finding ways to make them ring right for me.” Though Lowell writes of translation, we can use his approach to make our own ”imitations” ring true for us.

Book swap, your own or books you’d like to trade

Time to schmooze and move around

BYO brown bag lunch, fruit and water supplied

Join us this Friday evening for Shabbat Under the Stars! As the day winds down and the weather cools, we'll gather for spiritual warmth and togetherness. We'll be serving up all of the delicious Shabbat classics- challah, wine, matzah ball soup and more.

7/11/2025
7:00 PM
at Chabad of Stowe
(RSVP for address)

Please send RSVP's to: sara@chabadofstowe.com