
Events

The Past and Future of Liberal Zionism
Join renowned storyteller, scholar, and rabbi Dan Judson for a thoughtful lecture and interactive conversation on The Past and Future of Liberal Zionism. At this moment of crisis in Israel, the very possibility of a Zionism that is grounded in liberal, humanistic values has come into question. In this lecture, we will define what liberal Judaism means in today’s context, explore some of its history, and ask what the future holds for liberal Zionism. Catered dinner and desserts served.
6:00pm Dinner and 6:30-8:00pm Lecture
This event will be on Zoom starting at approximately 6:30pm.
Rabbi Dan Judson, Ph.D. serves as the Provost of Hebrew College in Newton, MA where he is also a lecturer in Jewish history. Rabbi Judson received his doctorate in Jewish history at Brandeis University and his book, Pennies for Heaven: The History of American Synagogues and Money (University of Chicago Press, 2018) was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. He is presently working on a book about American Zionist history, When America Became Zionist: The Lodge-Fish Resolution of 1922 and the Surprising Group of Politicians who Changed American Policy Towards Israel. His research and writing on new models of synagogue finance have appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Haaretz, Reform Judaism magazine and many other Jewish publications. He is also a storyteller who has appeared on the MOTH national radio hour.
This program is funded in part by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation

Tot Shabbat In The Garden
Young families join Rabbi David and Beth in the JCOGS Mitzvah Garden for our final gathering of the year. We'll dance and sing and hear the classic story, Eliezer and the Gezer, about a stubborn carrot and then plant carrots to eat next year. Followed by a lite nosh.
For kiddos birth to 6 years old and their grown ups.
With thanks to PJ Library in Vermont for partnering on this event.

Yom Hashoah-Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration
The Jewish Community of Greater Stowe with our interfaith partners in Lamoille County join together to commemorate Yom HaShoah-Holocaust Remembrance Day.
This year's theme is: The Holocaust is Personal, as the event includes the tragic, heroic, and uplifting stories of JCOGS members Marcie Scudder and Edee Simon family histories during the Shoah. This event will also include traditional memorial prayers, readings, and candle lighting. Lite refreshments will be served after, as we gather together in community connection.

Passover Community Seder
All are invited to attend this in-person, interactive, Kosher-for-Passover, and musical seder led by Rabbi David. Passover resources for youth will be provided.

JCOGS Passover Palooza
In partnership with PJ Library and Stowe Free Library.
Storytime, crafts, music & fun for kids birth to 6 years old and families at the Stowe Free Library! Join Shabbasaurus and Tzipi the Curious Bird and special guest for a sweet Shabbat morning learning all about Passover. With special treats!
For families with kids from birth to six years old.
In partnership with PJ Library and Stowe Free Library.t

Understanding Our Roots
“Understanding Roots" is a presentation given by a pair of Roots leaders - one Israeli and one Palestinian - who tell their personal stories and offer inspiring accounts of inner transformation as a result of face-to-face contact with the other side.
This is an online only event that will feature a Q&A after the presentation.
Registration is required to get the zoom link.

JCOGS Family Purim Party
Come and join us at JCOGS for this annual Family Purim Party. Expect games, songs, Persian potluck, Megillah reading, and a silly spiel. Come in costume or dress up on sight.

Caring for Ourselves While We Care About the World: Towards Individual and Communal JCOGS Action (via Zoom) From Purim to Pesach: Freedom and Transformation
Are you ready to make a difference, both within yourself and in the world around you? Join us for a transformative monthly series that blends self-care, spiritual exploration, and community action. This series invites you to integrate your personal growth with your commitment to social change, cultivating inner awareness that makes us better community members and more effective agents of tikkun olam.
All are welcome, including mitzvah students and their families!
Session Themes & Schedule
Structured around Jewish holidays, each month will focus on a theme that connects spiritual insight with action.
March 4 – From Purim to Pesach: Freedom and Transformation
Upcoming sessions:
April 1 – From Pesach to Shavuot: Liberation and Wisdom
May 6 – The Omer: Counting and Spiritual Development
June 3 – Revelation, Reflection, and What’s Next

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