The Jewish Community in Vermont offers vibrant, exciting cultural events and religious services this week and every week. Check out what's happening this week!
Everyone is welcome to join us. Coffee, tea and drinks will be available. Suana Rubin, who is chair for this event, will be the MC.
Shavuot at Ruach Hamaqom
Shavuot!
Monday May 29th (Memorial Day) There will be a hike in Stowe, through Living Tree Alliance, sponsored by Living Tree Alliance, Ruach haMaqom and JCOGS. More info here.
Erev Shavuot at Ruach haMaqom
: Tuesday, May 30th, at 7 pm. Jewish Kirtan song and chant, sacred dance (including a Sufi 'zikkur' and an Israeli dance); opportunities for learning, teaching, storytelling and quiet.
Children are welcome, and can bring their sleeping bags, as the evening can go as late as we can last! We'll be joined by musicians, including guitarist Jesse Taylor
and also Rabbi David Ellison, of the Middlebury havurah
. Questions? want to teach something? Contact Rabbi Jan. Cheesecake will be served! More event info here.
Chabad sponsored LaB'omer
The amazing Nava Tehila Ensemble of Jerusalem!
In a Benefit Concert and and Lag b'Omer Celebration at Zenbarn
Sunday May 14 4-6 PM Followed by a Lag b'Omer Bonfire
Celebrate this holiday of gratitude with the Central Vermont Jewish community at an amazing concert experience with the Nava Tehila Ensemble from Jerusalem, Israel. Perfect for audiences of every age! Ticket sales support HIAS, helping refugees worldwide resettle with dignity for over 100 years
A unique fundraising event supporting refugees, this concert promises to be a joyous, extraordinary, uplifting musical experience and a truly special way to end Mother's Day. After the concert, we'll join in solidarity and song around a traditional Lag b'Omer bonfire.
Nava Tehila has gained a reputation for its original and uplifting music which is now heard and sung around the world.
Rooted in Middle Eastern, Hasidic, contemporary Israeli, and other "world" musics, Nava Tehila's original compositions connect to the soul. An ecstatic celebration of familiar blessings and texts, their music blends guitar, percussion and saxophone with beautiful vocal harmonies, encouraging participation, and inspiring elation and joyous song.
Here comes the GREEN and the Counting of the Omer!
MEMORIAL DAY MAY 29TH
MOUNT MAINSFIELD, STOWE VT
As we celebrate the awakening of the plant world and revelation within, join us for Shavuot on the Mountain.
Living Tree Alliance, in collaboration JCOGS and Ruach HaMaqom, offer an inspirational day immersed in the beauty of the natural world, as we learn, hike, and share in community celebration.
SCHEDULE FOR MEMORIAL DAY
Shavuot event: Monday, May 29, 2017
9 a.m.
- Meet outside the Stowe Resort Base lodge, where we will prepare to hike to the Mountain Chapel together. 1.5 mile Moderate to Advanced hike but accessible for kids and families. Toll Road available to drive. 11 a.m.
- Monday morning Torah Service at Mountain Chapel at Stowe Resort led by Rabbi David. 12:30 p.m.
- Eat together on the lawn! Bring snacks to share. 1 p.m.
- Programs on the Mountain revealing the wonders of Summer and the final days of the Omer! For ambitious hikers: continue up Mt. Mansfield with leader Matthew Towles. As we hike we will contemplate the various stages of the counting of the Omer which we learn from Kabbalah (Jewish Mysticism). Rabbi Jan will lead an inspiring celebration when we get to the top!
For Families with children:
We will offer interactive games and stories to deepen children's experience of the holiday and the blossoming of Vermont summer!
For Meditators: Meditation space will be created in the chapel by an experienced mindfulness leader. 5 p.m.
- Mikveh (ritual bath) in the Bingham Falls to fully prepare for Shavuot. Meet at the entrance to the trail. Melanie Kessler will lead us in an unforgettable JUMP! and in the spiritual significance of Mikveh.
Come to Hillel for a fun and relaxing study break! On Sunday, May 7th, at 4pm at the UVM Hillel Center, we will be hosting the next film in our Jewish Film Series, A Serious Man!
This Coen Brothers comedy classic follows a hapless professor who can't catch a break. Between his wife leaving him, his unemployed brother living on his couch, his stoner son preparing for his bar mitzvah, and his daughter stealing cash for a nose job, his home life is a mess. If that weren't enough, his professional life is in shambles too: he's up for tenure but someone might be sabotaging him, and one of his students seems to be bribing him for a passing grade.
(Rated R for language, some sexuality/nudity and brief violence.)
For more information please e-mail Kalia Bornstein at kalia.bornstein@uvm.edu
Spring At Brattleboro Area Jewish Community
Cemetery Cleaning
The annual spring clean-up at the BAJC cemetery will take place on Sunday morning, May 7th, from ten to noon. The goal is to clean headstones and footstones, along with clearing winter debris and perhaps pruning branches. Please join us. Bring soap, water, some schmattas and a pail; also rakes, tarps, clippers, work-gloves and hats, and your energy! Remember: this service to your community is a genuine mitzvah!
Gardening at Greenleaf
Please join us May 7th, for any amount of time, between 1:30-5:15 for the season kick-off of Gardening at BAJC. We'll be replanting and revitalizing the flower beds at the driveway entrance. Bring gloves. Wear a hat. We have some tools but bring your own if you can. Busy on May 7th? We'll be gardening through the summer and into autumn on the second Sunday afternoon of each month from 3:00 to 5:15 and on the fourth Friday morning of each month from 9:00 to 11:00. All experience levels and ages welcome. (Teens could get community service credit required by their schools for time spent working on the grounds.) Contact Andrea 251-7290 if you'd like more information.
Pot Luck and Guest Speaker
Fri., May 12..Ohavi Zedek 7pm
Pot Luck after services with guest speaker Marcy Kass. Marcy will lead the presentation/discussion on Climate Change.
Fri., May 5...Pot Luck and Guest Speaker...OZ...7:00 PM
Pot Luck after services with guest Lee Gordon to speak about Hand in Hand and have a discussion about issues of Jewish-Arab relations and partnership building in Israel. Click the link (http://www.handinhandk12.org/) for more info on Hand in Hand Program.
Theatre Kavanah:
RAISE THE ROOF
screening / Q&A session
Thursday, May 11, at 7 pm Main Street Landing Film House 60 Lake St., Burlington, VT
Over the course of 10 years, artists Laura and Rick Brown set out to reconstruct the lost synagogue of Gwozdziec, Poland, destroyed by the Nazis. This massive undertaking is documented in "Raise the Roof," a breathtaking film that provides context for Burlington's own Lost Shul Mural. and sheds light on a culture and artistic tradition that disappeared with the Holocaust. A Q&A session with filmmakers Yari and Cary Wolinsky follows the screening. Watch the TRAILER. Film provided by The National Center for Jewish Film, www.jewishfilm.org. Tickets $12
Theatre Kavanah premieres a staged reading of a new play by
Joy Cohen. In 1910 Burlington, the day before his new work is to be unveiled, artist Ben Zion Black struggles to complete the interior mural for the Chai Adam Synagogue. The community is aflutter as rumors abound, preparations are made, and nerves are frayed. Will the mural be a cause for rejoicing... or something else?
On May 20th only, join us for a special music program by the O.N.E. Neighborhood band and a delicious nosh following the reading.
Directed by Margo Whitcomb. Brought to life by our
amazing cast. Music program by Brian Perkins and the O.N.E. Neighborhood Band.
3rd Annual Antiques and Collectibles Appraisal Day
Once again BAJC will present their 3rd. annual mini-version of "The Antiques Roadshow" on Sunday afternoon, May 21st. from 1:30 to 5:30PM at 118 Elliot St., (across from the Brattleboro Fire Dept.). Experienced appraisers will be present to evaluate and assess antiques and collectibles but PLEASE, no firearms, knives, ammunition, or other weaponry, and no large rugs or bulky furniture.
The appraisers are local dealers Richard Michelman (sterling silver, glass, china), Kit Barry (paper goods, documents, photographs and ephemera), Stephan Brandstatter (art, music & entertainment memorabilia & general), Charles Suss (clocks, coins & paper money), and a representative from Bill Smith Auctions of Plainfield, NH (estate jewelry and all categories). The appraisers are knowledgeable in their respective fields and will offer an accurate valuation of your personal keepsakes based on current trends and market value. There is no admission charge; you can come to the location any time between 1:30 and 5:30pm. The cost for each item to be appraised is $5 (cash or check made out to BAJC) and there is a limit of six items per person. Be amazed or amused as you find out what your prized possessions are worth! If you have any questions or want more information, contact Stephan Brandstatter by email: getmusic@sover.net or call 802-257-1959 and leave a message.
Sageing: A New Way of Aging
Monday, May 15 from
2 - 4 p.m Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
Sage-ing, a revolutionary approach to growing old, is a concept developed by Rabbi Schacter-Shalomi in his book "From Age-ing to Sage-ing."
Join psychotherapist Lois Arthur, M.Ed, LMFT, for an orientation to the philosophy of conscious aging, based upon the principles developed by Rabbi Schacter-Shalomi.
This program is presented in coordination with St. John's in the Mountains.
Literature Lovers at Upper Valley Jewish Community
Sunday, May 21, 2017
The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman
The Marriage of Opposites is based on the story of Rachel Pizzaro and her son Camille Pizzaro, the father of impressionism.
The Jewish Book Council describes: Set in the beautiful and vividly drawn island of St. Thomas, The Marriage of Opposites creates an intense world of political strife, familial anguish, and, of course, heartbreaking love that makes this clear: the world that one is presented with is never a clear reflection of reality. Everyone has secrets.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Little Failure by Gary Shteyngart
The book is a humorous memoir of what it was like to be uprooted as a child from the monochromatic world of USSR and plunked down in 1979 in the perplexing and gloriously Technicolor world of the U. S. of A. (NY Times).
Literature Lovers usually meet at 7:00 pm the last Sunday of the Month, unless otherwise noted. For location or more information, please contact Susan Cohen at
sncohen037@gmail.com or 603-643-3611.
Lunch & Learn
Thur., May 18......Ohavi Zedek...12:00 PM
Final Program in the 2016/17 L&L Series! Please join us for our "picnic luncheon" and the return of St. Michael's College Professor of Political Science William Grover, author of several books and numerous articles and conference papers on American politics. His presentation is entitled "The 45th President of the United States...and Beyond."
Annual Trip to the Yiddish Theatre in Montreal!
Ohavi Zedek, Sunday, June 25, 2017
This year's production, "It Shoulda Been You," is described by the Segal Theatre as an uproarious ode to wedding day insanity. When an unexpected ex-boyfriend crashes the ceremony, an event already on the edge gets tipped right over it. RSVP to this unblissfully charming musical celebration and find out if the wacky wedding actually ends with an 'I do.' $100/person includes transportation, theatre ticket, dinner and taxes. Please contact Judy Hershberg, 863-4214 jhersh@burlingtontelecom.net for further details.
Israeli Folk Dancing at Rutland Jewish Center
Thurs., May 4th and 11th at 7 p.m.:
Free. Fun. Great Exercise. Instruction. Everyone is welcome, Jewish or not. Partners and experience not necessary. Dress comfortably.
Israeli Folk Dancing at Ohavi Zedek!
All of our dances are on Sunday evenings, 7:30-9:30
We ask for a $2 donation, after the first visit which is free. We ask that participants bring clean shoes.
Beginners are asked to arrive at 7:30. Dances become more advanced in the second hour.
No partner necessary!
Please email Mitch (zeevutah@yahoo.com) with questions or if the weather looks doubtful.
The next dances will be held on April 30, May 14 and 28
Krav Maga
Every Monday at 5pm at the Hillel Center, Hillel will be hosting a FREE Krav Maga class where participants will learn this art of self-defense created by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). We are thrilled to have UVM alu, and Krav Maga instructor in the IDF, Noah Miller, teaching these classes.
Concert passes will be available to Yiddish Book Center members on Monday, February 6, 2017, and to the general public on Monday, February 20, 2017. A limited number of passes are available-click here to get yours today. More information here
Thursday, July 13 The Joan A. Backman Memorial Concert:
The Wednesday Morning Adult Education Class started reading a new book, The Jews of Spain: A History of the Sephardic Experience, by Jane S. Gerber, today. This weekly group meets from 11:00am-Noon to read and discuss Jewish History books. It is recommended that you purchase the book (click here), if you plan to participate in the class. The class is free open to everyone.
Adult Education at WAJC/Shir Shalom
Rabbi Haigh will teach a series of classes on the Jewish understanding of our sacred relationship and obligations toward those that might be different than ourselves. This series will look at different lenses with which the Jewish faith approaches the other.
Friday, May 5th 6:30 pm Betty Lauer, author of "Hiding in Plain Sight" to share her wisdom during Shabbat Worship
Sunday, May 7th 9:30 am
B'tzelim Elohim - All of Us Are Made in the Image of the Divine: Looking at LGBTQ issues in the 21st century
June 2nd - 4th
Scholar-in-Residence Weekend
Rabbi David Saperstein will be our Scholar. He served as the director and counsel of the Religious Action Center in Washington, DC for 40 years. Rabbi Saperstein was selected by Newsweek magazine in 2009 as the most influential rabbi in the country and has served as the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.
This Scholar-in-Residence Weekend is made possible
by the generosity and vision of the Rosenberg Family
The Wednesday Morning Adult Education Class at will start reading a new book in March, The Jews of Spain: A History of the Sephardic Experience, by Jane S. Gerber. This weekly group meets from 11:00am-Noon to read and discuss Jewish History books. It is recommended that you purchase the book (click the photo), if you plan to participate in the class. The class is free open to everyone.
Adult Education Class
Hebrew Novella Book Club
The story of modern Israel's creation as an independent Jewish homeland is a miraculous one and has been widely told. But what about the another great Jewish miracle of the last century: the rebirth of Hebrew as a living language for everyday use as well as literary and artistic expression? Let's meet and delve into some noteworthy Hebrew novellas (in English translation), all written between 1900 and 1980. Join teacher Bruce Hicken and explore these great works in this new Adult Education class which meets one Wednesday a month at 7:00pm.
Begin your Shabbas morning with gentle, Jewish-inspired Yoga and meditation, followed by an hour of an engaging conversation about this week's Torah portion. Contemplative practice is at 9:00; Torah study begins at 10:00. Pick one, or join them together for a full, soulful Shabbat
morning. All are welcome!
OHAVI ZEDEK Adult Education
The Ohavi Zedek Adult Education Committee is pleased to announce classes this winter and spring in:
Tikkun Leil Shavuot, led by Rabbi Amy and members of Ohavi Zedek Synagogue
Tuesday 7:00 p.m. May 30
Watch for details for a rich night-time experience of Jewish Learning on Shavuot.
Look for the Adult Education flyer, find out more on the website, and
Continuing this fall,
Rabbi Eliyahu Junik of Chabad will be teaching a Torah study session
Women's Torah Study
Tuesdays at 2:00pm - Ruach HaMaqom At Ahavath Gerim Synagogue in Burlington
Please join us for a lively conversation of the weekly Torah portion, led by Rabbi Jan Salzman. Women of all ages and faith traditions are invited to learn, debate, consider, and engage with this ancient text. If you have any questions about this weekly event, please contact Rabbi Jan.
Havdalah Book Club kids, ages 9-11
Celebrate the beginning of the week with other bookworms at the Havdalah Book Club! The book club for kids, ages 9-11, will meet once a month on a Saturday night to discuss a book from PJ Library Our Way
and engage in different book-related activities. The overall goal is to encourage kids to discuss and enjoy different kinds of literature. If interested, please contact Marina Shpaner (kraskava@gmail.com) for more information. The first meeting will be on March 18th. Open to all, based in Burlington.
PJ Library in Vermont invites you to climb onboard!
PJ Library in Vermont brings you a new program called
PJ Our Way, a monthly gift of books for 9-11 year olds.
Join PJ Our Way, the newest chapter of PJ Library for kids ages 9-11.
Choose a free book every month, share reviews, watch videos, and answer polls in an online space just for kids! Get in on the fun at
Any family with children 6 months through eight years old is eligible to receive a monthly gift of an age-appropriate Jewish book or music CD sent right to their home.
PJ Library in Vermont is a gift to families raising Jewish children. Individuals in the Jewish community throughout Vermont and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation sponsor this monthly gift as a way of welcoming families to the Jewish community.
Pausing into Time Paddling Adventure
for All Who Identify as Female from ages 8-18; Aug. 3-7.
Offering an expansive opportunity as we canoe to different islands along Lake Champlain, (known by Abenaki as Lake Bitawbagok, 'the Lake Between') consciously camping along the way. We will set up a Shabbas base camp and delve deeper into this holy day's wonders of rest & praise in nature.
Activities are determined by participant interest & may include: swimming, hiking, nature awareness games, singing, prayer explorations, mat
riarchal & prophetess encounters, ancient meditation practices, story sharing, tree climbing, ethical foraging, basketry, fire making, fox paddling, and forest bathing.
Instructors: Yepeth Perla & Deb Wolff
Cost: $400 - 500 (sliding scale); Register at:
rootsandtrails.com Question:
yepeth@gmail.com or (802) 839-8286
All Jewish participants who live in Central Vermont region are eligible for scholarships. Contact Amy at:
amyesthermay@gmail.com for scholarship applications which are due March 17.
We can offer transportation to and from southern states of the Northeast and host participants coming from out of state the eve before the trip.
2.
Peering Beyond the Lake Paddling Journey
July 27- 30; for All Genders ages 8-18 welcome!!! Join us to island hop via canoes along Lake Bitawbagok (as the Abenaki call it) translated as the 'Lake Between' known as Lake Champlain to explore who lives there, what grows there, and discover infinite spaces to connect with each other, ourselves, and the Divine.
Through the lens of nature awareness, we will explore ancient and modern Jewish practices as we share the transition from the work week into the Sabbath day of rest. Programming will depend upon participant interest, yet possibilities include: technical paddling skills, creative prayer, low impact camping, eco-kosher fireside cooking, tracking animals, birding, wild foraging, nature awareness challenges, swimming, hiking, star gazing, earthcrafts, and scout skills.
All Jewish participants who live in Central Vermont region are eligible for scholarships. Contact Amy at:amyesthermay@gmail.com for the scholarship application which are due March 17.
"Restore your attention or bring it to a new level by dramatically slowing down whatever you're doing."
Sharon Salzberg
Jeff Mandel, Executive Director of VT/NH Kids 4 Peace, an interfaith organization, announces that there are openings for 6th and 7th graders for a two-week camp in June and July with money for scholarships.
The camp runs from June 28th to July 9th at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. Activities are based on peace and leadership skill-building, and include singing and performing a play at the Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, outdoor games, arts & crafts, and interfaith learning, visits to a mosque, a synagogue, and a church, and peace and leadership skill-building. For more information, contact jeffreymandell@gmail.com.
Looking for a great summer day camp option for your 6-10 year old son/daughter in August? Introducing 'Kamp Kef" (kef=fun) running the weeks of August 7th and August 14th, 9-4 with early/late care available at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington. Arts and crafts, cooking, drama, gardening, yoga, outdoor play, Shabbat party, sports Maccabiah, local field trips and more! Please email
naomi@ohavizedek.org for more information! Deadline for registration is June 1st! Let your friends know!
May 6 - Service led by Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein, our first rabbinical candidate 13 - Torah Discussion facilitated by Paul Stitelman 20 - Service led by Lance Wang and Andrea Kolbe 27 - Torah Discussion facilitated by Nancy Thompson
Please join us at Congregation Beth El on Saturday, May 6th, to meet our first rabbinical candidate, Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein.
The rabbi will lead Shabbat Services at 10:00 AM, which will be followed by kiddush and HaMotzi.
From twelve-thirty to one-thirtyish, please join us for a formal Lunch & Learn, followed by a dessert schmooze, question and answer session with Rabbi Micah. If you are unable to be with us for the entire time, please come for the Shabbat events of your choice. We look forward to seeing you.
The Rabbinical Search Committee
Lunch is being sponsored by Jeff and Kate Teitel. If you are joining us for lunch, kindly RSVP to Andrea Kolbe at (802) 681-5239.
From September to May, our times will be as follows:
First Friday ~ 5:30pm Folk Service
All other Fridays ~ 7:30pm
Folk Service &
Teacher Appreciation Shabbat May 5 | 5:30pm
This Friday the Ganeinu (Pre-K) and Gan (K) class are helping to lead the Friday evening Folk Service, which is also Teacher Appreciation Shabbat.
The parents, along with Temple Sinai Sisterhood and the Membership Committee, will be hosting a Mexican dinner, so break out your sombreros and hot sauce and join us at 5:30pm.
Our Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat service is "havurah-like". All present are encouraged to participate in joyous and meaningful liturgical songs as we welcome Shabbat.
Families and children are encouraged to attend, as are their parents. Friday evening services begin at 6:00 PM and are typically held in the Samuelson Saiger Sanctuary (the small sanctuary).
Our Shabbat morning service is traditional egalitarian with new melodies and kavannot (spiritual intentions) periodically introduced and incorporated. During the 2016-2017/5777 year, our bar/bat mitzvah and holiday services will feature guest cantor, Cantor Heather Batchelor.
Mah (What): Tot Shabbat
Matai (When): Saturday, May 6th, 11 AM
Makom (Place): Double Classroom
Its time for May's gathering of our preschoolers and their parents for Shabbat morning with song, movement, prayer, stories, kiddush lunch following.
Come early and stay late! Every Shabbat you are invited to join us for a glass of wine at 5:30 p.m. before services; and stay afterward for our enhanced oneg.
Weekend of Hope Candlelight Service
Ecumenical Candlelight Service for Remembrance and Hope
7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6
LOCATION: STOWE COMMUNITY CHURCH (137 Main Street)
The 17th annual Stowe Weekend of Hope focused on cancer survivors and wellness is May 5-6-7th at the Stoweflake Resort. This event is for Cancer Survivors, their families and friends. An annual interfaith service co-sponsored with JCOGS and the Greater Stowe Interfaith Coalition will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening
May 6 at the Stowe Community Church.
This interfaith service is one of the most poignant elements of the weekend. Through singing, dancing, sharing, and memorial candle lighting, those gathered will honor and remember cancer survivors.
Join in a stirring rendition of Leonard Cohen's Halleluyah with Rabbi David and Deborah Black.
Saturday, May 6
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Kinderlach for ages 0-4
Pilot Program for ages 5-7
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Community Vegetarian Potluck for All
Kinderlach ("little ones") is an uplifting and engaging Shabbat morning education program for families with children between the ages of 0-4 years old.This month of May we encourage new families to check us out, as we end the kinderlach year for the season.
We will learn about the joys of Mitzvah making, sing songs and play games with Rabbi David and create crafts with Courtney Rose.
Pilot Program for Ages 5-7
We are piloting a new Shabbat morning program for children entering K-1 next year. Children will have time with Rabbi David and Courtney Rose engaging in fun and developmentally appropriate, experiential Jewish education. Have a say in what your child learns! Get a feel for this new program, which we hope to begin in the fall, and then share your insights.
Join us afterwards for a community vegetarian potluck to
May Shabbat services are at 10 am on the 6th, 13th, & 20th. (May 20th is a special Shabbat: CAA members and the Rehmans will come to BAJC for morning services followed by a luncheon. Sabeeha and Khalid will talk about their experiences and answer questions at the lunch.
Jon us for a Kabbalat Shabbat service May 26th at 7pm
Tikkun Leyl Shavuot May 30th from 7pm till midnight!
Friday, May 5th 12:00 at Rabbi Jan's house at 205 Archibald. Join us for a monthly study group as we study the works of Abraham Joshua Heschel, beginning with his book, Man is Not Alone, a seminal text of his mystically-infused theology. Contact Rabbi Jan if you need more info.
Friday, May 12th 6:00 pm. Join us as we welcome Shabbas in a joyful, accessible, extremely musical and spiritually uplifting evening service. Led by Rabbi Jan Salzman and members of the Ruach haMaqom community. Veggie-dairy pot luck dinner and more singing follows the service. All are welcome, especially children!
Saturday, May 13th, 9:00 am, meeting this week at Rabbi Jan's house, 205 Archibald. Join us for an hour of gentle yoga and contemplative practice, followed at 10:00 am for an hour of lively Torah study. All are welcome!!
All services start at 6:00pm unless otherwise noted.
May 5th
Services: Aaron Solnit
Oneg: Rachel Gilbert
May 12th
Services: Rick Schwag
Oneg: Jennifer Starling
May 19th
Services: Steve Nichols
Oneg: Dick & Joanne Axelrod
May 26th
Vegetarian Potluck Dinner at 5:30pm
Services: Elise Nickerson
Oneg: Elise & Willie Nickerson
Announcement
Proposal to create a Jewish Community Relations Council
Friends: as you might be aware recent days have seen a dramatic spike in anti-Semitism across the country. More than 30 JCCs and other Jewish institutions were targeted nationally. Closer to home there have been significant and troubling events in Burlington, Middlebury and elsewhere in Vermont.
Unlike other Jewish Communities around the country we have had a fewer organized Jewish institutions, and none locally in the public policy space. Recent events underline the need to engage opinion leaders and policy makers in a more coordinated way.
That is why we propose to create a Jewish Community Relations Council or JCRC as a project of Jewish Communities of VT. JCRC's are unique as they address both the domestic and foreign policy concerns of the local Jewish community.
This is substantially different from the way other organizations which lobby members of Congress like: AIPAC and J Street exclusively focused on US-Israel bi-lateral relations. JCRC'S also focus on activity at home, if there is reason to engage on Israel concerns with Congressional staff it happens largely at home in their district office. By comparison, JCRC's would be the lead engagement agency for the legislature, Scott Administration and Judiciary on issues of a more broad communal concern locally; and function in the same way in more than a hundred communities around the country.
A public interest meeting is being planned in coming days, if you would like to be involved in creating this organization or future JCRC activity please feel free to be in touch with:
Steve May by email at
smaydirect@yahoo.com. Please put JCRC-VT in the subject line.
RUTLAND JEWISH CENTER SEEKS INTERIM RABBI
We are a congregation in Rutland in Vermont's Killington Valley, in search of an interim rabbi. Our congregation was founded in 1910, and is housed in a historic landmark. We are seeking a rabbi during our transition, as our current rabbi is retiring.
