Bulletin
Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
Volume 2, Issue No.4
Nissan—Iyar—Sivan 5775 | April - May 2015
Togetherness at heart of Passover traditions
BY SUSAN BAUCHNER
Passover holds some of the strongest Jewish
memories for me.
When my husband and I were raising our young
family in Connecticut, we celebrated one Seder
with my husband’s parents and one with mine. Our
friends, the Gobys, had the same tradition with their
families, so we added a new tradition: a third Seder
for our two young families. It was not important
to us that it was the third night, just that we could
celebrate together with our children.
We enjoyed the same foods as the first two nights,
but I remember telling the Passover story in simpler
terms for the children. We celebrated as each of them
became able to ask the four questions, whether in
English or in Hebrew. Telling of the plagues was fun,
and there was always a song about the frogs that the
children would sing for us. They also looked forward
to opening the door for Elijah, searching for the afikomen, and getting a prize. They all got prizes, of course.
And now, a generation later, it is my son and his
children who will visit me in Florida on their spring
break. Since they will be flying home to Ithaca, New
York on the night of the first Seder, this year we will
have our first “pre-Seder” on Thursday night. My
parents are recently deceased, and we have invited
their friends, Sylvia and Harold, to represent that
generation. Everyone is looking forward to food
preparation: chicken soup, charoset, boiled eggs to
dip, and more. We will make lists of foods and ceremonial objects we will need, and will divide up the
tasks: who will do what. My grandchildren, Sophie,
age 16, and Lily, age 13, love to cook, as does my
son. We look forward to the preparation activities as
much as we anticipate the Seder, itself.
We will read the stories and prayers, eat the
requisite foods, and sing our wonderful Passover
songs. Clearly, for our family, it is not the exact day
but when we are all gathered around the table, that it
is time for Seder.
Happy Passover to all!
Join us for our
Annual Family-Friendly
Community Passover Seder
Saturday, April 4,
at 5:30 p.m.
JCOGS | 1189 Cape Cod Road, P.O. Box 253 | Stowe,VT 05672 | 802-253-1800 | www.jcogs.org
In this issue
Letters .............................................2
News & Announcements ............ 4, 6
Mishpocha, family corner ................6
Special features
Simchas and Mazel Tov ..................7
Tzedakah/Yahrzeits ..........................7
Upcoming events ............................8
Passover through the years ..............1
Preserving a lost name ....................2
Prof. Rosenfeld’s upcoming visit ......3
Cemetery update ..............................4
Holocaust Remembrance .................4
Member Spotlight ............................5
Happy New Year!
The month of Nissan, the month in which
we celebrate the Exodus from
Egypt through our Passover
ritual seder, is not just any old
month. Nissan starts the New
Year! At least that is what it
says in our holy Torah: “This
month shall mark for you
the beginning of the months;
it shall be the first of the
months of the year for you!” (Exodus 12:2)
And so begins an ancient mahloket/argument
as to when the real New Year takes place. We
know that the rabbinic New Year of Rosh Hashanah (meaning, “The Head of the Year”) came into
prominence as the official New Year of our people.
Yet, as spring begins to set in and the trees
start to bud, it is not difficult to understand
why the Torah speaks of this season as the New
Year. Growth, yes, growth — spring is in the
air! Throw off your jackets! This is the time of
renewal and re-creation. All you have to do is
tap into the emerging, kinetic energy of nature.
And just as “April in Paris” is the season of
love, having grown up in Montreal, I can tell you
that at this time of year the whole city comes
alive with love. It is apparent that Stowe shares
that same energy.
The modern commentator Sefat Emet states:
“Whereas the New Year of the month of Tishrei (i.e., Rosh Hashanah) is one of judgment
and awe, (in contrast) the New Year of Nissan
is full of compassion and love.” Tishrei is a time
to think about where we have missed-the-mark
as we sit in judgment. During Nissan, on the
As a follow-up to my last message in our
February-March Bulletin, I want you to know
that the board of trustees has unanimously
ratified a multi-year contract
with Rabbi David Fainsilber
as our religious leader. This
is so exciting, not only
for the continuity we will
benefit from with stability
in our clergy, but also having
Rabbi David, his talented
and charming Rebbetzin
Alison, and their young family, resident in our
community is sure to bring realization to our
dreams and vision for a vibrant Jewish community. Thank you, again, for your support for our
ambitious future. These truly are exciting times.
As I listened to the many committee
reports at our board meeting the other night,
there are so many great programs in the
works: talented presenters on vital topics like
the Holocaust, contemporary anti-Semitism,
and Israel education programming; activities
for young families to stimulate our youngsters to feel positive about JCOGS; holiday
festivals; musical programs; and, of course, a
other hand, all we must do is recognize the
great love that is emerging all around us, just as
our ancestors felt that sense of freedom when
they crossed the Red Sea.
This season, our family of four is feeling that
love. This Passover we celebrate the buds that
have begun to flower in our relationship with
JCOGS as we settle into the long-term with this
community. Alison and I and our boys so look
forward to what the coming years will bring.
We wish you all a truly Happy Passover.
Chag Sameach! May you come to celebrate
Passover in the most meaningful way — surrounded by family and friends, delicious food,
and the pursuit of compassion and love.
Rav brachot, many blessings of growth,
emergence and love,
David Fainsilber
Rabbi of JCOGS
family Seder right around the corner. We’re
also looking forward to a full complement of
summer activities, including Shabbat dinners,
visiting authors, barbecues, and the continuing good work of our Chesed committee and
Tikkun Olam committee. How fortunate we
are. Can you feel the momentum?
Join us, participate, and bring new ideas and
suggestions. We want and need your involvement.
Thank you,
Ron Feinstein
President, JCOGS
Preserving a “lost” name
BY NORRIS DAVID WOLFF (A/K/A NISAN DAVID LUPU)
My grandfather Z’L’, born Aharon Lupu (‫)לופו‬, changed his name
when he immigrated here to Harry Wolf (keeping the “H” sound from
Aharon in Harry, and using the name Wolf as the English translation of
Lupu for the Hebrew (‫)לופו‬. My father Z’L’ added an “F” to make it Wolff.
In northern Italy and in South America (Argentina and Brazil) the name
was not changed and is spelled Lupo. In Israel, the name also was not
changed and, to this day, you can see the name in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
– e.g., Rehov Lupo (‫לופו‬, Lupo Street).
To preserve the name, I use it on my Tallit
(prayer shawl) and Tefillin (phylacteries), in
the full, original Hebrew (‫ )ניסן דוד לופו‬and,
with Latin characters, I use the Lupu name
when we dedicate Siddurim (weekday and
Shabbat prayer books) and Mahzorim (High
Holiday prayer books). For example, I’ve inEX LIBRIS
cluded in this article a photo of my Tallit, Tefil/033*4%80-'' ‫ניסן דוד לופו‬
lin and Siddur on a balcony in the Bosphorus,
when Judy and I attended a family wedding in Istanbul several years ago.
My full Hebrew name (‫ניסן דוד לופו‬, Nisan David Lupu) is also preserved
on the inside of other Siddurim and Mahzorim by the use of a bookplate
Page 2 | Nissan—Iyar—Sivan 5775 | April-May 2015
Tallit, Tefillin and Siddur on a balcony in the Bosphorus. This photo was taken several
years ago when Norris and his wife Judy attended a wedding in Istanbul.
containing a phrase from Maimonides (Rambam) – “Ellos maldiziran y yo
bendizire” (They curse me and I bless them). Since Siddurim and Mahzorim are never discarded but are buried or placed in a Ganizah, the Lupu
name (‫)לופו‬, lost a century ago in the U.S.A., is preserved in the Judaica of
my family and, in those precious remnants, I expect will outlive me.
Distinguished scholar visits JCOGS
BY DR. GRETCHEN ROUS BESSER
On the weekend of April 24-25, JCOGS will
enjoy the unique opportunity of hosting Professor Alvin H. Rosenfeld of Indiana University,
an expert on the Holocaust and on the age-old
but currently resurgent topic of antisemitism.
Because of Professor Rosenfeld’s eminence in
his field, as well as the timeliness of his talks,
we expect to attract a large audience for this
exceptional Shabbaton.
We are enormously grateful to Prof. Rosenfeld
for his willingness to take time off from his tightly
packed schedule of teaching, speaking, research,
and writing to travel here and share his knowledge
and scholarship with our community. Accustomed
to lecturing to overflow audiences in such esoteric
places as Budapest, Prague, and Tel Aviv, Prof.
Rosenfeld is most welcome here in our comparatively inconspicuous “rural” Vermont milieu.
About Prof. Rosenfeld
Professor of English and Jewish Studies at
Indiana University, Alvin H. Rosenfeld holds
the Irving M. Glazer Chair in Jewish Studies
and is director of the university’s Institute for
the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism. He
received his Ph.D. from Brown University in
1967 and has taught at Indiana since 1968.
Prof. Rosenfeld founded Indiana University’s
well-regarded Borns Jewish Studies Program
and served as its director for 30 years.
Of impeccable scholastic credentials and
erudition, Professor Rosenfeld has a raft of
publications to his credit, including “A Double
Dying: Reflections on Holocaust Literature,”
which is among the first English-language studies
of literature on the Holocaust, “Imagining Hitler,”
“The Writer Uprooted: Contemporary Jewish
Exile Literature,” and “The End of the Holocaust.”
Prof. Rosenfeld’s “Resurgent Antisemitism:
Global Perspectives,”
an edited volume, appeared in spring 2013.
“Deciphering the New
Antisemitism” is slated
for publication in 2015.
Rosenfeld is also editor
of a book series on Jewish
Literature and Culture
published by Indiana
University Press, as well as editor of IUP’s new
book series, “Studies in Antisemitism.”
Professor Rosenfeld has served on the
editorial board of various scholarly journals,
including “Holocaust and Genocide Studies,” as
well as being a member of various Jewish institutions and organizations. He held a five-year
presidential appointment on the United States
Holocaust Memorial Council (2002-2007) and
also served on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial
Museum’s executive committee.
He was awarded the Doctor of Humane
Letters degree, honoris causa, by Hebrew Union
College-Jewish Institute of Religion, in 2007. He
continues to lecture widely in America, Europe,
and Israel — and now, happily for us, in Stowe.
For more information about Prof. Rosenfeld,
please visit www.indiana.edu/~jsp/faculty/
The magic of music at JCOGS
Spring music events planned
Music and song are part of every holiday, celebration, and occasion. The Magic of Music series
at JCOGS brings an exploration of the history,
variety and beauty of music in all its forms to the
community.
Memorial concert by Pianist Paul Orgel
Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m.
In honor of Yom HaShoah/Holocaust
Remembrance Day
See page 4, “Honoring our past: Jewish
music, history, and art,” for details.
The Old Country Fiddler
Sunday, May 31, at 3 p.m.
Adam Boyce, composer, living history presenter and fiddler, portrays musical humorist
and fiddler Charles Ross Taggart (1871-1953)
doing his favorite routine of Taggart’s “The
Old Country Fiddler at the Singing School.”
This event was rescheduled; it was originally
planned for March 1.
Concert of Gregorian Chanting and
Hebrew Rounds
Tuesday, June 9, at noon at Stowe Community
Church, Main Street, Stowe
The performance will feature chanting by a
men’s Gregorian choir, as well as Hebrew organ
music played by Dr. William Tortolano, professor emeritus of St. Michael’s College. Rabbi Jan
Salzman will sing cantorial selections and lead
the audience in Hebrew folksongs. Co-sponsored by JCOGS and the Stowe Community
Church.
All “Magic of Music at JCOGS” events take
place at JCOGS unless otherwise noted.
profile_aRosenfeld.shtml.
Weekend details
All are welcome to the Shabbaton weekend,
as follows:
Friday, April 24: 6 p.m., services followed by a
catered dinner (cost $25 per person) and lecture
on “Remembering and Forgetting the Holocaust.”
Make your reservation early. Close-off date is
April 17.
Saturday, April 25: 10 a.m., services and
kiddush, followed by a lecture-discussion on
“Resurgent Antisemitism: What It Is and What
We Can Do.” The broader community is invited
to participate in this free program.
“Resurgent Antisemitism” will be available
for purchase at JCOGS at a discounted rate of
approximately $25. By signing up in advance,
you can reserve a signed copy.
To defray costs and make Professor Rosenfeld’s scholarship available to the broadest
possible audience, JCOGS is seeking sponsors. While sponsorships are welcome in any
amount, special incentives are available at the
following levels:
$180 (one free dinner, signed book)
$360 (two free dinners, signed book)
$500 (4 free dinners, signed book)
$1,000 (6 free dinners, signed book)
The Friday night dinner is on a first-come,
first-served basis. Reservations must be made
no later than April 17 at jcogs.org. For further
questions, please contact the JCOGS office
at 802-253-1800.
Come one, come all!
JCOGS Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 14
9:30 a.m., bagels and coffee
10 a.m., business meeting
Why attend our annual meeting? To meet
and greet old friends whom you may have not
seen for a while, and to thank the volunteers
who have contributed hundreds of hours to
help make JCOGS an exciting, functioning
Jewish presence in Stowe. Here you can find
out firsthand exactly what your leadership
and volunteers have been up to over the past
12 months. You will have a unique opportunity to put in your two cents, ask questions, and make your voice heard. And most
importantly, you may wish to join us in our
volunteer efforts to make JCOGS the best
and most exciting game in town.
Nissan—Iyar—Sivan 5775 | April-May 2015 | Page 3
Honoring our past: Jewish music, history, and art
Holocaust Remembrance
events at JCOGS
Every year on Yom HaShoah
— the 27th day of Nisan on the
Hebrew calendar, we take time to
remember the atrocities of the Holocaust. We remember and honor
the millions who were killed or persecuted at the hands of the Nazi regime and its collaborators between
1933 and 1945. We remember that
even in seemingly civilized parts of
the world, the incomprehensible
can happen. We remember because
we simply cannot forget.
This dark chapter in human
history shows us the catastrophic
power of hate, but it also shows
us the remarkable strength of the
human spirit.
“Days of Remembrance is an
opportunity for us to remember
the suffering that was and the efforts that were made to put an end
to such suffering,” said Rabbi M.
Bruce Lustig of Washington Hebrew Congregation. “And it’s a call
to conscience today in our world to
make sure that we aren’t the silent
ones standing by contributing to
the suffering of others.”
In the words of our own Rabbi
David: “As we commemorate the
brutal history of the 20th century
and mourn the horrific impact on
our people, we also consider: If only
we lived in a world free of hate; if
only prejudice were a thing of the
past. And as we mourn and as we
contemplate, we work arm-in-arm
to uproot all hate and prejudice in
our 21st century societies.”
In late April, JCOGS will host
three events in honor of Holocaust
Remembrance Week. The events
will be held at JCOGS. We hope
you will make plans to attend.
Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m.
Concert by Pianist Paul Orgel
Orgel will perform Sonata No.
6 by Viktor Ullmann, composed in
1943 in the Theresienstadt ghetto,
along with works by Schubert,
Beethoven, Dvořák, and Chopin.
Orgel specializes in Czech
music. In 2005 he released his
CD, “Music of the Holocaust.” He
also is director of the Humanities
Program Concert Series at Saint
Michael´s College, a member of
the music faculty at the University
of Vermont, and a reviewer for
Fanfare Magazine. The event is
co-sponsored by the Greater Stowe
Interfaith Coalition Program.
Top, Marcel Marceau and Rob Mermin.
Above, Paul Orgel
Friday and Saturday, April 24-25
Shabbaton with Prof. Alvin H.
Rosenfeld
Prof. Rosenfeld is director of the
Institute for the Study of Contemporary Anti-Semitism, and editor
of “Resurgent Anti-Semitism:
Global Perspectives” and “Deciphering the New Anti-Semitism,”
which is slated for publication this
year. Friday evening’s service will be
followed by a dinner and speech by
Prof. Rosenfeld on the subject of
the Holocaust. Saturday morning
at JCOGS will include services, a
very important study and discussion with the professor on the
pressing issues of the contemporary resurgence of anti-Semitism
and a Kiddush luncheon. For more
information about Prof. Rosenfeld,
please see page 3.
JCOGS Cemetery
Darchei Shalom
BY STEVE BERSON, CEMETERY COMMITTEE CHAIR
It was quite a winter with record-cold
temperatures and snow that wouldn’t stop. In
spite of the season’s challenges, our cemetery
remained open and plowed thanks to the hard
work of our cemetery manager Bruce Godin.
Fortunately, we did not have any interments
this winter and we are thankful for that, but if
there was a need, we would have been ready.
Since the last cemetery update I am pleased
Page 4 | Nissan—Iyar—Sivan 5775 | April-May 2015
to report that more JCOGS members are
planning ahead and purchasing burial rights
lots. There are now more than 30 lots sold,
representing 11 families. We have sold eight
lots on our EZ Payment Plan whereby the
purchase is paid over five annual payments.
In honor of Roselle
We all miss our dear friend, Roselle
Abramowitz, who was very active on the
Cemetery Committee. We plan to honor her
by erecting a granite bench in her memory.
We need to raise $5,000 to cover the cost of
the bench and its foundation and installation.
This will be part of a larger garden that will be
Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m.
Marcel Marceau remembered
Rob Mermin, founder of
Circus Smirkus and student of the
legendary French mime Marcel
Marceau and his teacher Etienne
Decroux, will present his memories
of training with the masters. In
this lecture, Rob will demonstrate
the metaphors of mime technique
and will show rare film clips of
Marceau and Decroux teaching,
bringing to life the essence of what
Marceau called “the silent language
of the soul.”
The legacy of Marceau encompasses not only his virtuosity in
mime, but also his work in the
French Resistance saving Jewish
children during World War II.
Marceau’s life as artist and humanitarian earned him the respect
of the world.
installed later this spring/summer.
Lastly, if you would like to participate and
help us develop and manage Darchei Shalom
Cemetery (the first new cemetery in Vermont
in over 100 years!), or if you have ideas or
comments you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember, our cemetery is
forever and will be here long after we are gone.
The work we do is not for us but for those
who follow us, from generation to generation.
If you have any questions or would like to
contribute to Roselle’s Memorial, please contact
me at 802-343-8765 or [email protected].
Wishing everyone a long and healthy life!
L’Chaim!
Member Spotlight
Audra and Michael Hughes
This special feature of the newsletter — a “get-toknow-you” Q-and-A with members of the JCOGS
community — is a fun, simple way to share our
unique stories and connect as a community.
Audra Hughes graciously took the time
from her busy schedule as a mother of three
young children and co-owner of Stowe’s new
natural food market, Commodites, to talk
with us about her family’s recent move to
Stowe and their new life in Vermont.
1. Where are you from originally?
Michael is from Long Island, and I grew up
in New Jersey. We lived in the East Village of
New York City pre-kids and then moved to
Ridgewood, New Jersey.
2. When did you first come to Stowe, and
what brought you here?
Michael and I respectively spent a lot of time in
Stowe before we met. We first visited Stowe together when we were engaged and stayed at the
Green Mountain Inn. We purchased our first
house in Stowe in 2004. After the twins were
born we outgrew our space and in 2012 moved
to our current home.
3. Tell us about the events that led to your decision to become full-time residents of Stowe.
We knew we ultimately wanted to raise our
family here, but it was a chance meeting with
JCOGS “legend” Marvin Gameroff that started
the ball rolling. We ran into him while out with
our dog in Wiessner Woods and he asked us
what we did, what we were all about. After
hearing that Michael had a natural food store in
New York City, he said he had the perfect place
for us to open a store — the space formerly
occupied by Whiskers, currently Phoenix. It
was not the perfect place for Commodities but
we did spend the next eight years looking at
nearly every commercial space for sale or rent.
So thank you, Marvin, for planting the seed, and
we are sorry that you are not here to see it come
to fruition.
In regards to making the move, we have three
small children and needed to just get past some
personal challenges and make the commitment
to move here permanently. We also needed to
find the perfect space. Last summer, we were
driving into town from New Jersey and contemplating another retail space that went under
contract as we got off I-89. We were kind of
bummed. However, at 11 p.m. that same night,
our real estate broker called us to say that he
had just heard from David Wolfgang, a fellow
JCOGS member, who was looking for someone
interested in opening a health food store in the
former Oxygen Yoga space. We met the next
morning, and the rest is history!
4. How are you enjoying your experience as a
retailer in Stowe?
We love it! I haven’t worked since before the
Photo by Michael Hughes
kids were born, and my background is the corporate music business, although I have always
been passionate about healthful living. I haven’t
used a cash register since a college job. Michael
and I are so proud of the store and so overjoyed
whenever we meet a new customer whose lifestyle has been positively affected by Commodities. It enables the community to eat well and
not have to drive far for that experience.
5. You just experienced the coldest February
in Vermont on record. What’s your experience
thus far of life in northern Vermont?
I should have my doctor answer that question!
My toes will never be the same. I’ve had more
days on skis this year than in several years past,
which is great. If we ever get the construction
materials out of our garage, one day we’ll be able
to park our cars inside, which will be pretty awesome. And yes, I did sneak off to Miami for a
few days in early March.
6. How are your children managing the
transition?
They all love it. They love their pre-school, as we
do, and their best friends are the Rabbi’s kids!
We have spent 50 percent of our time in Stowe
since the kids were born, so it’s not really a culture shock, although fortunately there is no Toys
R Us or Disney Store nearby — much to their
disdain. They are finishing their first season on
skis and are able to ski the Meadows Quad. (Iceskating did not go as well.) And thank goodness
for Amazon Prime.
7. What are your personal interests and/or
activities you enjoy individually and/or as a
young family?
We are foodies, so we love discovering new
places to eat, farm-to-table events and festivals.
Audra Hughes with her children, left to right:
Spencer (4 1/2), Ryan (4 1/2), and Ellery (2).
Our kids’ favorite place is Shelburne Farms and
the JCOGS playground. We love snow sports
— skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing,
as well as mountain bike riding and kayaking,
although it’s hard to find the time for these activities with our three little kids! I look forward
to being able to share these things with our children and also our new friends. Personally, I love
practicing and studying yoga, and since opening
the store I’ve also become fascinated with the
local herbalists of Northern Vermont. Vermont
is really a magical, one-of-a-kind place.
8. Why did you join the Jewish Community of
Greater Stowe?
Raising our kids in the Jewish faith is something
important to us. It was important to me to live
in a community that had a synagogue as well as a
Hebrew school. Everyone we have met has been
so welcoming, interesting, and extremely nice!
9. What do you hope to receive from your
experience at JCOGS?
Obviously, Stowe is a small town, but I hope to
make close new forever friends through JCOGS
events and Jewish holiday celebrations, and to
get to know the Jewish community here better. I
hope our children receive a great Jewish education at JCOGS, too.
10. What do you hope you’ll be able to contribute as members?
Well, if you saw our kids at the Chanukah party,
then you’ll see we have a lot of energy and like
to have fun!
Nissan—Iyar—Sivan 5775 | April-May 2015 | Page 5
MISHPOCHA “family corner”
‘Shavuot on the Mountain’
on tap for May 23-24
This Memorial Day weekend, as
we celebrate the awakening of the
plant world and revelation within,
we hope you will join us for a special
“Shavuot on the Mountain” at
Mt. Mansfield. This year JCOGS
will collaborate with Living Tree
Alliance to offer an inspirational
weekend immersed in the beauty of
the natural world, as we learn, hike,
and share in community celebration.
On Saturday evening, May
23, we will have a campout at the
Smugglers’ Notch State Park,
featuring storytelling, games, teachings, and more. The next morning,
May 24, together we will hike
to the Mountain Chapel on Mt.
Mansfield for a songful celebration led by Rabbi David followed
by a potluck lunch, surrounded by
Vermont’s beauty and community.
Those who would rather drive can
meet us at the Chapel via the toll
road at 11:30 a.m. We will have
a closing to the event back at the
campground, with a scavenger
hunt for children. Come to the
whole celebration or just the part
that most appeals to you. This is a
family-friendly event.
For more details and to register
for the event, please email Stacey
Oshkello at jcomecovillage@gmail.
com. Keep an eye to your weekly
emails for more details.
You’re invited to a JCOGS
Family Swim Party!
Bring your swimsuit, towel,
and water toys, and enjoy the
post-Passover pizza at a fun-filled
morning of meeting new families
and splashing in the pool. All are
welcome!
Sunday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to noon
The pool at Stoweflake Mountain Resort
& Spa
1746 Mountain Road, Stowe
Cost: $5 per person, up to $15 per family
If you plan to attend, please contact Wendy McCreight at wendy.
[email protected] or 802-7779220.
Save the Date
Student-led Kabbalat Shabbat
and Pizza Dinner Party
May 1st at 6 p.m.
Please join us for our religious school
end-of-the-year Kabbalat Shabbat. Our
students will have the opportunity to
participate in the service and join in on
many of the prayers and songs they have
learned from Rabbi David.
Please RSVP to Barbara Bauman at bd
[email protected] or 802-999-6370.
Rob Mermin entertains
at JCOGS’ Annual
Ice-Cream Social
On Sunday, July 12, family, friends, and guests will come
together at JCOGS to enjoy ice
cream, laughter, and … bubbles!
Rob Mermin, founder of Circus
Smirkus, will present entertainment for the whole family. The
event will feature:
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silent-film comedians, such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold
Lloyd, and Laurel & Hardy.
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treat: ice cream!
Watch your email for further
details on this fun summer event.
Page 6 | Nissan—Iyar—Sivan 5775 | April-May 2015
Gabbie Schaffer gives Lily Murphy a dab of color at the Purim Party Extravaganza on March 4.
The Purim ‘Wrap’
BY ISRAEL ELLNER
It was the 14th of Adar and all
could foresee,
That throughout the shul, a
great party was to be.
Children in costume, they were
all such cuties,
All dancing in the parade shakin’
their booties.
Such delicious food, O bene
mio’,
Was it Purim or Cinco de Mayo?
The Rebbe was… Jerry? or was
he Ben?
With promises of ice-cream
again and again.
We had wonderful visitors from
lands far away,
France and Virginia, how we
wish they could stay.
We had games and joy and loads
of Haman-tashen,
And when we said his name we
all got to rockin’.
Thanks to everyone who made it
all happen,
Enough with this…. Purim
rappin’.
A preview of
summer events
at JCOGS
Another “Summer of Fun” is in
the making at JCOGS. We always
look forward to welcoming summertime by gathering with old and
new friends with a beautiful Shabbat service and delicious dinner
under the big top. This year’s “Kick
Off the Summer” Shabbat Dinner,
organized by the Shalom committee, is planned for June 26.
Mark your calendars for this annual community celebration, along
with other family-friendly events
planned this summer. Here’s a sneak
peak at what’s in store:
“Kick Off the Summer!” Shabbat
Dinner on Friday, June 26.
Rob Mermin’s “Bubble Show,”
comedy films, and ice-cream social
on Sunday, July 12.
Memory Workshop with memory
expert Frank Felberbaum on Sunday, July 19.
Author Anita Diamant lecture on
Thursday, July 30.
Oneg Shabbat Potluck Celebration on Friday, Aug. 14.
Israeli dancing program and
potluck Israeli lunch on Sunday,
Aug. 23.
JCOGS’ Annual Summer Barbecue on Sunday, Aug. 30.
More details to follow in the June/
July issue of the Bulletin and in your
weekly emails.
Yahrzeits
Tzedakah
March 29 – May 30
9 Nisan – 12 Sivan
“Who donates much to charity becomes richer for it …”
The following Yahrzeits go by the Gregorian calendar unless the Hebrew
date observance was specifically requested by the family. The names of loved
ones will be read at the indicated services.
March 29 – April 11
9 Nisan – 22 Nisan
Service: April 10
Leah Cramer
William Allen
Gertrude Geensburg
Sheila Steinerman
Sidonya Menkes Rous
Myron Amerman
Amy Eileen
Rubinstein
Ben Katz
Rhoda Burleson
Julius Goldstein
Lena Jacobs
Charlie Craft
Gerald Good
Albert “Jack” Burleson
April 26 – May 2
7 Iyar – 13 Iyar
Service: May 1
Sarah Goldstein
Emanuel Siegal
Jacob Schneps
Jacob Levine
Shirley Levine
April 12 – 18
23 Nisan – 29 Nisan
Service: April 17
Bonnie Bauman
Maurice Posnick
Millicent T. Jacobs
George Friede
George Carl Saul
May 3 – 9
14 Iyar – 20 Iyar
Service: May 8
Renee Zwerin
Leonard Fox
Janice Grover
Ann K. Waldman
Eric Smith
April 19 – 25
30 Nisan – 6 Iyar
Service: April 24
Delmar L. Craft
May 10 – 16
21 Iyar – 27 Iyar
Service: May 15
Dean Justin Solomon
Allen Kole
Sophie Brown
Norman Rosenbloom
May 17 – 23
28 Iyar – 5 Sivan
Service: May 22
Jack Waldman
Stella Savage Zamvil
Freda Danziger
Eva Andrews
Nathan Blumsack
May 24 – 30
6 Sivan – 12 Sivan
Service: May 29
Celia Zamvil Siegal
Thea Klein
Bertha Wevrick
Louis Zamvil
Bradley Michael
Piccirillo
Rebecca Antelman
Leonard Pass
Irving Jack Feibus
Morton Pepper
Mazel Tov
Simchas in our community
Gail and Steve Blumsack recently celebrated the birth of their granddaughter, Rumer
Acadia. Her proud parents are Scott Blumsack and Shannon Kemper.
Bob Katz celebrated his 82nd birthday on March 13.
Adar and Yonah, Rabbi David and Alison’s children, celebrated their 4th and 2nd
birthdays on March 13. (Yes, the same day, two years apart!)
David Siegel celebrated his birthday on March 22.
Suzan and Gary Feibus celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Feb. 21 with a
trip to Disneyland with their son Aaron and daughter-in-law Kristy.
Author Anita Diamant
to speak at JCOGS
We are excited to announce
that Anita Diamant, a popular American
author of fiction based on
historical events,
will be a special
guest speaker
at JCOGS on
Thursday, July
30, at 7:30 p.m. She has written
many books about Jewish culture
and history, including her bestsellers “The Red Tent” and “Day
After Night.” Her latest book,
“The Boston Girl,” about a young
Jewish woman growing up in
Boston in the early 20th century,
was published in 2014. She is also
a highly regarded journalist. For
more information: www.anitadiamant.com.
Stay tuned for further details
about the event in the June/July
issue of the Bulletin.
Zohar, iii 110b
We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of these thoughtful contributions in
honor and memory of friends and loved ones. The following gifts were made
between January 28, 2015 and March 17, 2015.
Speedy recovery to Larry Gibs…
Rita & Steve Schneps
GENERAL FUND
In honor of the birth of our
daughter, Sloane Francoise…
Shari and Riaan Vermeulen
In memory of Abe Kramer…
Rita & Steve Schneps
In honor of the 40th anniversary
of Suzan & Gary Feibus…
Jean Remmer & Marvin
Rosenbloom
In honor of Harvey Herman’s 80th
birthday…
Suzan & Gary Feibus
In honor of the birth of Gail &
Steve Blumsack’s grandchild…
Joan & Bob Katz
In memory of my mother, Blanche
P. Karkus…
Judy Allen
In memory of Will Allen’s mother,
Rebecca Allen, and brother, Julius
Allen…
Judy Allen
Mazel Tov!
Helena Raddock will be a Bat
Mitzvah on Saturday, May 16, at
JCOGS. The
service will
begin at 10 a.m.
Helena attended JCOGS
Religious School
for a number of
years and is currently enjoying her Bat Mitzvah
tutorials with Joyce Kahn.
Helena is a seventh grader at
In memory of my late wife, Rhoda
Rosenbloom
Marvin Rosenbloom
In honor of the 70th anniversary
of Irene & Willy Tabatchnik…
Judy Allen
In memory of wife, mother, and
grandmother of the Sandy Perlman family…
Elyse Rudner
RABBI DISCRETIONARY FUND
In memory of my husband, Burton
Bauchner…
In memory of my mother, Bobby
Kaplan…
Susan Bauchner
Harwood Union Middle School
and has consistently made the
honor roll as an Honors Plus
student. Her favorite subjects
are English and Social Studies.
Recently, she received an award
for character development for a
short story she wrote. Outside of
school, Helena spends time talking
with her friends, reading, writing,
and taking photographs. She loves
animals, especially her three cats
and one dog. She is particularly interested in endangered species. She
is looking forward to spring!
Tzedakah
The Talmud states that
Acts of Tzedakah are equal in
weight to all the commandments. Your Tzedakah Committee respectfully thanks
those that responded to our
Annual Tzedakah Campaign.
And heartfelt gratitude for the
trust in our commitment to do
the very best with the collected
Tzedakah funds.
S. David Gameroff and Simon S.
Gameroff, co-chairs
Hillel Becker, Cindy Allen Berson,
Carole Lichtenstein, Patti C. Rubin,
and Gail Yanowitch
Nissan—Iyar—Sivan 5775 | April-May 2015 | Page 7
Calendar
CONTACT US
JCOGS, (802) 253-1800
www.jcogs.org
Lisa Carrick, administrator
[email protected]
David Fainsilber, rabbi
[email protected]
Amanda Kuhnert, editor
[email protected]
Executive Committee
Ron Feinstein, president
[email protected], 617-590-2423.
Lynne Gedanken, vice president
[email protected], 802-745-8996.
Priscilla Minkin, vice president
[email protected], 802-371-9753.
Robin Trowbridge, treasurer
[email protected], 802-253-3060.
Gretchen Rous Besser, secretary
[email protected], 802-888-3967.
APRIL
Friday, April 4: 5:30 p.m.: Annual
Family-Friendly Community Passover
Seder.
Sunday, April 12: 10 a.m. to noon,
JCOGS Family Swim Party at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa. See
page 6 for details.
Friday, April 17: 6 p.m., Enhanced
musical service with clarinetist David
Goodman.
Sunday, April 19: 3 p.m., concert by
Pianist Paul Orgel. See page 4 for details.
Friday to Saturday, April 24-25:
Shabbaton with Scholar-in-Residence
Prof. Alvin Rosenfeld. See page 3 for
details.
Stowe Weekend of Hope
Candlelight Service
coordinated by the Greater Stowe
Interfaith Coalition
Saturday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Stowe Community Church
JUNE
Tuesday, June 9: noon, concert
of Gregorian Chanting and Hebrew Rounds. See page 3 for details.
Sunday, June 14: 4 p.m., a classical music concert featuring Deborah
Black and her String Quartet.
Sunday, June 14: JCOGS Annual
Meeting. 9:30 a.m., bagels and coffee;
10 a.m., business meeting.
MAY
Friday, May 1: 6 p.m., Student-led
Shabbat and Pizza Dinner Party.
Sunday, May 3: 3 p.m., “The Legacy
of Marcel Marceau” with Rob Mermin. See page 4 for details.
Friday, June 26: “Kick Off the Summer!” Shabbat Dinner.
JULY
Saturday, May 16: 10 a.m.,
Helena Raddock’s Bat Mitzvah at
JCOGS.
Sunday, July 12: Rob Mermin’s
“Bubble Show” and ice-cream social.
See page 6 for details.
Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24:
Shavuot on the Mountain. See page 6
for details.
Sunday, July 19: 3 p.m., Memory
Workshop with memory expert Frank
Felberbaum.
Sunday, May 31: 3 p.m., “The Old
Country Fiddler” impersonated by
Adam Boyce. See page 3 for details.
Thursday, July 30: 7:30 p.m., Author
Anita Diamant lecture. See page 7 for
details.
All events will be held at JCOGS unless
otherwise noted.
Jewish Community of Greater Stowe
P.O. Box 253
Stowe, Vermont 05672
A bi-monthly periodical
published six times per year.
Friday night services held every week at
6 p.m. No services will be held April 3 in
observance of the 1st Passover Seder. April
17 will be an enhanced musical service
with clarinetist David Goodman. May 1
will celebrate our Religious School students
in a special Kabbalat Shabbat service.