Jewish Community of Greater Stowe

Let this day be the foundation of your world.

Let this moment be for rejoicing in all your gifts.”

— Alden Solovy, “Meditation at the Thanksgiving Table”

Join Rabbi David Fainsilber on Friday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m., as he leads an uplifting, meditative, virtual musical Shabbat service. Visit jcogs.org for sign-on information. Save the dates for upcoming virtual Chanukah celebrations: Friday, Dec. 11, 6 p.m., musician-filled Chanukah Shabbat; and Saturday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m., 4th Vermont Jewish Communities 2020 Chanukah celebration, to benefit Capstone Community Action’s Fuel Your Neighbors program.

Our Torah portion for this coming Shabbat is Vayeitzei, (Genesis 28:10 - 32:3). The focus is Jacob. He heads for Haran, and along the way, he will fall in love, be himself deceived, and serve a master, yet his ways will be uncertain.

On his first night on the run, Jacob has a vivid dream, the first recorded in the Torah. Jacob visions a ladder reaching beyond the sky, with angels going up and down its rungs. He awakens to the reality that God resides “in this place.”

God speaks to Jacob, renews a promise, and a deal is made. Unquestionably, Jacob’s offer to God smacks of chutzpah. Much will happen before Jacob reaches home. The perfect companion read is Martin Buber’s “I and Thou.”

— Patti Rubin