Our activities for October 23 include Mahjong and a Running Group activity:

For Mahjong 101, join for bagels and coffee / tea at 9:15 followed by a 1-hour introduction to Mah Jongg , lead by Lynda Siegel. This is a chance to learn about the game, its history and share memories of our moms and bubbies playing. If you have a set, please bring it. No experience neccessary. We won’t actually be playing a game but if you’re intrigued by what you learn and want to learn how to play, Lynda will share details about her 5-session classes taking place starting in November.

For the running group, meet OZ member and Hebrew School dad Jef Bratspis, who will bring a group on a beginner/intermediate level run in the Intervale.  “There will be a warm up as we head down to the Intervale taking Intervale Rd. out and the Calkins Trail back along the river. Total distance will be approx. 5K.” – Jef.   Meet jeff in the social hall at 9:15 for a 9:30 departure.

Series Background

This fall, OZ will be serving bagels, coffee and tea, with fun/social group experiences for adults!

Beginning September 11th, ten weekly ChaiLights gatherings will give you a chance to learn a little, taste a little, share a little, maybe even schvitz (sweat!) a little while connecting with others.

Each gathering will start off with food and open conversation, followed by a unique experience that will engage and inspire, let us create and improve the world. This project’s vibe is fun, social and low-pressure, with activities lead by community volunteers. Its a great fit for Jews, Jewish-adjacent and those who are just curious.

Thanks to a program sponsor, individuals or couples who sign up by September 7th and attend at least 3 dates will receive a Hanukkah Kit (worth over $50) for free.

Register Now!

Our Planned Activity List (Subject to Change):

Date / Time	ChaiLights Experience	Community Member Hosts
Sept 11 10 am to noon	Fall Welcome / Welcome Back Open House including OZ tour, discussion about the recently restored 110 year old “Lost Shul Mural” and other historical items at OZ followed by brunch.	Jeff Potash, OZ President, Aaron Goldberg, community member and past archivist
Spet 18 9:15 to 10:30	Group Action Day: 9:30 am Flag/Banner Making, 10:30 optional shofar blowing workshop, Pride Parade at 12:30 pm	Brett Smith, Hebrew School parent, volunteer / board member
Sept 25	No ChaiLights Today
Oct 2 10:15 to 11:30	Group Action Day: Cemetery Clean Up If the weather is not accomodating, we will meet at OZ and do a project in the kitchen.  More details here.	Jason Stuffle, Preschool parent Shimmy Cohen, OZ Cemetery Committee
Oct 9 9:15 to 11:00	Walking Tour of Little Jerusalem, Burlington’s thriving Jewish quarter in the 1880s to early 1900s. Meet at 9:15 at OZ for a nosh and conversation, then walk (7 minutes) or drive (2 minutes) to 168 Archibald Street in front of Ahavath Gerim synagogue to meet Aaron for the tour at 10am.	Aaron Goldberg, community member and past OZ Archivist
Oct 16 9:15 to 10:30	Yoga in the Yurt (Alternative Activity: Scrabble) Class starts with mindfulness breathing, slow flow yoga, and concludes with a discussion and chevruta (partner) discussion of a Jewish text. This is a multi-level yoga class* perfect for beginners and experienced yogis.  For those who do not want to participate in the yoga experience, we will have Scrabble, conversation and a nosh in the social hall.  More details here.	Peggy Price, Preschool / Hebrew School parent and creator of “Yoga Body Jewish Mind” Suzanne Brown, OZ volunteer and board member
Oct 23 9:15 to 10:30	Mahjong 101 (alternative: Running Group)	Lynda Siegel, Adult Ed volunteer
Oct 30 9:15 to 10:30	Making Rugulah in the kitchen	TBD
Nov 6 9:15 to 10:30	“One Jewish Thing” Discussion.  9:45 am start	Lisa Glass Kornstein, Hebrew School parent
Nov 13 9:15 to 10:30	Farming & Food Production Discussion (Prior to the “Northern Nosh” Food Fair)	Grace Oedel, Preschool / Hebrew School parent, past OZ ED, current ED of Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont
Dec 4	No ChaiLights Today – OZ Annual Meeting	NA
Dec 11	No ChaiLights Today
Dec 18 9:15 to 10:30	Cooking and OZ Hanukkah Party (starts at 11 am)	Jeff Potash, OZ President and Kitchen Team

Plus, we have space in the schedule for content and activities based on participant feedback.

This program was created and lead by volunteers and staff of Ohavi Zedek.  Partial funding is provided by a generous grant from: