EVENT CANCELLED: Presentation & Book Signing - Religion is Not Done with You
2025-02-09 | Ohavi Zedek Social Hall, 188 N. Prospect St, Burlington, VT, 05401
Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst (Author and OZ Member) and Megan Goodwin (Author) lead a discussion relating to their new book, Religion Is Not Done with You: Or, the Hidden Power of Religion on Race, Maps, Bodies, and Law.
Religion Is Not Done with You is a smart, irreverent, and accessible guide to thinking more deeply about how religion permeates and shapes the world around us – and why you need to understand the work it’s doing.

9:35 am – 10:30 am / OZ Main Sanctuary
Presentation by co-authors Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst and Megan Goodwin
10:30 am – 11:30 am / OZ Social Hall
Book signing, coffee, bagels and additional discussion

About Religion Is Not Done with You

Religion lurks in the floorboards of our daily lives, whether we want it to or not. A departure from more traditional approaches to “Religion 101,” Religion Is Not Done with You gives thought-provoking context to the basics of religious studies by challenging readers to consider the origins of their assumptions about religion and broaden their perspectives on what religion is and does.
Religion scholars and Keeping It 101 podcast duo Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst and Megan Goodwin offer their straightforward, plainspoken overviews of religious studies theory: that religion is what people do (not just beliefs or individual practices); that people are complicated and messy and constantly changing, which means religion is also complicated and messy and constantly changing; that religion shapes what choices you get to make. Choices like what you can learn in school; how your government works; what kind of options you have (or increasingly don’t have) in caring for your own body.

Jewish Journeys (Hebrew School)
2025-02-09 09:15 - 11:45 (America/New_York) | Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect Street, Burlington, VT, 05401, United States
JJ @ OZ classes meet

Jewish Meditation Sits
2025-02-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect Street, Burlington, VT, 05401, United States
The Baal Shem Tov is quoted as saying “Truly, you are where your mind is.”
Jewish meditation, which dates back thousands of years, provides a way of cultivating a peaceful, loving, contented, and awakened life. This practice helps us see hidden mental habits that get in the way of being present with ourselves and others in our lives. With practice, it is possible to find a refuge of peacefulness, love, and connection that flows from inner wisdom and radiant light.
If you are longing to experience the capacity to live with fuller awareness, greater peace, and to deepen your connection to self, others, and the Mystery, please join us for our monthly Jewish meditation sits at Ohavi Zedek in our large sanctuary, led by the Mindfulness Meditation team of Lindsay Forman, Miv London, Gigi Weisman, and Judy Danzig.
Dates:
2/9/25 – 1-2:30 pm
3/9/25 – 1-2:30 pm
4/6/25 – 1-2:30 pm
5/4/25 – 1-2:30 pm (in yurt, weather permitting)
June – TBD

Register for Jewish Meditation Sits

What to expect:
Hebrew chant
Setting Kavanah (intention)
Guided meditation sit
Study in Chevrutah (partners) – Reflection questions from the Torah reading of week thru lens of Jewish Mindfulness
Hebrew Chant
Further reading: What is Jewish Meditation? by Rabbi Sam Feinsmith

Israeli Dancing - Drop In
2025-02-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect Street, Burlington, VT, 05401, United States
Israeli folkdance is a joyous folk art form that is easy to start and difficult to stop. It draws from many cultures and expresses itself in dances that range in complexity and speed. See this article for more information.
Join hosts Adele, Lani and Mitch and a friendly friendly group of people that gathers periodically on Zoom or in person to enjoy the folkdances of Israel!
We mostly dance around a circle so no partner is required. We have a large repertoire of beginner-friendly dances. New dancers are encouraged to come at the beginning of the session to benefit from instruction. Please wear shoes with clean soles.
This program is free with an optional donation.
Register Here
Because of ongoing concerns about covid and other circulating viruses, the group would greatly appreciate attendees wearing a high quality mask such as N95 or KN95.

Can We Talk & Listen About Israel?
2025-02-11 17:00 - 19:00 | Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect Street, Burlington, VT, 05401, United States
Are you nervous about sharing your views and beliefs about Israel?
Do you want to be able to safely say to others at Ohavi Zedek how you feel?
…So do we!
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ONGOING SERIES
OF FACILITATED CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ISRAEL.

REGISTER HERE

The goal is to engage and learn from each other honestly, respectfully, and with curiosity in order to better understand each other. This is not about changing anyone’s mind or coming to agreement.
We know members of Ohavi Zedek hold diverse views – and we welcome them! Sharing will help us enhance our trust, learning and community here at OZ.
In person at Ohavi Zedek, open to all OZ adult members – you don’t have to be Jewish.
Hosted by Adult Education at Ohavi Zedek

Intro to Hebrew Reading for Adults
2025-02-11 19:30 - 20:30
Want to begin to read Hebrew? Want to brush up on your skills? Join with Rabbi Aaron, Cantor Silverberg and Lani Ravin to learn how to read Hebrew and in particular key words and prayers. This series will also deepen your understanding of the prayers and the Israeli cultural context.
This series takes place via Zoom on Tuesday from 7:30pm-8:30pm on the following nine dates.
February 11, 18, 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 1, 8
Before registering, please be sure you can attend all of these times. If you miss a class we will have recordings available.
At the end of the class series, students will be invited to participate in a Shabbat or holiday service
Curriculum developed by NJOP, the National Jewish Outreach Program.
Sign-Up Now!

Midweek Mah Jongg
2025-02-12 10:30 - 12:30 | Ohavi Zedek Social Hall, 188 N. Prospect St, Burlington, VT, 05401
Stop by every Wednesday from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM for Mah Jongg
Additionally, fill out this interest form to be notified for upcoming classes

Mah Jongg Beginner Class | 1-3pm
2025-02-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Ohavi Zedek Social Hall, 188 N. Prospect St, Burlington, VT, 05401
Join our beginner Mah Jongg class, taught by Lynda Siegel.
In this five week class, students will learn the basics of American Mah Jongg. Upon completion, students will be able to play on their own or at OZ’s drop-in games.
Register Now!

Mah Jongg Beginner Class | 5:30-7:30pm
2025-02-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Ohavi Zedek Social Hall, 188 N. Prospect St, Burlington, VT, 05401

Evening Midweek Mah Jongg
2025-02-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Ohavi Zedek Social Hall, 188 N. Prospect St, Burlington, VT, 05401
Evening midweek Mah Jongg from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Please RSVP to lyndasiegel2@gmail.com for availability
Additionally, fill out this interest form to be notified for upcoming classes

Tu B’shvat
2025-02-13 | Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect Street, Burlington, VT, 05401, United States

OZ Book Club - Religion is Not Done with You
2025-02-13 20:00 | Zoom
The OZ Monthly Book Club meets monthly and welcomes adult readers. Book selections are determined by the group, with topics that are related to Jewish themes and concepts. Join these casual discussions about the book.

Religion is Not Done with You by Ilyse Morgenstein Fuerst and Megan Goodwin
Religion lurks in the floorboards of our daily lives, whether we want it to or not. A departure from more traditional approaches to “Religion 101,” Religion Is Not Done with You gives thought-provoking context to the basics of religious studies by challenging readers to consider the origins of their assumptions about religion and broaden their perspectives on what religion is and does.

Kabbalat Shabbat
2025-02-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect Street, Burlington, VT, 05401, United States
Join us for our weekly Kabbalat Shabbat service led by Rabbi Aaron and Cantor Silverberg. Experience the warmth and joy of welcoming Shabbat through soulful prayers, meaningful reflections, and beautiful melodies. Rabbi Aaron Philmus will guide us with insights into the Shabbat tradition, while Cantor Jessica Silverberg’s powerful voice will lift our spirits with timeless chants. This evening promises to be a serene and uplifting way to enter the holy day of rest, filled with community, connection, and spiritual renewal.
Joining by Zoom? Please make your full first and last name are viewable so we know who you are and can admit you.

Shabbat Morning Services
2025-02-15 09:15 - 11:30 | Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect Street, Burlington, VT, 05401, United States
Our Shabbat morning service is traditional egalitarian with new melodies and kavannot (spiritual intentions) introduced and incorporated.
Following services, we often host a Kiddush – a lunch donated by synagogue members or b mitzvah families, where all are welcome. Saturday morning services begin at 9:15 AM.
Our morning service will feature our Shabbat Village:
– An intentional place for families, children and anyone to schmooze and be together during the time of Shabbat services
– No pressure to join in the service (though of course all are welcome to attend as much or little as works for you)
– Families may access the playground, gardens and trails
– Everyone is invited to the kiddush (meal) afterward (when applicable)
– Children’s books and a video feed of services will be provided. Currently, children will need to be accompanied by their adult(s). Parents may choose to team up – it takes a village!
Torah Study typically takes place at 8:30 am before services. Check our calendar for details.
