May 21, 2021

Rabbi Emeritus Michael Cohen offers his thoughtful D'var Torah for this week, Holiness: An Exploration

May 14, 2021

Cantor Buckner welcomes our special guest for the evening is Greg Ramm, Vice President of Save the Children in Washington, DC who shares stories of his Peace Corp stint and work in Africa for Save the Children.

April 30, 2021

Cantor Buckner welcomes back ethnomusicologist Joseph Alper who shares with us Sephardic songs of love stretching from Turkey to Morocco. 

April 23, 2021

Numerous times in the Torah we are told to welcome the stranger. Cantor Buckner explores what it means to be the "other" in biblical times and today.

April 9, 2021

In an eagerly anticipated "pulpit swap" Cantor Buckner welcomes Rev. Dr. Jim Gray from the United Church of Dorset and East Rupert who presents Psalm 150, Orchestra of the Faithful.

April 2, 2021

In observance of Passover, Cantor Buckner explores the meaning and responsibilities of freedom—from being slaves in Egypt to the present day.

March 26, 2021

Enjoy the wonderful musical talents of our special guest, Joe Alpar, as he introduces us to Passover music from the
Sephardic and
Turkish traditions.

March 19, 2021

Cantor shares a melody to texts from the Haggadah in preparation for Passover. Additionally, with the  first year anniversary of loss due to the coronavirus in Vermont, Cantor Buckner shares the relevance of this week's Parasha, Vayikrah, as we mark the day with the ringing of bells and silent prayer.

March 12, 2021

Cantor's D'var Torah is a sermon in song: The Blessing of Rosh Chodesh, the New Month—the Cantorial version of "Coming Attractions."

March 5, 2021

Cantor welcomes congregant Jonathan Prial to give the D'var Torah, My Jewish Spirituality and the impact of the Adult Education program at Israel Congregation. 

February 26, 2021

Observing Purim, Cantor Buckner brings us on a musical tour of the scroll of Esther - Megillat Esther! 

February 19, 2021

Parshat T'rumah  tells of the Israelites‘ Tabernacle in the desert—creating a sacred space. Cantor Buckner explores what makes a space sacred.

February 12, 2021

Rabbi Emeritus Michael Cohen delivers the D'var Torah from Parashat Mishpatim  focued on the phrase Na’aseh venishma, translated as “we will do and then we will hear/understand/obey.” The unusual order of the words raises many interesting questions that will be explored.

February 5, 2021

Remembering Flory Jagoda, singer and songwriter of Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) music. Cantor Buckner is joined by special guest, Joseph Alpar, an ethnomusicologist, performer and professor of music at Bennington College.

January 22, 2021

In parshat Bo learn that even until the last plague, Pharoh's heart was hardened by God. By enslaving others, he himself became enslaved. However, we have the free will to decide to change course in our lives. We have choices, and therefore bear the responsibility of choosing the right path. We have agency.

January 15, 2021

In our writings, there are so many unique and discriptive names given to Adonai. We explore why  as each of us has a different vision of what God is or may mean to us.

January 8, 2021

Addressing the inconceivable events of January 6th, we must look

to community to lift us up and give us hope. If we let the events of the Capitol Riots allow us to lead us into despair, we are not living our Jewish values.

January 1, 2021

A D'var Tifilah about the MiSheberach Prayer. The power of prayer and the power of gathering around a bedside is real, even if an illness can't be cured. Reciting the MiSheberach assures that we are all surrounded by a caring community.

December 25, 2020

While most of the country observes the holiday of Christmas, Cantor Buckner provides a bit of  levity about the connection between Chinese food and Jews!

December 18, 2020

Why is God not "present" in the story of Joseph? Perhaps the story of Joseph's reunification with his brothers can help us understand the spirit of goodness and godliness can be found in the unfolding of our own actions.

December 11, 2020

Recognizing and celebrating miracles in our everyday lives, as reminded by the miracles of Chanukah.

December 4, 2020 

What makes a space sacred? Cantor Buckner has us consider who, where and what defines a space as sacred, especially now in the time of COVID-19 and Zoom.

November 27, 2020

Questioning the action and ramifications of  Jacob deceiving Isaac and stealing  the birthright from his brother Esau.

November 13, 2020 

Remembering Rabbi  Jonathan Sacks, British Orthodox rabbi, philosopher, theologian, author, and politician who served as the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom. Rabbi Sacks passed away last week on November 7th, 2020.

November 6, 2020 

Shared intimate  testimony from survivors reminds us of the horrible events that  took place during Kristallnacht,  9 - 10 November, 1938. We continue to recall not only so that we should never forget this terrible pogrom, but that we be moved to action to ensure genocide  never happen again.



October 30, 2020 

Cantor Buckner shares a letter from a dear friend reflecting on passing the torch from the greatest generation on to future generations.

October 23, 2020

As we read the Torah portion featuring Noah, Cantor Buckner reminds us that the covenant between Adonai and Noah was not just to preserve mankind, but also the animals of the world, as he welcomes the pets of our congregation sharing a special blessing.

October 9, 2020

In celebration of Simchat Torah, Cantor Buckner takes us on a "Tour of the Torah."

September 4, 2020

Cantor Buckner explores the meaning of Aveinu Maklenu in preparing for the upcoming Days of Awe.

August 21, 2020

We're observing Rosh Chodesh, Elul—the first of the month of Elul. We add additional hallel (prayers of praise) in observance of Rosh Chodesh on this shabbat.Traditionally every day (with the exception of Shabbat) of Elul, in advance of Rosh HaShanah, we blow the shofar in preparation for the High Holy Days.

July 24, 2020

If your truth, or my truth, is the only truth then there is no room for any change in this polarized world. We must open our minds and hearts to  others and learn from one another. It is the only way to begin to heal the world.

July 17, 2020

In Parashat Matot-Masei the torah is teaching us that our life's journey is not about the destination, but the journey! If we focus only on our targets, perhaps we're missing something sacred along the way.

July 3, 2020

The  high moral standards of the Israelites in biblical times changed curses into blessings. Today,  this same moral code should be applied to Israel today as it applies to annexation of the West Bank.

June 26, 2020

The lesson from the story of Korach is not to look to populist leadership, but to look for leaders who consider the good of the people and offer true moral leadership.

June 19, 2020

Cantor Buckner addresses racism in the United States and the impact slavery has on people based on the Torah.

June 12, 2020

In the wake of national and global Black Lives Matter protests, Cantor Buckner shares a letter from a colleague on the front lines with a message of love and hope.