Serving the Upper Connecticut River Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire
Welcome to Kol Ha'Emek - The Upper Valley Jewish Community
Kol Ha'Emek ("voice of the valley") ~ We are an eclectic, welcoming, egalitarian congregation providing Jewish spiritual, educational, social and cultural opportunities for the local Jewish community.
Mekor Ha-chayim (The Wellspring of Life):
Spiritual lessons from the weekly Torah portion from the early Hasidic masters
With Rabbi Brian Besser, selected Thursday evenings on Zoom, 7:00-8:15pm ET, First session: Thursday, January 22, 2026 (see below for complete schedule)
Description:
Among the many approaches to studying Torah, Hasidic commentary stands out by offering spiritual lessons for daily living. Hasidic teachings can provide guidance for handling challenges, comfort and strength in our distress, and—especially—appreciation, cultivation, and celebration of the Divine Presence that is with us, inside us and, around us, in every moment, place, and situation. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in the middle of studying a Hasidic passage when the message strikes home. Suddenly, the Torah seems to be speaking directly to me concerning the exact situation I am confronting in my life.
Since stepping down from my position as congregational Rabbi in 2023, I have been privileged to be studying with Rabbi Arthur Green, one of the world’s leading exponents of neo-Hasidism, in a two-year course for Jewish educators, “Hasidism for a New Era.” I’d like to continue exploring this powerful literature with you.
We’ll start with three introductory sessions; afterwards, we’ll meet monthly, selecting readings based on the weekly Torah portion. Each session is self-contained: you do not have to attend each session. (schedule below)
Students and seekers of all levels and backgrounds are welcome. The material will be presented in Hebrew and English translation.
אֶ֭תְהַלֵּךְ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה בְּ֝אַרְצ֗וֹת הַחַיִּֽים׃ “[Let us] walk [together] in the Divine Presence in the land of the living.” (Psalm 116:9)
Schedule: All sessions on Zoom, 7 pm – 8:15pm
Introductory sessions:
Thursday, January 22, 2026: What do we mean by “God” ?
Thursday, February 12, 2026: What do we mean by “Torah” ?
Thursday, February 26, 2026: What do we mean by “commandment” (mitzvah) ?
Ongoing sessions:
The final Thursday of every month (beginning March 26, 2026): selection(s) from the weekly Torah portion
Learning Opportunities
We provide educational opportunities for both young people and adults.
In the Area? Come Visit Us!
We are located in downtown Hanover near Dartmouth College.
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Thank you for considering joining Kol Ha’Emek, The Upper Valley Jewish Community. Our membership represents Jews and families from a variety of traditions and practices. Find out more information about the benefits of becoming a member of our community.
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