  In this paper, we first explain congruences of Eisenstein series of level
$\Gamma_1(N)$ and character $\chi$. Our approach is based on Katz's
algebro-geometric explanation of $p$-adic congruences of normalized Eisenstein
series $E_{2k}$ of level $1$. One crucial step in our argument is to
reformulate a Riemann-Hilbert correspondence in Katz's explanation in terms of
Dieudonn\'e theory of height $1$ formal $A$-modules and their finite subgroup
schemes.
  We further connect congruences of modular forms in the Eisenstein subspace
$\mathcal{E}_{k}(\Gamma_1(N),\chi)$ with certain group cohomology involving the
Dirichlet character $\chi$. When $\chi$ is trivial, this group cohomology
computes the image of the $J$-homomorphism in the stable homotopy groups of
spheres. We have therefore connected congruences of Eisenstein series $E_{2k}$
of level $1$ to the image of $J$.
