Ruth Messinger

The unbelievable experience that I had last summer in Ghana as part of a rabbinic delegation with American Jewish World Service  (AJWS) already feels so long ago, yet I will never forget those ten days living in an amazing community worlds away. The trip opened my eyes to a much bigger world and challenged me to think how far my circle of obligation extends.

The visionary behind this remarkable organization and its president is Ruth Messinger, who spent a few powerful days with us in the small, desperately poor fishing village called Sankor in Ghana. We have the privilege of hosting her here in Boulder in the second weekend of June.

Congregations Bonai Shalom and Nevei Kodesh are co-hosting a Friday night program at Bonai Shalom with Ruth Messinger and she will also be speaking during services on Shabbat morning.

On Friday, June 8 during Friday night services, starting at 6:00 pm, Ruth will give a short D’var Torah  followed at 7:00 pm when Ruth will be talking about “Fighting Hunger in a World of Plenty: A Grassroots Approach”, an opportunity to learn about the politics behind the global hunger crisis. Speaking from her own experiences in the developing world, Ruth will propose how American Jews can influence our government to address the root causes of hunger and poverty, and put an end to the world’s growing hunger problem from the ground up. Reservations are required for this dinner and we expect to sell out.

After dinner, at approximately 8:00 pm, there will be a talk open to everyone, “Jews as Global Citizens: Our Responsibility in the World.” This will be a lecture followed by a Q&A. Ruth will discuss the role of “Jews as Global Citizens.” Sharing the words of dedicated Jews from communities across the United States — college and rabbinical students, community leaders and skilled professionals — Ruth will tell of the enormous transformative impact volunteering and advocacy can make in the modern era. By embracing our obligation to assist all people in need, regardless of race, religion or nationality, we have the capacity to ensure social justice for coming generations. As Jews who take seriously our role as global citizens, we will contribute to tikkun olam, the fixing of the world.

Shabbat morning services begin at 9:30 am on Saturday, June 9th and Ruth will be giving the sermon at approximately 11:30 am.

Dinner Reservations: $15 per adult, $12 per child (under 12 years old), $50 maximum per family. Reservations for dinner must be made in advance by Wednesday, June 6th. To make reservations please email info@bonaishalom.org. No reservations required for other events and services

We hope you will join us for what promises to be an extraordinary and inspiring Shabbat with our special guest.

Last year, the Boulder JCC debuted a new event during Boulder Startup Week. Aptly named Jews, Brews, and Startup Gurus, over 85 community members attended this happy hour.  Jonathan Lev, Executive Director of the Boulder JCC remembered, “It brought together the best elements of the Boulder Jewish Community has to offer:  Innovation, entrepreneurship, ideas, and community.” Here are pictures from last year’s event.

This month’s third Thursday is May 17th, which means that Flatiron Tribe’s happy hour will once again take place during Boulder Startup Week.  Flatiron Tribe is pleased to announce the return of Jews, Brews, and Startup Gurus, this Thursday, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at Tahona Bistro at 1035 Pearl Street.  The earlier time slot enables participants of Boulder Startup Week to enjoy this networking event in between other scheduled programs.

Whether you are looking to network with the startup community, meet other local young adult Jews, or are just looking for a good after-work hangout Jews, Brews, and Startup Gurus is for you.  Bring your business card for a chance to win an exciting prize! You must be 21 to attend.  There is no need to register in advance however, if you have any questions, please contact Michael at Michael@boulderjcc.org or 720-583-5522. Let us know you are coming on Facebook and Plancast!

Brundibar (The Bumblebee) – What Does it Mean to You and Me?

Brundibar is a children’s opera written by Czech composer Hans Krasa and performed at the Terezin concentration camp more than fifty times, as part of a Nazi propaganda effort to deceive international observers and reduce suspicions about the facility.

Several days after the last performance, the composer and most of the children were sent to their deaths at Auschwitz.

On June 28th and 29th, Colorado Music Festival will present this timeless story that unites kids and their animal friends against the town bully.  The Festival will collaborate with the University of Colorado Opera Program to present a semi-staged production featuring CU students as well as a children’s chorus.  Ela Weissberger, a Holocaust survivor who, as a young child, performed the role of The Cat while in Terezin, will travel to Colorado to be a part of this production.  During her stay in Boulder, Ms. Weissberger will share her life story and participate in several events for our community. Click here for tickets >>

The presentation of Brundibar is part of the Festival’s Rediscovered Masters Program, a series of performances celebrating Jewish composers and their music, with an emphasis on music composed before, during, and immediately after World War II. For more information visit www.comusic.org.

Come get a sneak preview on Thursday, June 7th at The Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut Street, 80302. Boulder Renewal Rabbi Tirzah Firestone will guide us through a conversation about this unique production.  Guests will get an insider’s view into CMF’s upcoming production with University of Colorado Opera Program Director Leigh Holman.  Hear musical selections, learn about the historical context, and see visuals of past productions.  To enhance the experience, Boulder Rabbis Joshua Rose (Reform), Marc Soloway (Conservative) and Gavriel Goldfeder (Orthodox) will together examine the libretto and share their insights. The event is free, but space is limited.  Early arrival is recommended.

Colorado Music Festival extends a special thank you to the event Co-Sponsor, The Dairy Center for the Arts!  Event Community Partners are Haver and University of Colorado Boulder Opera Program.

PLUS: FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETS FOR JEWISH STUDENTS! Thanks to the support of Rose Community Foundation, Colorado Music Festival is offering 100 FREE General Admission Brundibar tickets to Jewish students ages 10 and up. Alternatively, students can buy any reserved seat at a 50% discount! Accompanying adults receive $10 off their tickets as well. Please contact Margaret Romero at romero@comusic.org or 303-449-1397, ext 7 for tickets! Brundibar performances are Thursday, June 28th and Friday, June 29th at 7:30pm at Chautauqua Auditorium. Visit www.comusic.org for more information.

The simplest approach to identify in relation to Gay Marriage is one that could be called “Logical” and is an approach that is held by both proponents for and against Gay Marriage. I classify this approach as “Logical” as it tends to naturally and instinctively follow from one’s views on homosexuality itself. If one perceives homosexuality as a sexual practice to be morally legitimate and equally valid to heterosexuality as a sexual practice, then for many it logically follows to be in support of Gay Marriage. The reasoning being: why should a moral and valid way of practicing one’s sexual life and developing love relations be proscribed from the normative socio-economic institution of organizing and recognizing such committed relations, namely marriage? Conversely, if one holds homosexual sexual practice to be morally illegitimate and beyond the pale of how one is to practice one’s sexuality and develop one’s love relations, then for many it logically follows that Gay Marriage should not be allowed to become an institution in this country.

The second approach in relation to Gay Marriage is a more complex one and could be called “Neutralized”. This as well is an approach that can be held by both proponents for and against Gay Marriage. For example, a religious Jew or Christian who understands their Bible to prohibit homosexual sex and further understands these religious traditions not to recognize such marriages when and where they occur could nevertheless politically support Gay Marriage. How is this tenable? Such a person could take the view that what constitutes moral sexual behavior and what are valid bonds between humans fall under the domain of religion and as the United States is constructed with an intended Separation between Church/Synagogue/Mosque and State the Federal Government should not dictate what these sexual norms and the sociological institutions that emerge from them should be. To do so would violate, in their minds, limits that the Government should respect in relation to its authority and jurisdiction. In short, one can hold one’s religious belief to be true but one can neutralize such a religious belief in the political sphere and not use the instrumentation of Government and Politics to impose it on another. I classify this approach as “Neutralized” as the individual who holds such an approach essentially has one political principle they respect neutralize another religious principle they hold dear. The latter, left to its own devices would lead to the more “Logical” approach elucidated prior.

Likewise, a person who believes that homosexual sex is morally legitimate and supports the idea of Gay Marriage could take the view that this country, informed as it is by a Judeo-Christian heritage, in the construction of its Constitution and laws never intended to allow men and women to marry persons of the same sex and that the Founding Fathers could not conceive of this as being a restriction of their equality or pursuit of happiness. They would further recognize that there are other laws in this country that can trace their roots or influence to the Judeo-Christian heritage, for example the illegality to commit suicide and practice euthanasia and these laws as well could equally be overturned among others if we seek to neuter this country from any religious moral influence whatsoever affecting its laws. The reasoning goes: If we seek to legalize Gay Marriage and divorce the country from its former moral underpinnings on the issue, what laws will be next? This individual could take the view that while they personally disagree with the religious basis for the current predominant definition and legal status of marriage they nevertheless do not believe that this is what the Founding Fathers were concerned with when they established the Separation between Church and State and nor is it what they conceived of when they were enshrining as core values of this country equality, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Here as well, this approach shows the “Neutralized” quality I refer to, as one principle in this case their understanding of the Constitution and their belief about how it should be interpreted neutralizes what their belief about the moral validity of homosexual sex and marriage would “logically” lead to.

People can also take an approach that this is a “States Rights” issue and put their personal and or religious views aside and take a principled Political/Constitutional stand as to how they see this country is supposed to function when an issue is not clearly and unambiguously addressed in the Constitution. In this case as well this would be another example of a “Neutralized” perspective.

Lastly there is an approach that can be classified as ”Triage”. In this approach the person regardless of their view on homosexual sex and Gay Marriage and regardless of their views on the Constitution and its interpretation see the country as in need of a certain kind of “Change”. In light of this desired change they put aside their views on the above issues and subordinate their decision around Same Sex Marriage to what they deem most critical for the country as a whole. For example, an otherwise Socially Liberal Democrat could feel that this country needs a new economic direction and vote for Romney with the hope that Mr. Romney will bring a different approach to resolving the current economic distress we are facing.  Alternatively, a moderate Republican could feel that the Grand Old Party has taken a very scary direction and would prefer President Obama’s general policies and tone than what the Tea Party, Religious Right and Conservative Republicans are offering. In the “Triage” approach Gay Marriage while an important issue is not viewed as a critical issue and they relegate it to a secondary status in their politics.

In general, people who galvanize around the “Logical” approach tend to construct this issue in terms of “Good vs. Evil” or “Progress vs. Fundamentalism”. They also tend to bring significant energy to the debate with very strong and at times hardened views. Individuals in the other approaches described tend to be less committed one way or the other and are less useful in steering the issue one way or another, as the momentum on this issue is usually being dictated by activists within each camp or political expediency feeding such activism.

It seems that our Presidential candidates are each appealing at present to an element of their base of support and are taking the “Logical” view on this issue- logical that is to those individuals who hold deep convictions one way or the other on Homosexual Sex and Marriage and what naturally follows for them from these views. One of the consequences of the discourse being constructed to those within the “Logical” approach is that there are many people who will stand aside from the debate and leave it to the extremes within each approach to battle till kingdom or utopia comes. I am not convinced that this is what is best for the country or for our public discourse but I am convinced its plenty good for Talk Radio and the news Media who have their cliché images and sound bites with which to bombard us.

Mini Gan Izzy at CGI of the Rockies

A great Jewish summer day camp experience awaits children this summer at CGI of the Rockies in Lafayette.

In addition to all the exciting trips, sports and activities scheduled over the five weeks of camp, CGI of the Rockies also gives campers a taste of Judaism in a friendly and non-judgmental environment.

With a wide variety of Jewish subjects covered using hands-on and interactive techniques, CGI will infuse children with a love and appreciation of Israel, Jewish values and practices.

Implementing these enriching and fun programs, are a group of carefully selected and dedicated counselors.

CGI of the Rockies is especially helpful for children whose parents are considering sending them to Hebrew school, as CGI will familiarize the child with Jewish topics allowing them to be more comfortable in the Hebrew school classroom.

With just over a month till CGI begins on June 25^th, the camp early bird special expires tonight May 15^th at 11:59 pm.

To take advantage of the early bird discount, follow this link to our registration page and website, where more camp information is also available.

The camp is centrally located at Ryan elementary school in Lafayette and is for children aged 3-13. The five week summer program runs from June 25 to July 27.

Have questions? Feel free to give our camp directors a call. Shayna Borenstein – 303-845-2901 Send Shayna an email or Leah Brackman – 720-837-3733  Send Leah an email or visit the website at www.JewishKidsCamp.com

Led by Marcia Seigal, Shabbat Mishpacha is the original Saturday morning Shabbat program in Boulder for kids ages 2-7 and their families with age-appropriate activities for children. Geared for preschoolers through first graders and their families, everyone will enjoy celebrating Shabbat together while making new friends in this warm and spirited environment!

This program is open to everyone! There is no cost to attend, and siblings of any age are welcome. Please bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and good hiking shoes. Jogging strollers are welcome.

Reservations are mandatory by May 17th. Email shabbatmish@congregationharhashem.org or call (303) 499-7077 ext. 14. Space is limited due to open space regulations. Provide an email address so you can be notified in the event of a weather cancellation.

• Inspiring Jewish teenagers to be involved in Jewish life
• Supporting refugees in adapting to life in Greater Denver and Boulder and becoming self-sufficient
• Supporting people who are homeless in becoming self-sufficient
• Supporting individuals with special needs in becoming self-sufficient

The grants were awarded at a celebration on May 6 for members of Rose Youth Foundation, their families and grant recipients. Since its inception in 2001, Rose Youth Foundation has granted $520,600 to organizations serving the seven-county Denver/Boulder community.

This was the 11th year of Rose Youth Foundation. This year’s group was comprised of 23 Jewish youth in grades 10 through 12 from 11 different schools, representing a wide range of Jewish backgrounds. Meeting since November 2011, the group studied Jewish philanthropic traditions, strategic philanthropy and community needs. In February, Rose Youth Foundation issued a Request for Proposals, which yielded 22 requests totaling $279,700. Rose Youth Foundation’s members reviewed the proposals, made site visits and reached decisions on which projects they would fund.

Following is a list of Rose Youth Foundation’s 2012 grants and descriptions of the projects for which the grant funds will be used. Locations indicate the organization’s headquarters, not necessarily the geographic area served.

African Community Center (Denver): $4,000 to establish a computer lab for refugee students. 

Colorado African Organization (Denver): $7,500 to provide onsite child care during adult ESL, computer literacy and social integration classes. 

Goodwill Industries of Denver (Denver): $4,500 to train and certify refugee women as doulas.

Jewish Family Service of Colorado (Denver): $10,000 to support citizenship classes for refugees.

Jewish Student Union (Port Chester, NY): $10,000 to support Jewish Student Union clubs in Denver-area high schools.

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (Denver): $5,000 to support job training and placement for young adult refugees.

Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center (Denver): $7,000 to create a community-wide art initiative organized for and by Jewish teens.

SHALOM Denver (Denver): $6,000 to develop employment sites for groups of individuals with special needs. SHALOM Denver is a division of Jewish Family Service of Colorado.

Warren Village (Denver): $6,000 to support homeless families with secure housing, early childhood education, case management and adult education.

Jewish youth who will be in grades 10  through 12 in the 2012-2013 academic year, and who are interested in participating in Rose Youth Foundation, can visit rcfdenver.org/RYF, or contact Sarah Indyk at 303.398.7416 to learn more. View a list of 2011-2012 members.

Michael Rosenzweig

The Boulder JCC recently received a grant from Roots and Branches, an initiative of Rose Community Foundation. The purpose of this grant is to create a lighthearted, innovative, friendly network of young Jews in Boulder who are interested in, and excited about, programming for the young, Jewish Boulder crowd. How are we going to do this, you might ask?

The way we plan on accomplishing this is for me to personally have conversations with 100 different people in this demographic. The goal of these conversations is to gather information about what people are truly looking for with regards to young adult programming within Boulder County. After speaking with outreach specialists, what I’ve learned is the best way to dive into such a broad topic is to have 1-on-1 conversations, to get to the core of what drives and inspires you. At the end of this project, I will develop a network map of Jewish Boulder, and with that knowledge, create a leadership team to plan a year’s worth of events that people are interested in and excited about.

I began working at the Boulder JCC this summer, and immediately fell in love with Boulder, and the vibrant Jewish community here. Having lived all over the country and holding jobs in numerous industries, I already feel like Boulder is home. On top of Boulder’s vivacious culture and all of the outdoor activities here, Jewish life is energetic, adaptive, and welcoming to all .
So now that you know a little bit about this project and me, here’s where you come in: if you are a Boulder Jew between the ages of 25-35, give me a shout. I would love to take you out for coffee and talk about where you came from, where you are headed, and what you are looking for in terms of programming for young, Jewish Boulder. If you know someone that fits this age group, feel free to send them my information or shoot me a line with theirs.

I look forward to better getting to know those of you whom I already know, meeting more amazing young Jews here, and ensuring that young adult programming in Boulder is relevant, stimulating, and well attended for years to come! Follow along with this project as I’ll be blogging weekly about these conversations, right here on the Boulder Jewish News.