The JCC Maccabi Games are an international sports competition for teens, held annual in new locations every year. Last year’s games were held in Israel, and Boulder sent 5 teens as part of the Denver delegation to the games. For the first time ever, this year, Boulder will have it’s very own delegation!

The J-Teen department of the Boulder Jewish Community Center will be hosting a 10-person delegation at the Games, which will take place August 5th-10th, 2012 in Houston. The games are for teens that will be between the ages of 13-16 by July 31st, 2012.

Every year, the Maccabi Games includes many different sports, which vary based on location. For the Houston games this year, the sports that are available to compete in are:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Bowling
• Dance
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Volleyball

Any student who competes in an individual sport will compete in his/her own bracket (potentially against other Boulder delegation members), but due to our small allotment for Boulder teens, anyone competing in a team sport will be placed on a “mixed delegation” team. This will allow for an even more amazing experience as teens not only get to compete against, but also get to compete with teens from around the country and the world.

The total cost (including transportation and accommodations) for this year’s games will be $1550 or $1300 with the early-bird registration. To qualify for the early bird discount you must submit a $250 deposit no later than January 31st, 2012.

So if you, your child, or someone you know would like to be an international competitor at the 2012 Maccabi Games in Houston, please don’t hesitate to contact Phil Rubinstein, the BJCC J-Teen Director, at jteen@boulderjcc.org or by phone at 303-998-1900 ext 114. Spots are limited and registration is open, so reserve your spot now!

First of all, we have grown and as of the last count in September, Ramat Hanegev residents numbered 5113…

New neighborhoods built in the council’s communities are in high demand by families that want to come to us from all over the country and, believe it or not, the biggest problem right now in Ramat Hanegev is a housing shortage…!

This year we mark the 13^th anniversary of the Colorado – Ramat Hanegev Partnership 2000. In the coming year we hope to find creative ways to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of the wonderful partnership we have formed!

And in the meantime, you can read about some of the outstanding events of the last couple of months:

Partnership Ties

We may have returned without medals but with incredible experiences!

A youthful delegation of Ramat Hanegev athletes returned from participating in this summer’s Maccabia Games in Denver. In the area of sports there might be some room for improvement, but the main thing is the great relationships that were forged with the local community.

Experiencing the impressive opening ceremony in the hockey rink of Denver University, attended by the heads of the Denver Jewish community and the other Jewish communities that participated, including our own mayor Shmuel Rifman, will be remembered for many years to come.

The delegation spent two weeks in Denver enjoying “deluxe” hospitality at the homes of two charming and wonderful families and a warm welcome and loving embrace from the entire community and the organizers!

The youngsters returned to Israel with many wonderful experiences and new friends, but mainly full of appreciation and gratitude to the Denver community.

The Davis Family Scholarship Fund

The Davis family, of Las Vegas has contributed generously to setting up an academic scholarship fund for residents of Ramat Hanegev.

This past summer a joint Davis Family – Ramat Hanegev Scholarship Fund was established, in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas. The Fund, which will start operating in the 2011-2012 school year, will enable every eligible Ramat Hanegev resident to apply for a substantial scholarship for academic studies. The aim is to encourage students to come back to live in Ramat Hanegev after graduation.

Last June the Davis family, which included the couple Laurence and Joan and their two children Holly and Jason, was hosted in the region. They are avowed Zionists who simply fell in love with the Negev and the people they met during their visit.  We hope that the scholarships offered by the Fund will not only encourage our residents to go on to higher education and “come back home” after graduation, but also attract new families to Ramat Hanegev.

The fund is the first blossom in the budding partnership between Ramat Hanegev and the Las Vegas Jewish community. In the coming year we hope to sign a Ramat Hanegev-Las Vegas Partnership 2000 agreement, which will make us the first lone regional council in Israel to have Partnership 2000 ties with two communities (Colorado and Las Vegas) at the same time!

From Denver to Ramat Hanegev…

At the end of October, two delegations from the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado visited Ramat Hanegev: A 16-member Seniors Delegation headed by Larry Siegel and escorted by Susan Kramer. The visitors stayed at the Shanty House, traveled the length of the Egyptian border road, got acquainted with Ezuz and Khan Be’erotayim, Nitzana, Ayalim and the Neve Midbar Hot Springs. The delegation was very impressed by what’s being done in the region, and especially by the pioneering spirit they found everywhere they went. At the sum-up session they told Mayor Shmuel Rifman that they were able to feel and see the realization of Ben-Gurion’s dream.

A delegation of 28 young adults, conducted by Federation leaders Judi Robins and Doug Seserman, met with the Young Adults’ Forum of Ramat Hanegev for a joint jeep trip, after which they cooked a delicious dinner under the guidance of our mayor [and renowned chef]. The next day featured early morning bike-riding in the Mashabim area, jogging and yoga. After breakfast they were taken for an interesting tour in Ayalim.

On the Egyptian border they heard a first-hand overview by the deputy regiment commander of the entire IDF district regarding the work of the regiment in securing the border, ending the day with a comprehensive tour of the Nitzana Youth Village and a meeting with some of the program’s participants. At the end of their visit the delegation members expressed their appreciation, particularly remarking on the fascinating discourse they had with the Israelis  they met.

We were also visited by Roberta McGowan, CEO of the Aspen Jewish community, who dedicated the new basketball court in Beer Milka, built thanks to a generous contribution of the Aspen community. Other welcome visitors were Peggy and Mary, long-time friends of Ramat Hanegev, who came, as they do every year, for a week-long visit here.

New developments and new beginnings…

The Ramat Hanegev Regional Council’s Women’s Business Forum is on its way!

The director-general of the Ministry for Development of the Hanegev & the Galilee at the Ramat Hanegev Women's Business Forum

Approximately 40 women entrepreneurs from the region took part last month in the first meeting of the Women’s Business Forum. Held at the Ramat Hanegev Community Center, the forum welcomed honored guest Orna Hosman-Bechor, Director-general of the Ministry for Development of the Hanegev and the Galilee, who addressed the forum and promised that her office would assist in promoting women who own small businesses in the region, declaring,

I am with you!”

Mayor Rifman also addressed the forum saying, “Entrepreneurship, in general, and women’s enterprises, in particular, generate economic development. I’m delighted to see so many businesswomen here,” said Rifman, promising that the council would continue supporting and promoting small businesses, especially from the marketing aspect. In the region roughly 50 women entrepreneurs operate businesses in a variety of fields. Setting up the forum and holding a wide range of activities is designed to help not only these women but also others interested in networking and boosting their business activity and success. The forum plans to convene on a regular monthly basis.

First Home in the Homeland

The [Hebrew language-teaching] Ulpan has opened its 4^th group, which will aid in the absorption of 26 new immigrants.

At Kibbutz Revivim this past August we opened a new class for 26 new immigrants from the FSU (Former Soviet Union), the U.S. and even Estonia. The advantage of learning Hebrew in a kibbutz ulpan is the ability to make a newcomer feel at home in the country while teaching him/her the language of the land in a totally Hebrew speaking environment.

In addition to their studies, the immigrants will enjoy fieldtrips, workshops and lectures to become better acquainted with the land and culture of Israel, as well as cultural and social activities in the communities throughout the region.

Our new “Green” elementary school in the new educational campus of Midreshet

In early November the new Katherine & Andre Merage Educational Campus was dedicated at the “Zin” Elementary School, the first ecological elementary school in Ramat Hanegev. The dedication ceremony was honored by the presence of the donor Mrs. Katherine Merage, by the district manager of the Education Ministry Mrs. Amira Haim, by Mayor Shmuel Rifman and other honored guests. The school has been officially defined by the Ministry of Education as “a path-breaking school in the study of environmental protection and in community involvement.”

The new school was constructed according to ecological principles that included many elements based on the knowledge, gathered in the Ramat Hanegev Institute for Desert Research, regarding the use of solar energy for light and radiation. The regional council invested approximately 3 million NIS in this school, whereby the green, conservation elements added an estimated cost of 10% to the investment. However, it is believed that in the long run this investment will pay off in terms of significant saving on energy costs.

Pharm’Adom Desert Spirit– a unique rehab village in the Hanegev

In a moving ceremony attended by the president of Israel, the minister of welfare, the Rashi Foundation and other donors, the national rehabilitation-village project entitled “Desert Spirit Pharmadom” was recently inaugurated in Ramat Hanegev. Partners in the construction of the village, for which a sum of 60 million NIS was invested, include government offices, the National Lottery, Ramat Hanegev Regional Council and a group of pharmacists from France, Pharmadom, who decided to sponsor this project.

The village will treat approximately 210 patients who will live there 6-12 months, receiving a variety of treatment programs designed to return them to useful, productive lives in the community.

Only a strong community like Ramat Hanegev can establish a social project of this kind, knowing that the village will contribute to the community no less than the community will contribute to it,” declared Shmuel Rifman at the ceremony. “Establishing Desert Spirit,” Rifman stressed, “will add to Ramat Hanegev and the entire region around 70 quality employment opportunities in diverse fields.”

Come enjoy a pizza dinner and learn more about the joint Boulder/Denver delegation going to the Games and Artsfest in Israel, trip dates, cost and logistics. Meet Jamie Skog, Denver JCC Maccabi Teen Coordinator, and Phil Rubinstein, Boulder JCC Jteen staff.
Tuesday, October 26 – 6:30 – 7:30 pm, at the Boulder JCC. Contact Sara Goldberg at 303-921-6952 or Phil Rubinstein at jteen@boulderjcc.org with any questions.

Saturday, October 23 at 7 p.m.
Discounted ticket price: $10 per athlete

The JCC Maccabi Teen Network is heading to the final Colorado Rapids Game of the season, and it wouldn’t be the same without YOU. Reconnect with friends from the summer games, watch our soccer teams receive special recognition on the field and just have a good evening out.

For questions and to RSVP, contact Jamie Skog by October 14 at jskog@jccdenver.org or (303) 316-6391.

Parents and families: If you are interested in going to the game but want to sit in a different section, there are discounted tickets available. Please contact Jamie Skog.

All interested teens and parents, please join us for the 2011 JCC Maccabi Kick-off evening in Boulder. Even though it may seem like the 2010 JCC Maccabi Games just ended, it is time to gear up for next summer’s 2011 JCC Maccabi Games.

This past summer Denver/Boulder had over 200 athletes compete and we want to make sure that our community continues to have a strong contingency. This summer you can join athletes and artists from around the world in Israel! Come enjoy a delicious pizza dinner and learn about the following:

• Joint Boulder/Denver delegation info for the Games and Artsfest
• Trip dates, cost and logistics
• Meet Jamie Skog, Denver JCC Maccabi Teen Coordinator, and Phil Rubinstein, Boulder JCC Jteen staff.

Tuesday, October 26th, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, at the Boulder JCC, 3800 Kalmia Ave. Contact Sara Goldberg at 303-921-6952 or Phil Rubinstein at jteen@boulderjcc.org with any questions. Team Try-outs begin in November – don’t miss this amazing opportunity!

I’m Jewish. It was not always easy to verbalize, especially in a public forum. I spent my youth trying to de-emphasize my religion as it set me apart from my peer group. But, now, I rank being Jewish as the third trait with which I most identify, behind being female and an athlete. I am not highly religious. I do not attend Synagogue with any regularity. Sitting in services tests my every last nerve and I endlessly shift in my seat, counting the pages until the last prayer is completed. No, for me, the importance of being Jewish is the history, customs, and celebration. I gather my Jewish friends on the Jewish New Year and Passover and inflict upon them my terrible singing voice as I recite the prayers I learned many years ago. The evening I am writing this, we had a lovely Sabbath dinner, complete with wine and challah.

My trepidation about religion stemmed from my experiences with anti-semitism growing up. It was confusing and as a teen-ager I was not equipped to deal with this heady issue. I chose to ignore it instead, letting the remarks fester, and did my best to keep my Jewish-ness below the surface and unmentioned. I attended Brown University, which boasts a 25% Jewish student body. Inevitably, I met many Jews and slowly became more comfortable with my religion. I attended Hillel services, “The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life” at over 500 colleges and universities. I was slowly coming out of my shell.

Joanna (r) and her sister Laurie at the 1989 Maccabiah Games

In 1989, along with my sister, I represented the United States at the Maccabiah Games for swimming. The Maccabiah Games, the third largest world sport competition, are the Jewish Olympics and are held every four years in Israel. A very international contingent participates, with athletes competing from 50 countries. It was an amazing, life-changing experience. Prior to the opening ceremonies, US athletes from the different sports were brought together and we were broken up into small groups to discuss all matters of being a Jewish athlete. I was amazed to hear the stories from others that were similar to my own. They too, had experienced disparaging comments and felt the same shame I had at being Jewish. I shared this story:

My swim coach while growing up said “I realize your sister’s Bat Mitzvah is important, but can’t you swim on a relay?” Hmm. Do you really get it?

The most amazing part of the entire trip, though, was walking into the stadium during the opening ceremonies. I was surrounded by thousands of Jews from all over the world. And then, they played Hatikvah, the Israeli National Anthem, the words to which I knew so well from my years attending a Jewish Day School. I was overwhelmed with pride and decided I would never hide being Jewish again.

Religion. According to Wikipedia, religion is “a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a supernatural agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.” Where does religion fit into your life?

Mazal tov and good luck to: Joshua Brown, Ethan Fellows, Emma Freedman, Samuel Garelick, Sammy Greenwald, Daniel Hayoun, David Kocina, Megan Kocina, Ataliah Landsman, Yarrow Linden, Grant Lurie, Sadie Matthews, Andrew Pollack, Eliana Rusk, Haley Schusterman, Lauren Schusterman, Ariel Shlosberg, Alec Snyder, Nathan Stein, Matthew Stern, Aaron Wildman, Rikki Wolpowitz, Rebecca Leaf, Graham Gansar, Isaac Bates-Vinueza, Stephanie Flint, Maya Ellis, Isabelle Nathanson, and Jake Sigmond!

Volunteers are still needed to serve as time keepers and score keepers for shifts during the day. Register to volunteer here or call the Denver JCC Maccabi Games office at 303-316-6318.  If you want to attend the Games as a spectator, you MUST register in advance for security reasons. You can sign up here! For more information, contact Boulder JCC Maccabi Games Coordinator, Sara Goldberg, at 303-921-6952 or sara@boulderjcc.org.

This year’s event is on Sunday, June 6 – less than a week after Memorial Day. That means it’s a short week. Really.  Believe us. It’s about a month away.

The all-volunteer Boulder Jewish Festival planning committee has been working on this year’s event for more than a year. In fact, some of the planning for 2010 began even before the 2009 festival. And the hard work and dedication of this team pays off each year.

This year, the team introduced online registration for community booths and artists. We used Boulder-based RegOnline.com. The committee had been using paper registration (with checks for payment and hand-written contact information) for 15 years.  We were looking for a way to handle less paper and fewer checks, while giving groups an easy way to get the registration/equipment rentals done without needing a stamp. We are thrilled with the results – we had more groups than ever register, and the event was full by the deadline we set in April. Most of the registrants took advantage of the secure online credit card payment system, and we don’t have to decipher any one’s handwriting either. Huge win!  If your group isn’t already using an online registration system for events, it might be time to give it a test-drive. We found a higher, faster response rate – wouldn’t you like that for your events?

Another win this year: involving the JCC Maccabi team for a sports-themed kids area.  The teens on the Denver JCC Maccabi team will be staffing the kids area until 3 pm. At around 3 each year, most of the younger kids have gone home to nap, so the kids area will transform into a giant GaGa pit for the teens to play.

That’s not all – but that’s it for now.  More details about this year’s event are on the Festival website, boulderjewishfestival.org, where you can find lists of Jewish non-profit groups, the artists that will be in the Judaic show, food vendors, the entertainment line-up and more. If you are involved with one of the participating non-profit groups, see if they could use your help, for an hour or two. Or, help out as a day-of-event volunteer with the Festival team – join the Meetup group for more info. You can “like” the Festival on Facebook, and get updates on Twitter too.

See you on June 6!

Many thanks to this year’s Festival sponsors: