Vibrant Jewish life in Boulder today would not be possible if not for the courage, commitment, and vision of a small group of Jews in the early 1960s.

Organized as the Boulder Jewish Fellowship, these “Jewish Pioneers” laid the groundwork for the first of many of today’s Boulder synagogues and Jewish organizations when Congregation Har HaShem was constructed in 1967.

On April 9th, Har HaShem will honor many of its founders at a special gala called “An Enchanted Evening in the Rain Forest.” This event is open to the public, although seating is limited.

The RSVP deadline to attend is Tuesday, March 29th.

The event will be held Saturday, April 9th at 6:30 PM in Har HaShem’s South Building located at 3901 Pinon Drive. The cost to attend is $72 per person. There will be a cash bar, catered hors d’oeuvres and dinner, dancing to popular band Alive on Arrival (AOA), a raffle for a hip scooter, an entertaining paddle raiser led by presidents past and present, and other fun surprises. The master of ceremonies will be Gary Shapiro of 9NEWS.

“April 9th will be a wonderful night to pay tribute to many of Boulder’s Jewish pioneers. Honor them with your presence, and be inspired by these people who created a Jewish community from which we all benefit,” said Har HaShem Senior Rabbi Josh Rose.

The honorees are Art Bronstein, Shirley Bronstein z”l, Rita and Bill Corn, Art Estin, Edie Davidson Estin z”l, Laura Fischer, Irwin Fischer z”l, Stan Goldberg, Anni Andries Goldberg z”l, Herb Kauvar, Gilda Kauvar z”l, Nanette Mannheimer, Rudy Mannheimer z”l, Barbara and Don Margolis, Phil Stern, Irwin Wilson, and Norma Wilson z”l.

Can’t attend but want to show your support? Purchase an ad in the Tribute Book to honor an individual founder or the whole group – $18, $36, $250, $500, $1000. Contact Gary Fifer at g.fifer@harhashem.org or (303) 499-7077 x 10.

For information about the event, contact Karen Taylor at (303) 499-8136 or blackdiamond61@comcast.net. To RSVP by March 29th, call (303) 499-7077.