After a year’s hiatus, Kaleidoscope is back with a new format and renewed commitment to engage women of all ages, backgrounds, affiliations and interests.

Allied Jewish Federation’s Boulder Women’s Division originally created the signature event to bring together women for an evening of learning and socializing. The annual outreach event featured a national speaker and home-made desserts.

This year, as the Boulder Women’s division began to re-organize, the Kaleidoscope planning committee decided to revamp the event to make it even more inclusive and to reach a wider group of women. The committee decided to turn Kaleidoscope into a mini-retreat – an interactive, social evening to nourish the mind, body and spirit – and to enlist some of the many talented and interesting women right here in our own community as presenters.

Also for the first time, Federation is partnering with the Boulder JCC on Kaleidoscope, which aligns with the decision to widen the scope of the community building event. Kaleidoscope: Phases of the Jewish Woman will take place at the Boulder JCC on Thursday, May 5.

Kaleidoscope will begin at 4 pm with an optional yoga session led by Nicole Koukou. Space is limited to the first 15 people to register and sign up for the yoga option.

Check-in and schmooze runs from 4:45-5:15, and the first set of break-out sessions begins at 5:15. Participants can choose one of three programs to attend. (See descriptions below)

At 6 pm, the group will come together for a boxed dinner, wine, and a keynote address by Ellyn Hutt on the Phases of the Jewish Woman.

Following the talk, participants will choose one of four break-out sessions. At 8 pm, the women will come together again for dessert, music, and sharing.

Click here to register

Break-out sessions:

FIRST SESSION:

Mirror, Mirror: Learning to Accept What We See

With Diane Israel

Join us for a truthful discussion about the struggles so many woman have with being comfortable in their skin. We’ll discuss the real issues around body, culture, beliefs and  aging, as well as our bodies as metaphor for our lives.

Diane Israel is a psychotherapist who works with people with body image issues, a senior counselor at Women’s Quest, and a professor of transpersonal psychology at Naropa. A former world-class runner and triathlete, she produced the award-winning documentary, “Beauty Mark.”

(beautymarkmovie.com)

Acupuncture: Ancient Medicine for the Modern Woman

With Erin Pass

Learn how acupuncture can help you at whatever stage you are in life. It can help regulate the menstrual cycle, aid in fertility, support women through menopause, help with any acute or chronic injuries, support the immune system and reduce stress.

Erin Pass is a Boulder-based licensed acupuncturist, a Diplomate in Chinese Herbology, and the editor of “Acupuncture 1,2,3” written by Dr. Tan.

(acupunctureclinicofboulder.com)

“All the Records Were Destroyed!”… And Other Myths of Jewish Genealogy

With Buzzy Jackson

Wondering about those stories you heard about a mysterious relative? Curious to know more about your great-great-great grandparents? Come learn how to get started tracing your family history.

Buzzy Jackson’s most recent book is “Shaking the Family Tree: Blue Bloods, Black Sheep, and Other Obsessions of an Accidental Genealogist.”

(buzzyjackson.com)

SECOND SESSION:

A Woman is Not a Man in a Small Body

With Kathryn Johnson

We all know that men and women are different. Major differences exist in the incidences of many illnesses, including heart disease, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases and cancer – and in the way women absorb and respond to alcohol.

Kathryn Johnson is the PA for Dr. Hillary Browne.

You Eat What You Are:  Judaism, Food, and Fulfillment

With Sarah Shulman

Discover the secrets of eating for a healthy life and world. Learn about Hazon’s efforts in Colorado to support and build the grassroots food and environmental movement in the Jewish community.

Sarah Shulman is the Director of Community Education for Hazon, the largest American Jewish environmental organization.  Sarah is on a leave of absence from rabbinical school at American Jewish University with a background in education, health, and elite athletics.

(hazon.org)

Putting the Fun Back in Dys“fun”ctional: Families and Relationships

With Celia Sinoway and Sharon Campbell
Mother-in-law driving you crazy? Siblings seething with resentment? Join us as we take a light-hearted view of those relationships you can’t choose and create a vision for your own unique family.

Celia and Sharon are therapists in private practice in Boulder working with individuals, couples and families. Celia is also the Director of Jewish Affairs at CU Boulder.

Storahtelling: Ancient Jewish Stories for New Generations
With Professor Caryn Aviv

Storahtelling is deep inside Jewish tradition, and way outside the box. Join us for a lively workshop that makes ancient Jewish text come alive. No Hebrew or dramatic skills required, just your imagination and open heart!
Caryn Aviv is the director of Storahtelling Colorado, and teaches in the areas of contemporary Jewish culture, Israel Studies, and gender/sexuality in Judaism at CU’s Program in Jewish Studies.

(shorahtelling.org)