It’s been an eventful month for Menorah. On the Friday before our Jazz Brunch Fundraiser, our director Kathryn Bernheimer fell and sustained a serious injury, breaking both shoulders (which required surgery to repair), as well as six broken ribs and a small bone in her hand.

The show went on, with many faithful Menorah volunteers and Boulder JCC staff jumping in at the last minute to make sure the event went smoothly. Indeed the fundraiser went exactly as planned, honoring Barbara and Tom Trager for their invaluable contribution to Menorah, the JCC and the community at large. More than 120 people attended the lively New Orleans-themed gala, featuring a delectable Bayou Brunch by Spice of Life and scintillating musical entertainment donated by David Fulker Jazz.

The event far exceeded its fundraising goal, with a combination of generous giving at the paddle raiser and a wildly successful live auction and a creative silent auction. By the way, there are still a few openings for our “experiences,” so call Irene at 303-998-1900 if you are interested in joining a private screening of the award-wining “Nicky’s Family,” or a poker night with Irwin Neulight, or a house concert with Judy Megibow.

Menorah is extremely grateful for the community’s generous and enthusiastic participation in this vital source of financial support for our cultural arts programming. And we appreciate that so many of you told us how much you enjoyed the day.

The news of the Jazz Brunch’s enthusiastic response certainly brightened Kathryn’s spirits in the hospital. She is now home healing and looks forward to a complete recovery – and returning to work in early 2014. Cynthia Weinger is the interim Menorah director and brings enormous expertise to the position. Please direct any questions to her at menorah@boulderjcc.org or 303-998-1021.

Personal communication with Kathryn is welcome via her cell phone since typing is still a challenge. Kathryn also wanted us to let everyone know how much she appreciates the tremendous outpouring of support and help from the community, and appreciates all the work the board has taken on in her absence.

Menorah’s programs will continue as planned and Kathryn hopes to be on the Cuba trip in January. Stay tuned for information on our two Veteran’s Day programs, Monday November 11 at the Boe with filmmakers Daphna Rubin and Steven Hoggard in person, and our Thursday November 14 lunch and learn salute to the late and dearly missed George Lichter. Also, you won’t want to miss “Shalom Y’all: Celebrating the Jews of the South” – a dinner, film and concert on Sunday December 8.

Also, Colorado Gives Day is December 10, another opportunity to support Menorah’s commitment to enhancing Jewish life through cultural arts.

The planning for the second annual Boulder Jewish Film Festival is also well underway. The week of Boulder premieres will open Thursday February 27, 2014 with “Sukkah City” and director Jason Hutt in person. It closes March 9 with “The Ballad of the Weeping Spring” and a Mizrahi music concert. Anyone who would like to be involved should contact Cynthia.

Again, we are awed, humbled and encouraged by your support. And remember, volunteers are always welcome!

President Susan Litt and the Menorah