Weekly Edition: January 29th, 2021

Shabbat shalom! Purim is coming…

Here are links to the latest information from the state of Colorado about Covid and about vaccines. Please be sure to follow all the recommendations/ requirements of Boulder County Public Health to combat COVID-19, including wearing masks in public and avoiding gatherings outside your family group.

You can find all of our local community virtual services at the “Jewish Community Virtual Offerings” link below under “Events”. There is also a link to the list of online programs being offered by the Boulder JCC.

Meanwhile, here are sources that will have the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Boulder and Colorado:

• Boulder JCC for the Jewish community
• Congregation Har HaShem for the Jewish community
• City of Boulder
• Boulder County
• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
• Centers for Disease Control

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay warm.

News/Columns

• Column: Ossoff and Schumer Launch Us Into New Era (1/28/2021) - Three senators, two of them Jewish, can be credited with launching America into a new political era. Continue Reading
• ADL Disturbed by Holocaust, Nazi Analogies Leveled in Boulder City Council Conversation Over Prairie Dog Control (1/27/2021) - The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Mountain States Region is concerned about postcards sent to members of the Boulder City Council comparing them to Nazis and the “gassing” of prairie dogs to the extermination of Jews during the Holocaust, as well as a conversation reportedly among council members where one council member allegedly supported the analogies. Continue Reading
• Jewish Disabilities Advocates Synagogues Shine a Spotlight on Mental Illness Awareness (1/27/2021) - Recognizing a pressing need to reduce stigma regarding mental illness, the four synagogues that are part of Jewish Family Service’s Jewish Disabilities Advocates, will focus on mental illness awareness during Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, & Inclusion Month in February. Continue Reading
• Put Your Values Into Action: Applications Now Open for Spring Service Corps (1/27/2021) - Part-time, paid Corps Members serve virtually or in person with local nonprofit partners in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. The fellowship runs from March 15 - May 21, 2021. Continue Reading
• JFS Boulder and Local Partners Launch Wildfire Mental Health Program (1/25/2021) - In response to the October 2020 Cal-Wood and Lefthand Canyon wildfires, Boulder County Community Services, Community Foundation Boulder County, and Jewish Family Service are launching the Wildfire Mental Health Program (WMHP) to assist fire-impacted individuals and families seeking crisis support. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• It’s a Purim Painting Party! (1/28/2021) - Painting is fun. Purim is fun. Painting (virtually) with friends while learning about Purim is fun squared. Continue Reading
• This Weekend at Nevei Kodesh January 29-Feb 1 (1/28/2021) - Nevei Kodesh, a warm and welcoming Jewish Renewal Community invites you to join us virtually for prayer, study and connection! Continue Reading
• From Ecstasy to Lunch – A New and Insightful Book on Kabbalah (1/25/2021) - Boulder-area kabbalist and author, Samuel Ben-Or Avital, has just released his newest book, "From Ecstasy to Lunch."  Continue Reading
• Tobias Goldman Bar Mitzvah (1/25/2021) - On Saturday, January 30th, 2021, Tobias Goldman will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Continue Reading

Arts and Culture

• Don’t Miss These Intriguing Titles at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival (10/22/2026) - Boulder Jewish Film Festival showcases sold-out films like "The Sea" and “Once Upon My Mother," with tickets available for select screenings and discussions. Continue Reading
• Meet Director Abby Ginzberg at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival (10/20/2026) - The Boulder Jewish Film Festival features director Abby Ginzberg's documentary on Henrietta Szold, highlighting her significant contributions to healthcare in Palestine. Continue Reading
• The Boulder Jewish Film Festival Adds a 2nd Screening of Woody Guthrie Film (10/13/2026) - Tickets are going fast, but it's not too late to see some of the best films. Continue Reading
• True Stories, Inspiring People to Encounter at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival (10/8/2026) - Of the 13 films being presented this year at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival, ten are based on true stories. Many of the people you will meet on screen are inspirational figures, role models and heroes – and all are admirable. Continue Reading
• Two Festival Films Share a Connection to the Recent Thwarted Hijacking (10/7/2026) - The bravery of the Israelis who stormed the cockpit aboard FlyDubai 1073 is echoed in two heroic stories depicted in films that will be presented at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival. Continue Reading
• Jeff & Paige Bring Rainbow Socks to PBS October 4 (9/28/2026) - "Rainbow Socks" is a new live-action series starring Boulder locals Jeff & Paige that combines music, movement, and science to inspire children aged 4-8 to explore nature outdoors. Continue Reading
• “Always A Boy” Premieres At JAAMM Fest Oct. 9 (9/28/2026) - "Always A Boy," adapted from Jo Ivester's memoir, explores family and identity as Joshua transitions while preparing for a wedding, showing love and acceptance. Continue Reading
• A Night of Parisian Jazz with the Jessica Gabrielle Quartet (9/27/2026) - Jessica Gabrielle will perform at Nocturne Jazz Club on October 2nd with a talented rhythm section, blending pop, jazz, and soul influences. Jessica is the daughter of Sylvain and Pam Hayoun of Boulder. Continue Reading
• Come Prepared to Laugh in a Class Celebrating Jewish Stand-Up Comedy Legends (9/24/2026) - Explore Jewish stand-up comedy's evolution in a three-week class celebrating iconic performers and their impact on Jewish culture and humor. Continue Reading
• Neustadt Jewish Arts Festival Brings Magic, Comedy, Film and Music to Denver (9/24/2026) - The Mizel Arts and Culture Center hosts the Neustadt JAAMM Festival in October, featuring diverse performances that celebrate contemporary Jewish life, including magic, comedy, and film. Continue Reading
• Heaven’s Only Hospital Closes on Saturdays (9/21/2026) - Steven Winkelstein's "The Day God Got Amnesia," a comedic novel about God in a coma, will debut October 13 at Boulder Book Store, blending Boulder coffee culture with Heaven's bureaucracy. Continue Reading
• KinClub Launches Free Family Events and Activities Site, Rolling Out in Boulder and 14 Cities (9/10/2026) - KinClub Family Activities launches a free website offering local family event calendars, activity ideas, and ready-made weekend plans in Boulder and 14 markets, simplifying planning for parents. Continue Reading
• 2026 Boulder Jewish Film Festival Features Women and Heroes (9/3/2026) - The Boulder Jewish Film Festival returns to the Dairy Arts Center October 25th to November 1st for an eight-day exploration of the Jewish experience on screen. Continue Reading
• The Recipe My Great-Grandmother Measured in Handfuls (8/31/2026) - Jake Lazar reflects on his great-grandmother Jeanne's legacy through her mandel bread recipe, inspiring generations of bakers in their family and emphasizing the importance of preserving culinary traditions. Continue Reading
• Colorado Hebrew Chorale Open Rehearsals – Come Try Out (8/20/2026) - The Colorado Hebrew Chorale begins its 2026-2027 Season with two Open Rehearsals with ice cream on August 24 and August 31. Singers welcome. Continue Reading

Events

• Tonight: Unleash Curiosity, Movement, and Creativity: Winter After-School Programs at the Boulder JCC (10/20/2026) - The Boulder JCC offers diverse after-school programs for children, including arts, sports, and culinary classes, with an Open House tonight, October 21. Continue Reading
• Are Jews Still Protected by America’s Religious Freedom? A Vital Discussion Coming to the Boulder JCC (10/15/2026) - Jewish Americans, alongside other religious minorities, have historically benefited from the First Amendment. A community event will discuss its current status and future implications. Continue Reading
• Har Hashem Brotherhood to Host Talk with Boulder Police Department (10/15/2026) - Join the Har HaShem Brotherhood on October 29 for a discussion with Boulder Police, focusing on public safety, followed by an open Q&A. Continue Reading
• JEWISHcolorado to Honor Debra Weinstein at Women’s Philanthropy Lion/POM Luncheon (10/13/2026) - JEWISHcolorado will honor Debra Weinstein with the 2027 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award for her philanthropy and leadership at the Women's Philanthropy Luncheon. Continue Reading
• Dara Horn to Speak at Temple Emanuel Denver (10/8/2026) - Dara Horn will deliver the Michael Schatz Annual Memorial Lecture on October 17, 2026, discussing her work on antisemitism and Jewish identity. Continue Reading
• Outdoor Magic at Milk and Honey Farm (10/7/2026) - This October 15–25, the community comes together for Co-Here, a festival celebrating connection, place, and shared experiences across Boulder. As part of this festive lineup, Milk and Honey Farm at the Boulder JCC is opening its gates to welcome visitors of all ages to two unique, family-friendly events celebrating the changing season and the beauty… Continue Reading
• Men of the J Announces October Schedule (9/30/2026) - Upcoming events for October include discussion groups, breakfast, hikes and a brewery meet up. Continue Reading
• JADE’s Latest “Boulder Death Schmooze” Set for October 22 (9/30/2026) - Join the Boulder Death Schmooze on May 6th for open discussions on death and loss in a supportive community. Share stories, reflect, and enjoy refreshments. Free, and donations welcome. Continue Reading
• An Evening with 10/7 Survivors Yosef Chaim Ohana and Daniel Sharabi (9/28/2026) - On October 6th, Hillel and Chabad of CU Boulder hosts a commemoration for the October 7th attacks, featuring speakers Yosef Chaim Ohana and Daniel Sharabi. Continue Reading
• Shabbat + Global Little Free Libraries with Beth Ami (9/28/2026) - Beth Ami hosts a Shabbat and talk by Russell Schnell about Little Free Libraries, promoting community sharing and reading on October 10. Continue Reading
• Free “Sing-Along in the Sukkah” Wednesday (9/27/2026) - The Colorado Hebrew Chorale invites the community to join them for their annual “Sing-Along in the Sukkah” to be held during Chol HaMoed Sukkot, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, 7:30 pm at a SE Denver location, rain or shine. The informal gathering in a Sukkah includes light refreshments and singing an array of Israeli classics, Hebrew… Continue Reading
• New Programs For the 50+ Community You Don’t Want To Miss! (9/24/2026) - The Boulder JCC announces a series of engaging October programs for the 50+ community focused on connection and education. Continue Reading
• 2026 Colorado Annual Jewish Genealogy Seminar (9/24/2026) - The Colorado Jewish Genealogy Society's 2026 Seminar, featuring Nolan Altman, takes place on October 18, 2026, offering insights into Jewish genealogy and valuable resources. Continue Reading
• The Great Big Challah Bake Is Back – Registration Now Open (9/24/2026) - Join the 11th Annual Great Big Challah Bake on November 5 from 7 - 9 pm to learn challah-making while supporting community food donations. Register now! Continue Reading
• Last Chance to Register for JNF Denver Breakfast for Israel (9/24/2026) - Yuval Raphael, a Nova Music Festival survivor and Eurovision finalist, will perform at the Jewish National Fund-USA's Breakfast for Israel on October 14, 2026, in Denver. Registration closes September 30. Continue Reading