Weekly Edition: January 8th, 2021

Shabbat shalom. Just when we thought the nightmare of 2020 was over, we get the President inciting a violent invasion of the US Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of President-elect Biden’s election. On the other hand, the Democratic Senate candidates in Georgia pulled out a double victory, giving Biden a slim majority in the Senate to work with when he ends Trump’s reign of terror in just under two weeks. Assuming we all make it that far. Is there a 14-day return policy for 2021?

While all this is going on, there has been some confusion this week on where Colorado is with regard to Covid and vaccines. 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

• Colorado JCRC Condemns Seditious Violence at the U.S. Capitol and Prays for the Safety of Our Elected Officials (1/7/2021) - Like many Americans, the members of the Colorado Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) watched in horror and disgust as extremists violently attempted to take control of the U.S. Capitol at the time that the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives were to certify the Electoral College vote count from the November election. Continue Reading
• Boulder JCC Launches Survey to Gauge Program Needs (1/7/2021) - The Boulder JCC has launched a community-wide survey to ensure they are offering programs that meet your interests. The survey takes 5-7 minutes to complete. Continue Reading
• God’s Gift to the Bronx? (1/7/2021) - As he experiences his first week in Congress, Jamaal Bowman will start on a path to do everything he suggests that Rep. Eliot L. Engel failed to do and perhaps even obstructed. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• Jacqueline Charlotte Steven Bat Mitzvah (1/6/2021) - On Saturday, January 9th, 2020, Jacqueline Charlotte Steven will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Continue Reading

• Neustadt Jewish Arts Festival Brings Magic, Comedy, Film and Music to Denver (8/6/2026) - 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
• From October 7 to the Runway: U of Haifa Fashion Graduates Showcase Collections of Resilience (8/2/2026) - The Class of 2026 University of Haifa runway show presented 25 collections by Israeli fashion graduates, reflecting personal experiences and cultural heritage amid recent conflicts. Continue Reading
• Christopher Nolan Brings His Midas Touch to the World’s First Blockbuster (7/30/2026) - Christopher Nolan's adaptation of the Odyssey revitalizes the classic tale, emphasizing universal themes and modern moral dilemmas while captivating contemporary audiences. Continue Reading
• Graphic Content (7/30/2026) - Historian Rafael Medoff tells Judith Magazine why he refused his publisher's demand to denounce Israel in 'Cartoonists Against the Holocaust.' Continue Reading
• Unleash Your Creativity: Discover Adult Art Classes at the Boulder JCC (7/23/2026) - The Boulder JCC offers diverse adult art workshops this season, featuring evening and daytime sessions led by skilled instructors, designed for all experience levels to explore creativity. Continue Reading
• This Is How You Can Become A Great Storyteller (7/16/2026) - Boulder Valley Spellbinders® offers storytelling training for volunteers, enhancing literacy and community while providing enjoyable experiences telling stories. Continue Reading
• Celebrating American Jews Who Helped Forge Our Nation’s Complicated History (7/12/2026) - The Boulder JCC screens two films on July 28, exploring America's complex history, highlighting Jewish contributions and legacies, and celebrating freedoms gained. Continue Reading
• July Continues To Heat Up As TV Series “Bloody Murray” Launches Exclusively On ChaiFlicks (7/12/2026) - "Bloody Murray," a critically acclaimed Israeli romantic comedy series, won five awards at the Israeli Television Academy Awards and premieres on ChaiFlicks July 19. Continue Reading
• Lights, Camera, Culture! Why You Can’t Miss This Year’s Boulder Jewish Film Festival (7/9/2026) - The Boulder Jewish Film Festival returns from October 25 to November 1, showcasing influential films celebrating Jewish contributions to culture and society. Tickets available October 8. Continue Reading
• Celebrate America at 250 with Two Films Highlighting Jewish History (6/18/2026) - In celebration of America at 250, the Boulder JCC presents two films illuminating Jewish contributions to our new nation’s history on Tuesday, July 28 at the Dairy Arts Center’s Boedecker Theater. Join Boulder Jewish Film Festival founding director Kathryn Bernheimer and guests to view and discuss two festival favorites that shed light on unfamiliar chapters… Continue Reading
• Doorways to God’s Intentions (5/21/2026) - A new poem from Lisa Tremback. Continue Reading
• Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature Announces Finalists for 2026 Nonfiction (5/14/2026) - The Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature has announced the 2026 nonfiction finalists, highlighting authors' works that explore and illuminate the Jewish experience through personal and historical narratives. Continue Reading
• Comedian Noah Gardenswartz Headlines ‘Tight 5’ Comedy Showcase (4/9/2026) - The Mizel Arts and Culture Center hosts The Tight Five comedy showcase on April 30, featuring Noah Gardenswartz and emerging comedians. Continue Reading
• Boulder International Film Festival Announces 2026 Adventure Film Program (4/9/2026) - The Boulder International Film Festival's Adventure Film Program, from April 10-12, 2026, features 25 adventure films, filmmakers, and discussions celebrating outdoor culture. Continue Reading
• Jazz Legend Fred Hersch to Headline Closing Night of Denver Jazz Fest April 12 (4/7/2026) - Acclaimed jazz pianist Fred Hersch will headline closing night of the Denver Jazz Fest on April 12, showcasing his innovative artistry with his trio. Tickets range from $39–$59. Continue Reading

Events

• Discuss Science and Judaism Online with Dr. Noah Finkelstein (1/7/2021) - How is it that we understand the natural world and our place in it? Both science and religion seek to provide answers --- And notably, they are often placed in conflict/ opposition. Continue Reading
• This Week at Nevei Kodesh – Jan 8-13 (1/7/2021) - Nevei Kodesh, a warm and welcoming Jewish Renewal Community invites you to join us virtually for prayer, study and connection! Continue Reading
• Shabbat on Snow This Saturday at Copper with Rabbi Jamie Korngold (1/6/2021) - Adventure Rabbi’s classic event, Shabbat on Snow, is back at Copper Mountain. Continue Reading
• Terrific Tastings Series From Boulder JCC and Osher Marin JCC (1/6/2021) - Are you looking to try something new or bring a little sweetness into your life? This series offers you the opportunity to sample exciting delicacies from the comfort of your own home! Continue Reading