Boulder Menorah Lighting Shifted to BJCC After Sunshine Wildland Fire Warnings

Warm, Indoor Ceremony Enjoyed by Hundred+

Governor Jared Polis addressed the crowd, Ira Greschler lit a menorah, latkes and sufganyot were served, and gelt was “dropped” — all of the elements of this year’s Grand Menorah Lighting in Boulder were present — except the Grand Menorah, the Courthouse Lawn on the Pearl Street Mall, and cold, outdoor weather.

Starting at about 2:00 pm Monday afternoon, Boulder County Sheriff’s and fire units responded to a fire in Sunshine Canyon, west of Boulder’s downtown area. Evacuation orders were issued west of Broadway St. mid afternoon, as the fire expanded under high winds. The Boulder JCC and Boulder County Center for Judaism, organizers of the annual Pearl St. Menorah Lighting event, decided to shift the event to the Boulder JCC to be on the safe side. (As of this writing, the fire is reportedly only 25% contained.)

Aside from re-convening on the other side of town from the evacuation zone, another advantage to the new location became immediately clear — for the first time in memory, the Menorah Lighting took place indoors, in Levin Hall — and everyone was warm and dry!

Steve Brodsky entertained while latkes, sufganyot, and hot chocolate was served from tables arrayed around the edges of the hall. Special Chanukah gloves were distributed to those who registered for the event, but there was no need to use them during the event!

Here are more pictures from the event, along with a link to the full gallery: