Weekly Edition: August 12th, 2022

Shabbat shalom! We are thankful that the spasm of violence that began in Israel a week ago seems to have calmed down.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with brothers and sisters under attack in Israel, Ukraine, as well as the women of this country.

Stay cool, stay safe and stay healthy!

Here are stories from the last week:

News/Columns

• Column: Gaza and the Vulnerable President (12/7/2023) - On Oct. 6, it would have been reasonable to predict that Biden or any Democratic nominee might sweep the six swing states, especially Michigan. After Oct. 7, Biden’s campaign could be imperiled in the aftermath of Hamas’ slaughter of 1,200 people in southern Israel. Continue Reading
• We Must Face Division with Calls for Unity (12/5/2023) - I am not looking for sympathy or pity, I tell my story as the basis for my life’s work: to bring unity and understanding everywhere I go. When protestors yell “from the river and to the sea” and other anti-Semitic chants, we must let the words of unity drown out those of division. Continue Reading
• Letter: A Future for Israel (12/5/2023) - Hamas must be dismantled and Gaza must be demilitarized. Furthermore, the Palestinians, who’ve been fed generations of anti-Jewish rhetoric, must be deradicalized. Continue Reading
• One Happy Camper Applications Now Open for Summer 2024 (12/3/2023) - The “One Happy Camper” summer camp grant program at JEWISHcolorado is now accepting applications for the 2024 summer camp session. Continue Reading
• Jewish Teen Leadership Award: Applications and Nominations Are Open (12/3/2023) - Do you know a teen leader like Aron, Meaza, or Anabelle making a difference in your community? The 2024 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize up to 15 Jewish teens from across the United States with $36,000 to honor their leadership and efforts to repair the world. Continue Reading
• Letter to Boulder City Council: Tearing Down of Hostage Signs on Pearl Street Mall (2) (12/3/2023) - I wish this incident captured on video was unbelievable in our fair City. ... An aware police force would be helpful, but it is essentially useless unless there is a relevant ordinance. Police can't enforce civility.  Continue Reading
• Letter to Boulder City Council: Tearing Down of Hostage Signs on Pearl Street Mall (3) (12/3/2023) - When my son and I went home from Pearl Street that day I asked him, “How is your Jewish identity these days?” He asked what I meant and I said, “Given all that’s happening in the world with the war and anti-Semitism, how does it feel for you to be a Jew?” He said, “Putting… Continue Reading
• Herut North America Announces a Day of Jewish Pride (11/30/2023) - Herut North America is planning a day of Jewish Pride for December 7, 2023, encouraging Jews to celebrate their heritage in response to rising antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Continue Reading
• Column: A Future for Israel? (11/30/2023) - “Palestinians Must Have Hope for a Brighter Future,” urges a New York Times headline. It tops a Thanksgiving Day opinion piece authored by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Hope for what? To kill more Jews? What about hope for the Jewish people? Continue Reading
• Letter to Boulder City Council: Tearing Down of Hostage Signs on Pearl Street Mall   (11/30/2023) - I am asking that City Council reach out to the Boulder Police Department to request that if people are seen ripping down these posters, or vandalizing them in any way, they will be asked to stop. Continue Reading
• Jewish Community Relations Council Responds to Anti-Israel Claims (11/27/2023) - The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is opposing anti-Israeli groups calling for disruptions to the Jewish National Fund's (JNF) Global Conference in Denver. JCRC affirms JNF's broad-reaching humanitarian work benefits Israelis of all backgrounds, despite certain protests against the organization. Continue Reading
• Letter: ADL Deeply Disturbed by Colorado State Lawmaker’s Disruption  (11/27/2023) - I agree with ADL’s Scott Levin that it was inappropriate for Representative Epps to try to insert anti-Israel language into legislation regarding a program to provide food for poor children. Continue Reading
• ADL Deeply Disturbed by Colorado State Lawmaker’s Disruption of Special Legislative Session (11/22/2023) - The Anti-Defamation League criticized a Colorado lawmaker, Elisabeth Epps, for derailing a debate on a student food program with comments about the Israel-Hamas conflict, and for heckling a Jewish colleague in the process. Continue Reading
• Why Israeli Public Diplomacy Is So Terrible and How That Might Help Win the War (11/22/2023) - Liberal Jews are scrambling to defend Israel and wondering why Israel keeps botching their own PR campaign. Why doesn't Israel help us to help them rather than making it harder? Continue Reading
• “StopDontShop” Makes You Think Twice About Where You Spend Your Money (11/22/2023) - Watchdog organization StopAntisemitism launches StopDontShop, a campaign to support Israel-advocating businesses and expose those supporting Hamas through an interactive website. The initiative aims to enable informed consumer choices. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• Andy Franklin to Be Honored as Lamplighter for Pearl Street Menorah Lighting (12/7/2023) - Each year for over 20 years the Boulder Center for Judaism has lit a menorah for the community on the Pearl Street Mall. Each year a member of the community who has worked especially hard for Boulder’s Jews is asked to light that special community menorah and this year it is our pleasure to give… Continue Reading
• Chanukah Celebrations for Kids and Teens (12/7/2023) - The Boulder JCC is excited to celebrate Chanukah with you and your family. Please join us for one of our upcoming activities for families and teens Saturday December 9 and Sunday December 10. Continue Reading
• Chanukah on Ice Moved to Chanukah on the Plaza in Louisville! (12/7/2023) - We are excited to invite you to a special Chanukah Menorah lighting in Louisville on Tuesday, December 12. Continue Reading
• Latkes and Lights to Celebrate Chanukah – 3 Great Events (12/7/2023) - The Boulder JCC is excited to offer several opportunities for adults to come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights.  Continue Reading
• It’s Chanukah! (12/7/2023) - A Chanukah poem from Lisa Tremback Continue Reading
• Keep At It, a Poem (12/5/2023) - A new poem from Todd Greenberg. Continue Reading
• Baruch Dayan HaEmet – Annette Finesilver z”l (12/5/2023) - Annette Finesilver, Susan Finesilver's mother, passed away peacefully on Shabbat, December 2, 2023 and is being buried in Denver on Wednesday. Continue Reading
• Beth Ami Invites You to Their Humanistic Chanukah Party (12/3/2023) - Beth Ami Colorado Congregation for Humanistic Judaism is inviting the public to attend its annual Chanukah Party on December 9th. Continue Reading
• Cayden Rosenthal Bet Mitzvah (12/3/2023) - On Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 Harper Hammer-Cadora will be called to the Torah as Bet Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Continue Reading
• Baruch Dayan HaEmet – Zafrira Ben-Joseph z”l (12/3/2023) - Zafrira Ben-Joseph (Zafi), mother of Eirit Yonatan and Ron Ben-Joseph and mother-in-law of Bonai Board member Alon Yonatan died on Thursday, November 30, 2023.  Continue Reading
• Second Annual Latkes and Lights Chanukah Celebration at JCC Denver Is Sunday December 3 (11/30/2023) - WHO: Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC Denver); local restaurants including KeepSake Colorado, Latke Love, Leven Deli Co., Rosenberg’s, Safta, Zaidy’s and more; guest judges including 9News meteorologist, Chris Bianchi, food blogger and writer, Kristina Vasquez, Colorado Public Radio host, Ryan Warner, state representative of House District 2, Steven Woodrow; and the greater Denver community. WHAT: The second annual Latkes and Lights… Continue Reading
• A Compilation of Jewish and Israel Resources and Links for These Troubling Times (11/30/2023) - The BJN is gathering links to programs, resources and sources that you might find helpful and/or interesting during this latest Israel crisis. Continue Reading
• Visiting Scholar Will Offer “Authentic Responses” This Weekend (11/27/2023) - Dr./Rabbi/Professor/Musician Shaul Magid will be in Boulder this weekend for a series of talks, lectures, and a musical program, from November 30-December 2. Continue Reading
• Chanukah on Pearl Will Shine a Light (11/27/2023) - Chanukah on Pearl, sponsored by the Boulder JCC and the Boulder County Center for Judaism, will take place on the fifth night of Chanukah. Continue Reading
• Harper Hammer-Cadora Bet Mitzvah (11/27/2023) - On Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 Harper Hammer-Cadora will be called to the Torah as Bet Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Continue Reading

Arts and Culture

• Gallery Opening at Boulder JCC Celebrates First Night of Chanukah (12/7/2023) - The new exhibition, of works by metalsmith Paula Newman Pollachek, opened on Thursday, December 7. Much of Paula’s work in this show is Jewish ritual items. The exhibition will be on display at the Messinger Gallery through March 2024.  Continue Reading
• December Activities for Colorado Hebrew Chorale and Kol Nashim (12/3/2023) - Join us for one or more of our programs in December, and Happy Chanukah! Continue Reading
• Join Sid Fox for an Insightful Exploration of Creation Stories and Human Evolution (11/30/2023) - CU Retired Faculty Association will present 'In the Beginning' talk by Sid Fox, exploring human evolution's captivating saga and milestones, on December 4th, with a Zoom attendance option. Continue Reading
• Women of the J Presents Roman Jewish Cooking with Leah Koenig (11/20/2023) - Women of the J, a program of the Boulder JCC, welcomes Leah Koenig, Cookbook Author, on Wednesday, November 29. Continue Reading
• Finding Comfort in the Communal Cinematic Experience (11/16/2023) - Viewing films through a post-October 7th lens at the 11th Boulder Jewish Film Festival. Continue Reading
• Upbeat Film, “Rock Camp,” Opens 2023 Boulder Jewish Film Festival (11/2/2023) - The 2023 Boulder Jewish Film Festival is open and runs now through November 12. Continue Reading
• Will You Walk With Me? (11/2/2023) - A new poem from Todd Greenberg. Continue Reading
• These Are a Few of My Favorite Films (11/1/2023) - Boulder Jewish Film Festival Founding Director Kathryn Bernheimer shares some personal recommendations. Continue Reading
• The Boulder Jewish Film Festival Opens and Closes with “Music and a Mensch” (10/26/2023) - There's plenty of star power in the festival's surprisingly touching, music-filled opening and closing night films. Continue Reading
• The Boulder Jewish Film Festival Offers Its First Silent Film Screening (10/12/2023) - “The Man Without a World,” a silent film with live original music by violinist Alicia Svigals and pianist Donald Sosin, is the festival's Centerpiece event. Continue Reading
• Threadbare Sails from the West (10/10/2023) - A timely poem from Lisa Tremback. Continue Reading
• The History of Photography in 10 Pictures (10/4/2023) - Peter Hay Halpert will give participants a look at the history of photography through ten pictures (and a few asides and detours), starting with the first photo in 1839 through to cutting edge contemporary work. Continue Reading
• Building a Sukkah in Final Fantasy XIV (10/2/2023) - In Final Fantasy XIV, players have plenty of things to do besides fighting monsters and completing quests: they can coordinate outfits, go fishing, craft their own clothing and items, start a farm, play mahjong, and so much more. I figured out how to build a sukkah. Continue Reading
• Three Bruces Opening: Portrait of a Crowd at the Messinger Gallery (9/7/2023) - The Messinger Gallery Opening for artists Bruce Borowsky, Bruce Hendersen, and Bruce Shaffer on Thursday, September 7 drew a standing-room only crowd for their conversation with Emily Tucker Bernstein. Continue Reading
• To Touch the Hand of God (9/7/2023) - A new poem from Lisa Tremback Continue Reading

Events

• Nosh and Network Holiday Party! (12/5/2023) - On Tuesday, December 12, join us in person at the Boulder JCC for the Nosh & Network Holiday event.  Gather with local professionals for networking, snacks, games, and more. Continue Reading
• Adventure Judaism Hosting “Israeli in Residence” Molly Livingstone (12/3/2023) - Our congregation is thrilled to host Molly Livingstone, a professional speaker and comedian from Israel, from Dec 3-10. Join us at one of the upcoming events. Continue Reading
• Celebrate the New Year of Chassidus, This Sunday! (11/30/2023) - Join us on Sunday, December 3 for an evening of song and Chassidic teachings in honor of the Chassidic holiday of Yud-Tes Kislev.  Continue Reading
• Upcoming Israel Programs You Won’t Want to Miss (11/30/2023) - The Boulder JCC is working to create Israel programming that meets the needs of our community, as well as amplifying programs of our national partners that may be of interest. Continue Reading
• Men of the J Announce December Events (11/30/2023) - Check out all the wonderful opportunities for fellowship during the month of December! Continue Reading
• Lifelong Learning Open House Set for December 6 (11/27/2023) - To launch the winter term of EXCHANGE, the Boulder JCC is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, December 6.  Bagels, coffee, and tea will be served. Continue Reading
• Actions in Boulder for Hostages Held in Gaza – Friday and Sunday (11/22/2023) - Members of Boulder's Jewish community have organized a couple of different events and gatherings in Boulder to bring more awareness to the hostage crisis. Please join! Continue Reading
• ReelAbilities Film Festival Shines a Light (11/16/2023) - The ReelAbilities Film Festival is back at the Boulder JCC on Sunday, December 3. The program includes several short films, documentaries on mental illness, and opportunities to meet with disability advocates and organizations in our community. Continue Reading
• Israel Briefing and Conversation with Rabbi Marc Soloway (11/9/2023) - Rabbi Marc Soloway of Congregation Bonai Shalom has recently returned from a solidarity mission to Israel. Join him on Thursday morning, November 16th, to hear about his experiences. Continue Reading
• CEO of JCPA Will Headline J Street Colorado Annual Breakfast (11/9/2023) - Join J Street Colorado for our annual celebration and a morning conversation with Amy Spitalnick, CEO of Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) and former Executive Director of Integrity First for America (IFA) on November 29th. Continue Reading
• Talk and Tasting: Roman Jewish Cooking at the Boulder JCC (11/9/2023) - Cookbook Author, Leah Koenig, will be in Colorado for two special events at the end of November! Continue Reading
• Community Wide Scholar in Residence Program: November 30-December 2 (11/6/2023) - A scholar-in-residence weekend offers unparalleled intellectual enrichment, infusing fresh perspectives into a community. Now after a year of planning, we are thrilled to welcome Professor Shaul Magid to Boulder. Continue Reading
• Boulder Hadassah Announces November and December Events (11/2/2023) - Boulder's Hadassah chapter announces three events for November and December 2023. Continue Reading
• Har HaShem Brotherhood Hosts Wine Tasting Fundraiser (11/2/2023) - Sample 7 types of Italian wine and learn about each one from a Torciano Wine School instructor!  Continue Reading
• Holler the Challah at the 2023 Great Big Challah Bake! (11/1/2023) - The Boulder JCC’s Annual Great Big Challah Bake, presented by the Women of the J, will be held on Thursday, November 16. Continue Reading