Weekly Edition: July 8th, 2022

Shabbat shalom! Two special Shabbat events this evening, one with Congregation Beth Ami and one with the Boulder JCC in Longmont.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with brothers and sisters under attack in Ukraine, as well as the communities in Buffalo, NY, Uvalde, Texas, and Highland Park, Illinois, among too many others. And the women of this country.

Stay cool, stay safe and stay healthy!

Here are stories from the last week:

News/Columns

• 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
• Column: The Hate-Crimes Obstacle Course (11/22/2023) - Paul Kessler, a 69-year-old pro-Israel protestor died after clashing with pro-Arab protestors. Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, 50, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and battery. The incident's classification as a hate crime remains disputed. Continue Reading
• Letter: Hypocritical Harvard Professors (11/22/2023) - Over 100 Harvard professors condemn donors criticizing campus antisemitism, raising allegations of hypocrisy given Harvard's acceptance of $895 million potentially tied to increased antisemitism. The issue sheds light on concealed donations affecting university policies. Continue Reading
• JFS Boulder Offering Mental Health Services (11/20/2023) - JFS Boulder offers mental health services to provide ongoing, high-quality outpatient support to adults, children, and families who need therapy. The increase in therapists, along with a new dedicated office space for these services, means our capacity has increased to accept new clients. Continue Reading
• Letter: From Rashida’s Big Mouth  (11/20/2023) - Rashida Tlaib is correct – Palestinian people are not disposable. Therefore, if she truly wants Palestinians to have decent lives, she should be urging Hamas to stop using Palestinians as human shields... Continue Reading
• A Spice of Life Catering Thanksgiving Meal Boxes (11/16/2023) - Spice of Life is once again offering Thanksgiving Meal Kits, but the deadline for ordering is Sunday, November 19, so hurry! Continue Reading
• JEWISHcolorado Real Estate & Construction Network Launches Mentorship Program  (11/16/2023) - JEWISHcolorado's Real Estate & Construction Network (RECN) has launched Leadership Alliance, a year-long mentoring program for individuals aged 25-35, involved in real estate and connected to the Jewish community. Continue Reading
• Column: From Rashida’s Big Mouth to Fears of Sitting Shiva (11/16/2023) - U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib was censured by the House of Representatives for inciting statements against Israel, amid concerns her words may inspire violence towards Jewish and pro-Israel individuals. Continue Reading
• Community Update: Israel, the War, and Our Community (11/13/2023) - During this time, the Boulder JCC’s focus has been addressing the community’s immediate needs — safety and security, supporting Israeli families, creating opportunities to come together, and providing education about Israel and the war. Continue Reading
• JEWISHcolorado to Coordinate Colorado Delegation for March For Israel In Washington, DC (11/9/2023) - Organized by JFNA and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, this is an opportunity for the Jewish community to make their voices heard as they march for Israel, march to free hostages, and march to combat antisemitism. Continue Reading
• Column: Putin’s New Man in Washington Games Israel (11/9/2023) - The headline that Mike Johnson hoped for on Friday: “Democrats betray Israel.” Instead he got this New York Times headline: “House Passes Bill Tying Israel Aid to Spending Cuts With Nothing for Ukraine.” Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• 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
• A broken heart in two (11/22/2023) - A new poem from Todd Greenberg. Continue Reading
• Anti-Semitism is Growing (11/22/2023) - A new poem from Lisa Tremback Continue Reading
• Har HaShem Chanukah Bazaar Opens November 30 (11/20/2023) - Come shop everything you need for Chanukah, including beautiful new jewelry. Continue Reading
• Baruch Dayan HaEmet – Ellie Berg z”l (11/20/2023) - Ellie Berg, daughter of Carly and Josh Berg, died Sunday afternoon, November 19, 2023 in a tragic accident.  Continue Reading
• Soul Care, Self-Care and Create Your Own Resin Glass Menorah (11/16/2023) - Join other Jewish women in Boulder County for a pre-Chanukah event on December 3rd as we explore the world of resin and learn more about Chanukah!  Continue Reading
• Baruch Dayan HaEmet – Shayla Abood z”l (11/13/2023) - Shayla Abood, Shayla bat Leah v’ Lev, Nissan Cohen’s mother passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023. Continue Reading
• Don’t Miss Chanukah in Old Town Lafayette, Night 1 of Chanukah! (11/12/2023) - In a tradition that gains traction and attendees each year, the Boulder County Center for Judaism celebrates together for Chanukah in Lafayette. Continue Reading
• 5 Quintets About the Unknown, a Poem to God (11/12/2023) - A new poem from Todd Greenberg. Continue Reading
• Baruch Dayan HaEmet – Florence Melnick z”l (11/12/2023) - Florence Melnick, Jodi (Larry) Ansell's mother, passed away on November 10th. Continue Reading
• Ladies: It’s Finally Here…Our Annual Women’s Friday Night (11/9/2023) - It is that time of year again!  I warmly welcome you to cap your week with a magical Women’s Friday Night Out next Friday night. Continue Reading
• surrender (11/6/2023) - A new poem from Todd Greenberg. Continue Reading
• Elliott Siegel Bet Mitzvah (11/2/2023) - On Saturday, October 28th, 2023 Elliott Siegel was called to the Torah as Bet Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. 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
• Neustadt Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies and Music Series Kicks Off on Sept. 27 (9/6/2023) - The 16th season of the Neustadt Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies and Music Series (JAAMM) kicks-off on September 27 with an evening with Dan Abrams, ABC News anchor and journalist. Continue Reading
• Colorado Hebrew Chorale Holding Open Rehearsals (8/24/2023) - Colorado Hebrew Chorale will be holding open rehearsals this coming Monday, August 28 and Kol Nashim, the treble choir of Colorado Hebrew Chorale, is holding an open rehearsal on Thursday, August 31 Continue Reading
• Exploration Through the Lens: Upcoming Photographic Gallery Opening at the Boulder JCC (8/17/2023) - In a convergence of creativity, the Boulder JCC is eagerly anticipating the upcoming gallery exhibition at the Messinger Gallery, which will showcase a remarkable collection of photographic works by three talented local artists sharing the same first name—Bruce Borowsky, Bruce Henderson, and Bruce Shaffer. Continue Reading

Events

• 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
• Boulder JCC Hosts Shalom Boulder, a New(ish) to Boulder Welcoming Event on 11/1 (10/26/2023) - Meet your neighbors and learn more about the thriving local Jewish community at this free, in-person gathering at the Boulder JCC on Wednesday morning, November 1. Continue Reading
• Community-Wide Scholar-in-Residence Program November 30 – December 2 in Boulder (10/26/2023) - A scholar-in-residence weekend offers unparalleled intellectual enrichment, infusing fresh perspectives into a community. Continue Reading
• Har HaShem Hosting 2023 Symposium on Spirituality and the Environment (10/25/2023) - The Symposium will focus on bringing people together to explore perspectives on environmentalism from faith and spiritual traditions. Continue Reading
• Lessons Learned from Dialogue About Abortion (10/25/2023) - The Boulder JCC is partnering with YWCA Boulder County and YOUnify to host “The Power of Peacemaking” on Monday, October 30. The program includes a screening of the thought-provoking documentary The Abortion Talks, followed by a talkback with the Filmmakers. The Abortion Talks is an inspiring film based on the true story of the aftermath… Continue Reading
• New Series Beginning This Sunday: Faith and Trust When We Experience Difficulties (10/19/2023) - Chany Scheiner of Boulder Center for Judaism will be hosting an enlightening class on the topic of cultivating faith and trust in times of hardship.  Continue Reading