Weekly Edition: February 14th, 2025

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Valentine’s Day! Here is Morah Yehudis‘ take on this week’s Torah portion.

With the release of three more hostages from Gaza through the latest ceasefire deal, it is imperative that we continue to support the hostages until they are all home. The weekly walk in support of the hostages continues this Sunday, February 16. Meet at 1 pm at Pearl St. and 8th. Hopefully, we will celebrate the release of the next group of hostages from this deal.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our brothers and sisters under attack in Israel, Ukraine, and the women of this country. Am Yisrael Chai!

Here are the stories from this week:

News/Columns/Letters

• Column: When Trump and Hamas Refuse To Leave The Tough Talk In Vegas (2/13/2025) - The Arab world's dysfunction is hindering Middle East resolution. Trump's controversial plan for Gaza faces rejection, escalating tensions, with skepticism about relocating Palestinians and potential regional instability. Continue Reading
• Lead the Future: Executive Director Role at Congregation Bonai Shalom (2/11/2025) - Congregation Bonai Shalom is a dynamic and growing USCJ-affiliated Jewish community in Boulder, and we're looking for a new Executive Director. Continue Reading
• Rose Community Foundation Announces New Trustees and Committee Members (2/11/2025) - Rose Community Foundation adds three new trustees and establishes an Impact Investing Committee in 2025, enhancing its community engagement and investment initiatives. Continue Reading
• Opinion: Don’t Tell Me About War (2/11/2025) - Debby Titlebaum Neuman expresses deep anguish and frustration regarding outsiders' opinions on the Israeli conflict, emphasizing the emotional toll and personal experiences of living amidst violence. Continue Reading
• Debra Messing and the Abandoned Matriarchs of the Jews: Bilah & Zilpah (2/10/2025) - What I Learned from the Amazing Guest Speaker at the JewishColorado Signature Event Continue Reading
• Letter: Another Take on Foreign Students (2/10/2025) - The author argues that while students can express diverse views, actions disrupting others’ speech or violating college rules should lead to disciplinary measures. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• A Taste of Shabbos – Parashat Yitro (2/11/2025) - Some sages call this Torah portion of Yitro - a miniature Shavuot. Though we are not gathering publicly to stay up all night, of course you are welcome to do so privately. It is the portion where we read the Ten Commandments, including the fourth one, ‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.’ When… Continue Reading
• March Workshops: Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind (2/10/2025) - Give the kindest last gift to your next of kin and yourself: Support your grieving family and create a simple and meaningful closing with thorough pre-planning. Continue Reading
• Passover In Moab- This Is Your Year to Join Us! (2/10/2025) - 2 Nights Optional Free Camping on April 11 and 12, Limited to 150 Participants. Continue Reading

Arts and Culture

• Oscar Predictions and Predilections: A Conversation with Kathryn Bernheimer (2/13/2025) - Join Boulder Jewish Film Festival Founding Director Kathryn Bernheimer for a free Zoom discussion of the upcoming Oscars on February 27 at 7 pm. Continue Reading
• Colorado Premiere of “Moses – 13 Steps” at BIFF (2/13/2025) - The Boulder International Film Festival will showcase "Moses – 13 Steps," featuring Edwin Moses and discussing his remarkable athletic journey and achievements. Moses will appear in person. Continue Reading

Events

• Once We Were Slaves: The Extraordinary Journey of a Multiracial Jewish Family (2/13/2025) - Dr. Laura Arnold Leibman discusses the surprising heritage of Blanche Moses' ancestors, revealing their enslaved beginnings and extraordinary journey across the Atlantic. Continue Reading
• Day 500 Is Almost Upon Us – Walk This Sunday (2/11/2025) - Run4TheirLives Boulder will walk for the 64th consecutive week this Sunday in support of the hostages being held in Gaza. Please join us. Continue Reading