Weekly Edition: June 20th, 2025

Shabbat Shalom. Israel and Iran continue to trade strikes as the war enters its second week. Meanwhile, in Boulder on Sunday, the weekly Run For Their Lives walk for the remaining hostages will take place for the 83rd time, beginning at 11 am at Pearl and 8th streets, recognizing that the weather has become warmer. There will be security accompanying the walk.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our brothers and sisters under attack in Israel, Ukraine, and in Boulder. May the injured in June 1’s attack have a refuah shlemah, a full and complete recovery. Am Yisrael Chai!

Here is Morah Yehudis‘ take on this week’s Torah Portion.

Here are the stories from this week:

News/Columns/Letters

• Jewish Community Emergency Leadership Mission to Assemble in DC June 25-26 (6/19/2025) - Jewish leaders are urging Congress and the Trump Administration to enhance security for Jewish Americans and Israel amid rising antisemitic violence and threats. Continue Reading
• Senator Rand Paul Objects to Using the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism in Federal Antidiscrimination Law (6/19/2025) - Senator Rand Paul asserts the Antisemitism Awareness Act threatens free speech under the First Amendment, arguing it broadly defines antisemitism and could invoke federal censorship. Continue Reading
• Column: When a Pro-Arab Blockade is a ‘Minor Inconvenience’ (6/19/2025) - Jamila Levasseur, arrested for blocking traffic during a protest, downplays her actions, raising concerns about potential consequences from a judge regarding public safety and accountability. Continue Reading
• I’m Proud of Israel’s Courage (6/17/2025) - Israel's decisive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities marks a crucial moment for regional security, reflecting urgency amidst growing threats and longstanding tensions. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• Exodus Dorian Bar Yisrael (6/19/2025) - On Saturday, June 21st, 2025, Exodus Dorian will be called to the Bimah as a Bar Yisrael with Adventure Judaism. Continue Reading
• Asher Kearns Bar Mitzvah (6/19/2025) - On Saturday, June 7th, 2025, Brooke Sneider will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah with Adventure Judaism. Continue Reading
• “I Am Not Real” (6/19/2025) - A poem by Todd Greenberg Continue Reading
• A Taste of Shabbos- Parashat Shelach (6/17/2025) - The spies' fear of entering Canaan led to negative reports, resulting in Israel’s prolonged desert stay and significant consequences due to their misguided perspectives and biases. Continue Reading

Arts and Culture

• “Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny” To Premiere PBS June 27, 2025 (6/19/2025) - The documentary "Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny" highlights Arendt's experiences, insights on totalitarianism, and relevance to modern authoritarian threats. Continue Reading

Events

• RSVP For Brunch with Noted Author David Nesenoff (6/19/2025) - On Sunday, June 29, 12 pm, David Nesenoff, respected author of "I Never Met The Rebbe Many Times," will regale us with anecdotes and insights into the teachings, worldview, and everyday interactions of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Continue Reading
• Ecumenical Shabbat Service at Pardes Levavot, Jewish Renewal Congregation (6/17/2025) - Join us for a co-created Shabbat service on June 21st, focusing on community support, faith partnership, and safety in Boulder. Continue Reading
• We Walk for the 53 Hostages Again This Sunday (6/17/2025) - Run4TheirLives Boulder will walk for the 83rd consecutive week this Sunday in support of the hostages being held in Gaza. Please join us. Continue Reading