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Event Designed to Shed Light on Judaism’s Position on Abortion and to Celebrate Colorado’s Constitutional Protections
DENVER, CO (February 3, 2026) — In Jewish liturgy, the term kavod habriyot represents a faith-based core value that honors the dignity of each human being.
But since the protections of Roe v. Wade were stripped away by the Supreme Court four years ago, the essential human right of bodily autonomy has come under fire across our country — making it now more important than ever that local communities reaffirm and honor this right.
That’s why on Saturday, February 14, the Colorado Section of National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) will present its 2026 Community Havdalah and Hora — an evening of fun, reflection and celebration, designed to bring together the community to learn about Judaism’s support for abortion rights and freedom, “because of our Jewish values, not in spite of them,” said Leila Covrigaru, NCJW Colorado’s Vice President of Public Affairs.
According to Covrigaru, Repro Shabbat aligns with the date in which the Parshat Mishpatim, the biblical verses that lay the foundation for Judaism’s approach to abortion, is read in every Jewish religious service worldwide over the same weekend. This year’s Repro Shabbat falls one year into perhaps the most difficult time ever for women’s reproductive health and freedom in this country. “With a Congress and administration whose leadership have clearly shared their intentions to limit abortion access, this moment could not be more critical to honor our traditional wisdom and continue to pave the way forward in the Jewish fight for abortion rights,” Covrigaru said.
Jewish law not only permits abortion, but also requires it when the life or health of the pregnant individual is endangered. As is read in the Old Testament, (B’tselem Elohim, Genesis 1:26) — every single person’s health is paramount and unassailable; we have an obligation to care for and to protect our bodies and our health, and ensure all others can do the same.
“NCJW believes in a world where each of us can control our own body, sexuality, and future with kavod ha’briot — human dignity and compassion for every person, not stigma or political interference. Our values compel us to support full access to safe and legal reproductive care,” Covrigaru said. “But across the country, state legislatures, now emboldened by the US Supreme Court, have been working to add additional roadblocks and barriers to people seeking care.
“It’s a harsh reminder of the reality we live in — a reality where all people are vulnerable to attacks on our basic freedoms and bodily autonomy.”
On Saturday, February 14, NCJW Colorado will do its part to support this cause.
In recognition of Repro Shabbat, the NCJW Colorado 2026 Community Havdalah and Hora will take place from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 S Dahlia Street in Denver. The event is open the public and free of charge, although a advance registration (https://www.jewsforabortionaccess.org/repro-shabbat-2026/#signup) is required.
To learn more about NCJW Colorado, for more information about the 2026 Community Havdalah and Hora event, Repro Shabbat, or to host a celebration at home, contact Leila Covrigaru at leila@covrigaru.com or visit https://www.jewsforabortionaccess.org/repro-shabbat-2026.
