Weekly Edition: January 29th, 2021

Shabbat shalom! Purim is coming…

Here are links to the latest information from the state of Colorado about Covid and about vaccines. Please be sure to follow all the recommendations/ requirements of Boulder County Public Health to combat COVID-19, including wearing masks in public and avoiding gatherings outside your family group.

You can find all of our local community virtual services at the “Jewish Community Virtual Offerings” link below under “Events”. There is also a link to the list of online programs being offered by the Boulder JCC.

Meanwhile, here are sources that will have the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Boulder and Colorado:

• Boulder JCC for the Jewish community
• Congregation Har HaShem for the Jewish community
• City of Boulder
• Boulder County
• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
• Centers for Disease Control

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay warm.

News/Columns

• Column: Ossoff and Schumer Launch Us Into New Era (1/28/2021) - Three senators, two of them Jewish, can be credited with launching America into a new political era. Continue Reading
• ADL Disturbed by Holocaust, Nazi Analogies Leveled in Boulder City Council Conversation Over Prairie Dog Control (1/27/2021) - The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Mountain States Region is concerned about postcards sent to members of the Boulder City Council comparing them to Nazis and the “gassing” of prairie dogs to the extermination of Jews during the Holocaust, as well as a conversation reportedly among council members where one council member allegedly supported the analogies. Continue Reading
• Jewish Disabilities Advocates Synagogues Shine a Spotlight on Mental Illness Awareness (1/27/2021) - Recognizing a pressing need to reduce stigma regarding mental illness, the four synagogues that are part of Jewish Family Service’s Jewish Disabilities Advocates, will focus on mental illness awareness during Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, & Inclusion Month in February. Continue Reading
• Put Your Values Into Action: Applications Now Open for Spring Service Corps (1/27/2021) - Part-time, paid Corps Members serve virtually or in person with local nonprofit partners in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. The fellowship runs from March 15 - May 21, 2021. Continue Reading
• JFS Boulder and Local Partners Launch Wildfire Mental Health Program (1/25/2021) - In response to the October 2020 Cal-Wood and Lefthand Canyon wildfires, Boulder County Community Services, Community Foundation Boulder County, and Jewish Family Service are launching the Wildfire Mental Health Program (WMHP) to assist fire-impacted individuals and families seeking crisis support. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• It’s a Purim Painting Party! (1/28/2021) - Painting is fun. Purim is fun. Painting (virtually) with friends while learning about Purim is fun squared. Continue Reading
• This Weekend at Nevei Kodesh January 29-Feb 1 (1/28/2021) - Nevei Kodesh, a warm and welcoming Jewish Renewal Community invites you to join us virtually for prayer, study and connection! Continue Reading
• From Ecstasy to Lunch – A New and Insightful Book on Kabbalah (1/25/2021) - Boulder-area kabbalist and author, Samuel Ben-Or Avital, has just released his newest book, "From Ecstasy to Lunch."  Continue Reading
• Tobias Goldman Bar Mitzvah (1/25/2021) - On Saturday, January 30th, 2021, Tobias Goldman will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Continue Reading

Arts and Culture

• Neustadt Jewish Arts Festival Brings Magic, Comedy, Film and Music to Denver (8/6/2026) - The Mizel Arts and Culture Center hosts the Neustadt JAAMM Festival in October, featuring diverse performances that celebrate contemporary Jewish life, including magic, comedy, and film. Continue Reading
• From October 7 to the Runway: U of Haifa Fashion Graduates Showcase Collections of Resilience (8/2/2026) - The Class of 2026 University of Haifa runway show presented 25 collections by Israeli fashion graduates, reflecting personal experiences and cultural heritage amid recent conflicts. Continue Reading
• Christopher Nolan Brings His Midas Touch to the World’s First Blockbuster (7/30/2026) - Christopher Nolan's adaptation of the Odyssey revitalizes the classic tale, emphasizing universal themes and modern moral dilemmas while captivating contemporary audiences. Continue Reading
• Graphic Content (7/30/2026) - Historian Rafael Medoff tells Judith Magazine why he refused his publisher's demand to denounce Israel in 'Cartoonists Against the Holocaust.' Continue Reading
• Unleash Your Creativity: Discover Adult Art Classes at the Boulder JCC (7/23/2026) - The Boulder JCC offers diverse adult art workshops this season, featuring evening and daytime sessions led by skilled instructors, designed for all experience levels to explore creativity. Continue Reading
• This Is How You Can Become A Great Storyteller (7/16/2026) - Boulder Valley Spellbinders® offers storytelling training for volunteers, enhancing literacy and community while providing enjoyable experiences telling stories. Continue Reading
• Celebrating American Jews Who Helped Forge Our Nation’s Complicated History (7/12/2026) - The Boulder JCC screens two films on July 28, exploring America's complex history, highlighting Jewish contributions and legacies, and celebrating freedoms gained. Continue Reading
• July Continues To Heat Up As TV Series “Bloody Murray” Launches Exclusively On ChaiFlicks (7/12/2026) - "Bloody Murray," a critically acclaimed Israeli romantic comedy series, won five awards at the Israeli Television Academy Awards and premieres on ChaiFlicks July 19. Continue Reading
• Lights, Camera, Culture! Why You Can’t Miss This Year’s Boulder Jewish Film Festival (7/9/2026) - The Boulder Jewish Film Festival returns from October 25 to November 1, showcasing influential films celebrating Jewish contributions to culture and society. Tickets available October 8. Continue Reading
• Celebrate America at 250 with Two Films Highlighting Jewish History (6/18/2026) - In celebration of America at 250, the Boulder JCC presents two films illuminating Jewish contributions to our new nation’s history on Tuesday, July 28 at the Dairy Arts Center’s Boedecker Theater. Join Boulder Jewish Film Festival founding director Kathryn Bernheimer and guests to view and discuss two festival favorites that shed light on unfamiliar chapters… Continue Reading
• Doorways to God’s Intentions (5/21/2026) - A new poem from Lisa Tremback. Continue Reading
• Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature Announces Finalists for 2026 Nonfiction (5/14/2026) - The Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature has announced the 2026 nonfiction finalists, highlighting authors' works that explore and illuminate the Jewish experience through personal and historical narratives. Continue Reading
• Comedian Noah Gardenswartz Headlines ‘Tight 5’ Comedy Showcase (4/9/2026) - The Mizel Arts and Culture Center hosts The Tight Five comedy showcase on April 30, featuring Noah Gardenswartz and emerging comedians. Continue Reading
• Boulder International Film Festival Announces 2026 Adventure Film Program (4/9/2026) - The Boulder International Film Festival's Adventure Film Program, from April 10-12, 2026, features 25 adventure films, filmmakers, and discussions celebrating outdoor culture. Continue Reading
• Jazz Legend Fred Hersch to Headline Closing Night of Denver Jazz Fest April 12 (4/7/2026) - Acclaimed jazz pianist Fred Hersch will headline closing night of the Denver Jazz Fest on April 12, showcasing his innovative artistry with his trio. Tickets range from $39–$59. Continue Reading

Events

• Broomfield Jewish Festival Returns Sunday with Live Music, Food, and Family Fun (8/13/2026) - The 3rd Annual Broomfield Jewish Festival this Sunday celebrates Jewish culture with music, food, and activities for all ages. Continue Reading
• Mountain States Delegation to Join Thousands This Fall for the Global Conference for Israel (8/10/2026) - The 2026 Global Conference for Israel will gather thousands, including the Mountain States delegation, focusing on Israel's future and community support. November 12-15 in San Diego. Continue Reading
• Men of the J Event Lineup for August (7/28/2026) - Upcoming events for August include discussion groups, breakfast, hikes and a brewery meet up. Continue Reading
• Accessible Activism For Seniors; Political Advocacy And Tikkun Olam (7/15/2026) - Seniors are encouraged to participate in accessible activism, leveraging their voting power and life experiences through discussions, community involvement, and civic engagement, particularly before upcoming elections. Continue Reading
• Join the Beth Ami Community for a Afternoon of Connection & Ice Cream! (7/12/2026) - Beth Ami will host an Ice Cream Social on August 15, featuring a Havdalah service, toppings sharing, and a nature walk. Continue Reading
• B’nai Butte Brings Acclaimed Actress Tovah Feldshuh to Crested Butte for Colorado Premiere of TOVAH (7/9/2026) - B’nai Butte will host Tovah Feldshuh for the Colorado premiere of her documentary, showcasing her career. The event includes dinner, a screening, and a Q&A on July 30, 2026. Continue Reading
• Give Blood, Give Life: Roll Up Your Sleeves at the Boulder JCC Blood Drive (7/2/2026) - Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. Donate at the Boulder JCC Blood Mobile on July 30 to impact lives and support your community. Continue Reading
• The Magical Thread of Anne Frank: An Evening with Gillian Perry (7/2/2026) - Join us on July 16 for a lecture by Gillian Perry exploring Anne Frank's legacy, her diary's publication struggle, and its impact on human rights and history. Continue Reading
• God Bless the Pill: Book Talk with Author Samira Mehta (7/2/2026) - The Boulder JCC hosts a discussion with Samira K. Mehta about her book "God Bless the Pill," revealing religious support for birth control's role in family planning and stability. Continue Reading
• Standing Together: JParent Community Coffee and Spaces for Connection (6/25/2026) - You are warmly invited to join us for an informal, drop-in Community Coffee on Friday June 26 and/or Tuesday June 30. Continue Reading
• Seven Stones Cemetery Tour (6/25/2026) - Discover Colorado's green burial cemetery emphasizing natural decomposition. Join a discussion with experts on Jewish perspectives on death, green burial, and future planning. Continue Reading
• July Men of the J Activities Just Released (6/25/2026) - Upcoming events for July include discussion groups, breakfast, hikes and a brewery meet up. Continue Reading
• Tools for Understanding Gender Identity: Dr. Susan Trout to Lead Supportive Community Lecture (6/17/2026) - An enlightening lecture on gender identity by Dr. Susan Trout will offer frameworks for understanding distinctions between gender identity and sexual orientation on June 22, at the Boulder JCC. Continue Reading
• Pull Up a Chair: A Special Shabbat Dinner for Boulder’s 50+ Community (6/7/2026) - There is something uniquely comforting about a Friday night. The rush of the week slows down, the candles are lit, and a sense of pause settles in. This June, the Boulder JCC is opening its doors to create that exact space for local adults aged 50 and better. On Friday, June 26, from 6 to… Continue Reading
• What to Expect at the 30th Annual Boulder Jewish Festival (6/4/2026) - Check out the full schedule of music, art and food available at the Festival this Sunday, along with children's activities and security measures. Continue Reading