Weekly Edition: June 10th, 2022

Shabbat shalom! After three years, it is finally that time again… Time for the Boulder Jewish Festival this Sunday, June 12, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm! There will be artists, food, music and lots and lots of Jewish organizations to explore around the Courthouse Lawn on the Pearl St. Mall. You can learn all about it here.

Even while we celebrate, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with brothers and sisters under attack in Ukraine, as well as the communities in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, Texas and … and …

Stay cool, stay safe and stay healthy!

Here are stories from the last week:

News/Columns

• Column: Settlers’ Sticks and Bats May Break Israel’s Fate (10/22/2026) - When the current Israeli government descends to a new low, it manages to find a deeper hole afterwards. Continue Reading
• Which Israeli Party Matches You? (10/20/2026) - Ten questions on the issues the Israeli election turns on. Your answers are matched to each party list’s official positions, with a source for each. It doesn’t tell you who to vote for or what camp you’re in. Continue Reading
• Letter: Difficulty Choosing Candidates This Election (10/20/2026) - The author struggles with voting decisions, citing antisemitism and hypocrisy among candidates, emphasizing informed choices for leadership. Continue Reading
• Letter: Legal Standing of Judea and Samaria (10/20/2026) - The author disputes Ed Kass's claim about the Oslo Accords, emphasizing Palestinian leadership's responsibility for stalled peace. Continue Reading
• Boulder Jewish Community Foundation Now Accepting 2026 Infrastructure Grant Applications (10/15/2026) - The Boulder Jewish Community Foundation is accepting grant applications until November 6, 2026, to support Boulder County's Jewish organizations' infrastructure needs. Continue Reading
• Rose Youth Foundation Welcomes 2026-27 Cohort (10/15/2026) - The Rose Youth Foundation welcomes its 25th cohort, uniting Jewish teens to learn philanthropy, address community needs, and cultivate leadership skills through collective giving. Continue Reading
• Column: If Philly’s Inquirer Doesn’t Report It, Did An Anti-Israel March Ever Happen? (10/15/2026) - A “celebration of the death of Jews” was conducted in one section of Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, as Jewish mourner Ilana Blumenthal described a pro-Arab gathering on the third anniversary of Oct. 7. Continue Reading
• Letter: Garbage In. Garbage Out. (10/13/2026) - Using Gaza Health Ministry casualty statistics for ANYTHING is the ultimate example of garbage in, garbage out. Continue Reading
• Boulder Municipal Election: Candidate Questionnaires (10/8/2026) - Rachel Amaru worked with the IJN to survey Boulder City Council and Boulder Mayoral candidates on issues of interest to the Boulder Jewish Community. Here are links to those interviews. Continue Reading
• Column: Pro-Arab Students Who Have No Class Chase Jews Out of NYC Public Schools (10/8/2026) - The New York Post reported that a teachers advocacy group catalogued a minimum of 250 antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents in NYC schools since Oct. 7. Comparable problems have been reported in Philly and Los Angeles and of course, Boulder. Continue Reading
• Letter: Forced Transfer? Hardly (10/8/2026) - With due respect to letter writer Ed Kass and Yehuda Blum, the language of Section 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention does not apply to the status of the indigenous Jewish people of Judea, Samaria and the eastern part of Jerusalem post June 1967. Continue Reading
• Leading with Heart: Jonathan Lev Named First Recipient of the Josie Heath Nonprofit Leadership Award (10/7/2026) - Jonathan Lev was awarded the inaugural Josie Heath Nonprofit Leadership Award for his impactful community leadership at Boulder JCC, fostering unity and resilience over 16 years. Continue Reading
• Letter: Yes, Israeli Settlements Are Illegal (10/7/2026) - Ed Kass offers a rebuttal to Richard Sherman's letter of September 9 stating that Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria are legal. Continue Reading
• Team VeloJews Rides Again (10/1/2026) - Carol Secor will participate in the ALYN Hospital Wheels of Love Bike Ride, honoring her late husband Joe while seeking donations for critical pediatric rehabilitation services. Continue Reading
• Column: The Prime Minister’s U.N. Speech Does Not Help American Jews (10/1/2026) - It is doubtful that many people took Benjamin Netanyahu seriously when he addressed the United Nations General Assembly. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• Help Hillel at CU Bring Shabbatukah to Life This Year (10/22/2026) - Shabbatukah, a CU Boulder Hillel tradition, invites community support through volunteering and sponsorship for students. Continue Reading
• Bo El Ha’Teivah – Verb Of The Week: Ahav-Love (10/22/2026) - The exploration of Hebrew verbs reveals depth and significance, enhancing prayers and Torah study through layers of hidden meanings. Continue Reading
• Claire Segall Bat Mitzvah (10/22/2026) - On Saturday, October 17th, 2026, Claire Segall was called to the Torah as Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Bonai Shalom. Continue Reading
• Kevin Henshaw Bet Mitzvah (10/22/2026) - On Saturday, October 17th, 2026, Kevin Henshaw was called to the Torah as Bet Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Continue Reading
• Bring Jewish Tradition Home: Join the Boulder JCC’s JParent How Do You Jew Series (10/20/2026) - The Boulder JCC offers a fall series for exploring Jewish traditions and rituals, aimed at families and individuals of diverse backgrounds. Continue Reading
• Bo El HaTeivah = Come In To The ‘Ark’ (Or Word) (10/15/2026) - The exploration of Hebrew words reveals depth and significance, enhancing prayers and Torah study through layers of hidden meanings. Continue Reading
• Judah Schmidt Bar Mitzvah (10/15/2026) - On Saturday, October 10th, 2026, Judah Schmidt was called to the Torah as Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Bonai Shalom. Continue Reading
• Aaron Small Bar Mitzvah (10/15/2026) - On Saturday, October 10th, 2026, Aaron Small was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah with Adventure Judaism. Continue Reading
• Noah Schultz Bet Mitzvah (10/15/2026) - On Saturday, October 10th, 2026, Noah Schultz was called to the Torah as Bet Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Continue Reading
• Data Reveals Rising Jewish Community Connections Since October 7 Attack (10/8/2026) - Three years post-2023 attacks on Israel, Jewish Americans in Colorado demonstrate increased engagement in Jewish life, reflecting both growth and sustained interest in community participation. Continue Reading
• Dine With Us Next Friday Night! (10/8/2026) - Join FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE at Boulder Center for Judaism - Friday night, October 16, 6:45 pm. Continue Reading
• Women: Brunch With Us! (10/7/2026) - As a month of joyful & meaningful holidays winds down, we are excited to invite you to join our Season Inaugural Brunch & Learn for women this Sunday, October 11, 10:30 am — 12 pm. This series brings together a vibrant group of Boulder Jewish women who enjoy branching, learning & growing together. On the… Continue Reading
• Let’s Rejoice Together This Weekend (10/1/2026) - Join us for final holiday gatherings in the Sukkah on Friday night, and Shul on Saturday night, featuring food, dancing, and then an important Torah service on Sunday. Continue Reading
• Join the Club! (10/1/2026) - On October 4, we restart the Torah reading cycle with Bereishis. Join the Tuesday Torah Club for wisdom, snacks, and community Tuesdays at 5:30 PM. Continue Reading
• Bring Your Congregation into the Black (Book of Life) This 5787 (10/1/2026) - Many congregations face declining membership and financial struggles. Solutions include hiring cost-effective clergy substitutes and innovative fundraising methods like "Nudges." Continue Reading

Arts and Culture

• Don’t Miss These Intriguing Titles at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival (10/22/2026) - Boulder Jewish Film Festival showcases sold-out films like "The Sea" and “Once Upon My Mother," with tickets available for select screenings and discussions. Continue Reading
• Meet Director Abby Ginzberg at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival (10/20/2026) - The Boulder Jewish Film Festival features director Abby Ginzberg's documentary on Henrietta Szold, highlighting her significant contributions to healthcare in Palestine. Continue Reading
• The Boulder Jewish Film Festival Adds a 2nd Screening of Woody Guthrie Film (10/13/2026) - Tickets are going fast, but it's not too late to see some of the best films. Continue Reading
• True Stories, Inspiring People to Encounter at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival (10/8/2026) - Of the 13 films being presented this year at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival, ten are based on true stories. Many of the people you will meet on screen are inspirational figures, role models and heroes – and all are admirable. Continue Reading
• Two Festival Films Share a Connection to the Recent Thwarted Hijacking (10/7/2026) - The bravery of the Israelis who stormed the cockpit aboard FlyDubai 1073 is echoed in two heroic stories depicted in films that will be presented at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival. Continue Reading
• Jeff & Paige Bring Rainbow Socks to PBS October 4 (9/28/2026) - "Rainbow Socks" is a new live-action series starring Boulder locals Jeff & Paige that combines music, movement, and science to inspire children aged 4-8 to explore nature outdoors. Continue Reading
• “Always A Boy” Premieres At JAAMM Fest Oct. 9 (9/28/2026) - "Always A Boy," adapted from Jo Ivester's memoir, explores family and identity as Joshua transitions while preparing for a wedding, showing love and acceptance. Continue Reading
• A Night of Parisian Jazz with the Jessica Gabrielle Quartet (9/27/2026) - Jessica Gabrielle will perform at Nocturne Jazz Club on October 2nd with a talented rhythm section, blending pop, jazz, and soul influences. Jessica is the daughter of Sylvain and Pam Hayoun of Boulder. Continue Reading
• Come Prepared to Laugh in a Class Celebrating Jewish Stand-Up Comedy Legends (9/24/2026) - Explore Jewish stand-up comedy's evolution in a three-week class celebrating iconic performers and their impact on Jewish culture and humor. Continue Reading
• Neustadt Jewish Arts Festival Brings Magic, Comedy, Film and Music to Denver (9/24/2026) - 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
• Heaven’s Only Hospital Closes on Saturdays (9/21/2026) - Steven Winkelstein's "The Day God Got Amnesia," a comedic novel about God in a coma, will debut October 13 at Boulder Book Store, blending Boulder coffee culture with Heaven's bureaucracy. Continue Reading
• KinClub Launches Free Family Events and Activities Site, Rolling Out in Boulder and 14 Cities (9/10/2026) - KinClub Family Activities launches a free website offering local family event calendars, activity ideas, and ready-made weekend plans in Boulder and 14 markets, simplifying planning for parents. Continue Reading
• 2026 Boulder Jewish Film Festival Features Women and Heroes (9/3/2026) - The Boulder Jewish Film Festival returns to the Dairy Arts Center October 25th to November 1st for an eight-day exploration of the Jewish experience on screen. Continue Reading
• The Recipe My Great-Grandmother Measured in Handfuls (8/31/2026) - Jake Lazar reflects on his great-grandmother Jeanne's legacy through her mandel bread recipe, inspiring generations of bakers in their family and emphasizing the importance of preserving culinary traditions. Continue Reading
• Colorado Hebrew Chorale Open Rehearsals – Come Try Out (8/20/2026) - The Colorado Hebrew Chorale begins its 2026-2027 Season with two Open Rehearsals with ice cream on August 24 and August 31. Singers welcome. Continue Reading

Events

• Tonight: Unleash Curiosity, Movement, and Creativity: Winter After-School Programs at the Boulder JCC (10/20/2026) - The Boulder JCC offers diverse after-school programs for children, including arts, sports, and culinary classes, with an Open House tonight, October 21. Continue Reading
• Are Jews Still Protected by America’s Religious Freedom? A Vital Discussion Coming to the Boulder JCC (10/15/2026) - Jewish Americans, alongside other religious minorities, have historically benefited from the First Amendment. A community event will discuss its current status and future implications. Continue Reading
• Har Hashem Brotherhood to Host Talk with Boulder Police Department (10/15/2026) - Join the Har HaShem Brotherhood on October 29 for a discussion with Boulder Police, focusing on public safety, followed by an open Q&A. Continue Reading
• JEWISHcolorado to Honor Debra Weinstein at Women’s Philanthropy Lion/POM Luncheon (10/13/2026) - JEWISHcolorado will honor Debra Weinstein with the 2027 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award for her philanthropy and leadership at the Women's Philanthropy Luncheon. Continue Reading
• Dara Horn to Speak at Temple Emanuel Denver (10/8/2026) - Dara Horn will deliver the Michael Schatz Annual Memorial Lecture on October 17, 2026, discussing her work on antisemitism and Jewish identity. Continue Reading
• Outdoor Magic at Milk and Honey Farm (10/7/2026) - This October 15–25, the community comes together for Co-Here, a festival celebrating connection, place, and shared experiences across Boulder. As part of this festive lineup, Milk and Honey Farm at the Boulder JCC is opening its gates to welcome visitors of all ages to two unique, family-friendly events celebrating the changing season and the beauty… Continue Reading
• Men of the J Announces October Schedule (9/30/2026) - Upcoming events for October include discussion groups, breakfast, hikes and a brewery meet up. Continue Reading
• JADE’s Latest “Boulder Death Schmooze” Set for October 22 (9/30/2026) - Join the Boulder Death Schmooze on May 6th for open discussions on death and loss in a supportive community. Share stories, reflect, and enjoy refreshments. Free, and donations welcome. Continue Reading
• An Evening with 10/7 Survivors Yosef Chaim Ohana and Daniel Sharabi (9/28/2026) - On October 6th, Hillel and Chabad of CU Boulder hosts a commemoration for the October 7th attacks, featuring speakers Yosef Chaim Ohana and Daniel Sharabi. Continue Reading
• Shabbat + Global Little Free Libraries with Beth Ami (9/28/2026) - Beth Ami hosts a Shabbat and talk by Russell Schnell about Little Free Libraries, promoting community sharing and reading on October 10. Continue Reading
• Free “Sing-Along in the Sukkah” Wednesday (9/27/2026) - The Colorado Hebrew Chorale invites the community to join them for their annual “Sing-Along in the Sukkah” to be held during Chol HaMoed Sukkot, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, 7:30 pm at a SE Denver location, rain or shine. The informal gathering in a Sukkah includes light refreshments and singing an array of Israeli classics, Hebrew… Continue Reading
• New Programs For the 50+ Community You Don’t Want To Miss! (9/24/2026) - The Boulder JCC announces a series of engaging October programs for the 50+ community focused on connection and education. Continue Reading
• 2026 Colorado Annual Jewish Genealogy Seminar (9/24/2026) - The Colorado Jewish Genealogy Society's 2026 Seminar, featuring Nolan Altman, takes place on October 18, 2026, offering insights into Jewish genealogy and valuable resources. Continue Reading
• The Great Big Challah Bake Is Back – Registration Now Open (9/24/2026) - Join the 11th Annual Great Big Challah Bake on November 5 from 7 - 9 pm to learn challah-making while supporting community food donations. Register now! Continue Reading
• Last Chance to Register for JNF Denver Breakfast for Israel (9/24/2026) - Yuval Raphael, a Nova Music Festival survivor and Eurovision finalist, will perform at the Jewish National Fund-USA's Breakfast for Israel on October 14, 2026, in Denver. Registration closes September 30. Continue Reading