Weekly Edition: May 9th, 2025

Shabbat Shalom! This is the Boulder Jewish News’ 9,999 post since our start in the fall of 2009. We hope you have read and enjoyed them all!

With hostilities ramping back up in Gaza, it is imperative that we continue to support the remaining hostages until they are all home. This will be the 77th consecutive weekly walk in support of the hostages this Sunday, May 11th (yes, Mother’s Day). Meet at Pearl and 8th Sunday at 1 pm.

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

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

• Navigating Jewish Identity and Democracy: A Timely Conversation at the Boulder JCC (5/8/2025) - On May 12, the Boulder JCC will host a program led by Rabbi Dr. Joshua Ladon, addressing ideological divisions in American Jewish communities and communal responsibility. Continue Reading
• Living the Grand Life (5/8/2025) - Jonathan Greenwald, 78, passionately hikes the Grand Canyon annually, embracing challenges while appreciating nature's beauty, sharing experiences, and valuing personal well-being. Continue Reading
• Column: The Law Pursues Anti-Israel Mob…At Last (5/8/2025) - "Mel," a pro-Palestinian spokesperson, expresses surprise at misdemeanor charges against 31 IfNotNow members for blocking traffic, highlighting the need for accountability in protests. Continue Reading
• Tasty Treats for Everyone at the 2025 Boulder Jewish Festival (5/4/2025) - The Boulder Jewish Festival on June 8, 2025, will showcase Jewish culture, music, and diverse cuisine for community enjoyment at Pearl Street Mall. Check out this list of food vendors! Continue Reading
• Priest Races Against Time to Collect Forensic Evidence of “Holocaust by Bullets” (5/4/2025) - Yahad-In Unum, founded by Father Desbois, is urgently preserving Holocaust evidence as survivors decline, utilizing innovative methods to document mass killings across Europe and beyond. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• “The Heron Knows” (5/8/2025) - A new poem from Todd Greenberg Continue Reading
• Shavuot 2025: “Jewish Unity and Disunity” (5/6/2025) - Save the date! Sunday, June 1st, 2025, 6:00 pm to Dawn with sessions all through the night. Continue Reading
• A Taste Of Shabbos – Parashat Acharei-Kedoshim (5/6/2025) - This week’s themes focus on interconnectedness, commandments, ethical living, and the significance of Shabbat in fostering relationships and gratitude towards others and God. Continue Reading

Arts and Culture

Events

• Navigating Jewish Identity and Democracy: A Timely Conversation at the Boulder JCC (5/8/2025) - On May 12, the Boulder JCC will host a program led by Rabbi Dr. Joshua Ladon, addressing ideological divisions in American Jewish communities and communal responsibility. Continue Reading
• Cars and Cultivate (5/8/2025) - Join Cultivate on May 23rd for a unique car collection event at Tebo's Garage, supporting services for seniors in local counties. Continue Reading
• Walk With Us This Mother’s Day (5/6/2025) - Run4TheirLives Boulder will walk for the 77th consecutive week this Sunday in support of the hostages being held in Gaza. Please join us. Continue Reading
• Jewish Broadway 2025: There’s No Place Like Home (5/6/2025) - After six years, we are proud to roll out the red carpet for our annual fundraiser, Jewish Broadway, back at home at Congregation Nevei Kodesh on Sunday, May 18, 5 - 8:30 pm. Continue Reading
• Creating Your Ethical Will: What Matters Most? (5/4/2025) - Join Evie Cohen on May 20 to explore the Ethical Will tradition, fostering reflection on values and legacy through writing and community discussion. Continue Reading
• Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies 35th Annual Conference Set for August in Los Angeles (5/4/2025) - The 35th SCJS conference on crypto-Judaic experiences occurs in Los Angeles from August 10-12, 2025. Early registration ends May 30. The event features presentations, panels, and performances. Continue Reading