Weekly Edition: June 27th, 2025

Shabbat Shalom. Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire after US strikes last weekend. Hope for a similar ceasefire that will bring the hostages home grows as a result. Meanwhile, in Boulder on Sunday, the weekly Run For Their Lives walk for the remaining hostages will take place for the 84th week, beginning at 11 am at Pearl and 8th streets. 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

• PJ Library in Louisville Brings Together Families for First-Ever PJ in the Park Worldwide Playdate (6/26/2025) - The PJ Library hosts grassroots meetups for families, fostering community connections and celebrating Jewish culture, particularly through the recently initiated Global Playdate initiative. Continue Reading
• Column: Moving Beyond Prayers – After Shootings in D.C. and Minnesota, Let’s Take Lessons from Austria and Other Countries (6/26/2025) - Austria plans to implement strict gun laws after a school shooting, reflecting legislative actions by Australia and New Zealand, amid calls for U.S. lawmakers to pursue similar reforms. Continue Reading
• Flames in Boulder, Fire in Iran: What Will It Take to Confront Antisemitism? (6/26/2025) - Israel's strikes on Iran stir pride and anxiety among American Jews. Recent terror attacks highlight growing antisemitism and community resilience amid escalating conflicts impacting safety. Continue Reading
• Letter: J Street/NJN Statement – We Do Not Live in the Best Possible World (6/24/2025) - The letter criticizes Palestinian resistance violence and Iran's nuclear threats, emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself and noting improved Israeli safety. Continue Reading
• Letter: Embracing Neville Chamberlain 2.0 (6/24/2025) - Richard Sherman criticizes J Street and New Jewish Narrative for opposing Trump's strikes on Iran, paralleling it with Obama’s Bin Laden operation and accusing them of appeasement. Continue Reading
• Letter: J Street/NJN Statement (6/24/2025) - The letter critiques J Street and NJN’s stance on diplomacy with Iran, highlighting past U.S. military actions and Iran’s defiance against nuclear regulations as serious concerns. Continue Reading
• Adventure Judaism Adds New Adventure — for Adults (6/22/2025) - Shalom Adventure, a new initiative by Adventure Rabbi, offers a unique social experience for Jewish adults with activities scheduled every other month. The inaugural event is on July 1. Continue Reading
• J Street and New Jewish Narrative React Following US Attack on Iran (6/22/2025) - J Street and NJN express concerns over the Trump Administration's attack on Iran, fearing escalation into a broader conflict, urging diplomatic solutions and Congressional approval for military actions. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• The Power of Repair: How the Boulder JCC is Sparking Change with Sustainable Collaborations (6/26/2025) - The Jewish community, led by Boulder JCC, demonstrates resilience through initiatives like U-Fix-It Clinics, promoting repair, service, and meaningful connections amidst challenges. Continue Reading
• Back In The Desert (6/26/2025) - The Jewish community faces a challenging period, likened to being in a transformative desert, fostering deep reflection, strength, and community amidst uncertainty. Continue Reading
• Discover Sefaria: Unlocking a World of Jewish Learning (6/24/2025) - Join us on Sunday, June 29 for an introduction to Sefaria, a free living library of Jewish texts and their interconnections, in Hebrew and in translation. This program has been rescheduled from May 18. Continue Reading
• A Taste of Shabbos – Parashat Korach (6/24/2025) - The sons of Korach, realizing their error, embraced change, leading to their survival and prominence as Levite singers, emphasizing the balance between equality and roles. Continue Reading
• Community Unites in Strength at Largest-Ever Boulder Jewish Festival (6/22/2025) - Following a recent terror attack, over 15,000 people attended the Boulder Jewish Festival, showcasing unity, resilience, and a commitment to combating antisemitism. Continue Reading
• Blue Card Sponsors Bonai Kiddush in Honor of Attack Victims, Survivors (6/22/2025) - After a tragic antisemitic attack in Boulder, The Blue Card supported victims through a communal kiddush, emphasizing unity and assistance for Holocaust survivors. Continue Reading

Arts and Culture

• A Spiritual Pioneer Poses Provocative Questions in “Sabbath Queen” (6/26/2025) - Director Sandi DuBowski appears in person with his documentary about the influential, controversial and conflicted Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie. Continue Reading
• Imagination on Display at the Jay and Rose Phillips Early Childhood Center (6/24/2025) - The Boulder JCC’s Art Show showcased children's creativity and staff talent, emphasizing the importance of art in early childhood development and community. Continue Reading

Events

• Check Out July Activities with Men of the J (6/26/2025) - It's hard to believe that next week is July! Here's your reminder to register for all of our wonderful Men of the J programs each month. Continue Reading
• Walking for Freedom: Hostage Solidarity in Boulder Sunday (6/24/2025) - Run4TheirLives Boulder will walk for the 84th consecutive week this Sunday in support of the hostages being held in Gaza. Please join us. Continue Reading