Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
Shabbat Shalom!
It is hard to believe that after 734 days, this crazy, brutal war in Gaza just MIGHT be coming to end — the living hostages are home, at least. SOME of the deceased hostages are back in Israel. And we thank G-d for that. We still await — with healthy skepticism on the part of this writer — whether Hamas actually complies with the rest of the ceasefire terms. We’ll see if two years of brutal war, with tens of thousands of casualties all over the Middle East, will actually impact real facts on the ground in the region.
For the last year, Morah Yehudis Fishman has been writing a weekly feature, talking about Shabbos through the lens of that week’s Torah portion. We have now come to end of one cycle — and the beginning of a new one. Here is Morah Yehudis‘ final take on the week’s Torah Portion, covering both the final portion of the cycle which we read last weekend (Parashat V’zot Habracha) and cycling back to the beginning — Parashat Bereshit — this weekend. Her Hebrew-year-long project is now over, but we look forward to her future contributions to our community wisdom and knowledge. Todah rabah, Morah Yehudis!
Boulder Jewish News brings you a new monthly column by Rabbi Charna Rosenholtz: Twelve Tribes, Twelve Months: A New Look at Jewish Time. Each month, Rabbi Charna will explore a different Hebrew month alongside one of the twelve tribes of Israel—the sons of Jacob—based on teachings found in the Torah and later interpretations. This first column covers this first/seventh month of Tishrei. Check it out if you haven’t read it yet. Next week comes the month of Cheshvan, and a new post.
As we’re sure you are aware, there is an election coming up for Boulder City Council next month. The Boulder Jewish News is an IRS 501(c)3 charitable organization, and therefore can’t comment on or advocate for or against any candidates in any election. However, Stop Antisemitism Colorado has announced their endorsements for City Council, and we thought you might be interested. You can find them here.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our brothers and sisters under attack in the UK, Israel, Ukraine, and in Boulder. May the remaining injured from June 1’s attack have a refuah shlemah, a full and complete recovery. Am Yisrael Chai!
Here are the stories from this week:
News/Columns/Letters
- Boulder Jewish Community Foundation Now Taking Applications for 2025 Grants (10/16/2025) - BJCF announces 2025 Infrastructure Grants for Boulder County Jewish organizations, emphasizing multi-year funding. Apply by November 25, 2025. Continue Reading
- Column: When Hell Freezes Over…er, When Hamas Disarms (10/16/2025) - It is a relief that Israel retrieved the hostages who were carried off from southern Israel after Hamas terrorists murdered 1,200 Israelis and others on Oct. 7, 2023. However, that leaves 21 more provisions to achieve peace between Israel and the people of Gaza. Continue Reading
- Letter: Is Israel the Villain — Or Is Hamas? (10/12/2025) - I join with Bruce Ticker in hoping that people who don't approve of Israel's standing up to those who seek to destroy the nation-state of the Jews will not get away with physically attacking Jews (whether those Jews are Zionists or not). However, I believe that he could help matters by doing a better job… Continue Reading
Jewish Life
- A Taste of Shabbos – Parashat V’zot Habracha – And Shabbos Bereishit (10/16/2025) - The Torah's cyclical study emphasizes continual growth and understanding. Sinai represents humility and unity, reminding Jews of their mission and connection to G-d through shared experiences. Continue Reading
- Zoe Schreurs Bet Mitzvah (10/16/2025) - On Saturday, October 18th, 2025 Zoe Schreurs will be called to the Torah as Bet Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Continue Reading
- Relief, Reflection, and Gratitude: The Living Hostages Are Home (10/13/2025) - We join communities around the world in profound relief and gratitude as the remaining hostages begin their journey home. After two long years since the October 7 attack, two years where time seemed suspended in grief and uncertainty, this breakthrough marks a decisive turning point. But this is only the beginning, and the path to… Continue Reading
- They Came Home! Chag Sameach! (10/13/2025) - There are so many mixed emotions on this historic day and it is hard to process them all, let alone even begin to imagine the feelings of those being released and the joy and relief of their families Continue Reading
- A Colorado Lulav (10/12/2025) - The Shavit-Lonsteins reflect on Colorado's diverse ecosystems and propose a unique Colorado lulav symbolizing community unity, resilience, and growth, celebrating Sukkot's agricultural and spiritual lessons. Continue Reading
Arts and Culture
- Sold Out? We’ve Added More Screenings! (10/15/2025) - There are tickets left to all of the most popular Boulder Jewish Film Festival titles. Continue Reading
- Boulder Jewish Film Festival Adds Two More Screenings (10/12/2025) - Both screenings of Yaniv and Midas Man sold out quickly, but you can still see these audience favorites. Continue Reading
Events
- Colorado Run 4 Their Lives Celebrates the Release of Hostages in Denver on Sunday (10/15/2025) - On October 19 in Washington Park, Denver, a celebration will honor released hostages, remember the deceased, and promote peace. Chag sameach! Continue Reading
- JEWISHcolorado and Temple Emanuel to Co-Host Community Gathering to Mark the Return of Hostages from Gaza (10/13/2025) - JEWISHcolorado and Temple Emanuel will co-host a gathering for the Jewish community to mark the return of the living Israeli hostages from Gaza. The event called “B’Yachad,” or “Together,” will take place on Sunday, October 19. Continue Reading
