Weekly Edition: July 17th, 2026

Shabbat shalom! Now that we’re heading into the meat of summer, stay cool and cover up when you’re under the hot sun! (That was the Jewish Mother voice in all of us coming out.)

Last September, we began a new column with Rabbi Charna Rosenholtz, a 12-part column exploring the spiritual and psychological wisdom of each Hebrew month. Drawing from Torah, Kabbalah, Mussar, and seasonal awareness, each installment highlights core themes, practices, and reflections to help ground us in sacred time. Join us on this monthly journey through the Jewish calendar. We entered Av, the eleventh month, this week, so be sure to check out this latest entry. Links to her earlier columns (months 1-10) are included.

Here are the stories from this week.

News/Columns/Letters

• Eco-Friendly and Ultra-Versatile: How the Boulder JCC is Redefining the Modern Event Space (7/16/2026) - The Boulder Jewish Community Center offers a versatile, sustainable venue for events, merging high-quality facilities with community support and eco-conscious design. Continue Reading
• Confusing Times and Classic Comics: What Superman Means to a Young Jewish Student (7/16/2026) - This is simply how I, a secular, October 8th Jew, with no super powers to speak of, makes sense of both my identity and a world where being a Jew is becoming increasingly unsafe. Continue Reading
• Column: A Republican Offer That Many Jews May Not Refuse (7/16/2026) - Jewish voters face a potential exodus from the Democratic Party, and New York Republicans are already parting the Hudson for Jewish New Yorkers. Continue Reading
• New Partnerships Expand Jewish Security Efforts in Colorado, Georgia, and Pennsylvania (7/15/2026) - The Secure Community Network is expanding threat management and information-sharing capabilities for Jewish communities in Colorado, Georgia, and Pennsylvania through partnerships with local Federations and law enforcement. Continue Reading
• LEAKED! Trump’s Plans for Israel (7/15/2026) - Joshua Kail humorously critiques Trump's vision for Israel, proposing a satirical timeshare scheme for dictators, while sharing an absurd experience from his stay at Mar-a-Lago. Continue Reading
• Letter: Israel Criticized for What It Is, Not What It Does (7/12/2026) - I agree that anyone in public office must accept criticism of his country's actions. However, Israel is in the unusual situation of being criticized for what it is (the Nation-State of the Jews), rather than for what it does. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• Twelve Tribes, Twelve Months: Av (7/16/2026) - The Hebrew month of Av reflects contrasts of mourning and joy, teaching us to embrace grief and listen deeply, fostering transformation and rebuilding after loss. Continue Reading
• Returning to Israel for the High Holidays: A Journey of Heritage, Community and Giving Back (7/16/2026) - The weeks between Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot are becoming a time for Jewish travelers to engage in volunteering in Israel, enhancing connections and community support. Continue Reading
• Sam Olson Bar Mitzvah (7/15/2026) - On Saturday, July 11th, 2026, Sam Olson was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah with Adventure Judaism. Continue Reading
• Evan Sapir Bar Mitzvah (7/15/2026) - On Saturday, July 11th, 2026, Evan Sapir was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah with Adventure Judaism. Continue Reading

Arts and Culture

• 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

Events

• 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