In celebration of America's 250th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the founding of the state of Colorado, the Boulder JCC presents two films illuminating Jewish contributions to our new nation’s history at the Dairy Arts Center.

Join Boulder Jewish Film Festival founding director Kathryn Bernheimer to view and discuss two festival favorites that shed light on unfamiliar chapters of American history. “The Levys of Monticello” screens at 1 pm. “Jews of the Wild West” screens at 3 pm with guest speaker Dee Dee Diamond.

“Jews of the Wild West” highlights the contributions Jewish Americans made in shaping the Western United States. The story of Jewish pioneers who played a definitive role in shaping the expansion of the United States has been largely forgotten. But by 1912, an estimated 100,000 Jewish immigrants, many fleeing persecution in Europe or seeking greater personal and economic freedom, had put down roots in the Wild West, leaving a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape. Watch the trailer. (Directed by Denver’s Amanda Kinsey. Running time: 83 minutes. 2022)

“The Levys of Monticello” tells the little-known story of the Levy family, which owned and carefully preserved Monticello for nearly a century – far longer than Jefferson or his descendants. The acclaimed documentary weaves together the remarkable story of the Levy family with an examination of Thomas Jefferson’s legacy, also touching on still-relevant issues of race, slavery, and antisemitism. Watch the trailer. (Directed by Steven Pressman. Running time: 70 minutes. 2022)

Tuesday, July 28 | 1 - 5 pm | $14

Purchase Tickets for Jews of the Wild West

Purchase Tickets for The Levys of Monticello