News

Join us for the first Exchange Summer Lecture Series: The Composers that History Forgot, as Kenneth Woods, the Artistic Director and Conductor of Colorado MahlerFest, presents a compelling exploration of the Jewish composers of the 20th century whose lives and music were forever changed by the rise of Nazism and the tragedy of WWII. This lecture will shed light on a generation of artists who were inspired by Gustav Mahler and how their lives were profoundly altered by the events surrounding WWII.

Among the featured stories is that of Viktor Ullmann, a gifted composer who continued to write astonishing music while imprisoned in the Theresienstadt ghetto. Despite unimaginable conditions, Ullmann composed Der Kaiser von Atlantis (The Emperor of Atlantis), an allegorical opera written in collaboration with librettist Petr Kien. Intended as a biting commentary on tyranny and the devaluation of human life under the Nazi regime, the opera was banned before it could be performed. Ullmann was deported to Auschwitz in 1944, where he was murdered. His opera survived—and stands today as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of music.

The Boulder JCC’s biggest bash is almost here… and it’s anything but your average gala.

On Saturday, April 26, our community will come together for JFest, a swanky, choose-your-own-adventure celebration unlike any other. With immersive experiences, mouthwatering bites, craft cocktails, DJ-fueled dancing, and unforgettable moments at every turn, JFest is a party with a purpose: to celebrate YOU, our vibrant and generous community.

But none of this would be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors.

Your contributions help us bring this vision to life, not just for one night but for the future of the Boulder JCC and all the lives we touch. Every registration, toast, and memory made at JFest is a testament to the strength of the community we’ve built together, and your sponsorship is at the heart of it all.

It’s almost here…the best night in Boulder! On Saturday, April 26, the JCC transforms for one unforgettable night - don't miss out on the party of the year! JFest isn’t your typical gala—it’s a full-blown, choose-your-own-adventure party that’s all about YOU, your community, and the incredible energy we create together.

What to expect?

Immersive activities and choose-your-own-adventure fun. Did we forget to mention FAIRY HAIR? Four bars. Yes, four. And caffeinated cocktails will be brewing all night at Café at the J! Local vendors (we're talking Blackbelly and T/aco!) will be serving up top-tier nosh. You choose your vibe: chill lounge, dance floor, arts and crafts room - whatever suits you. This party is all about you—what brings you joy, what lights you up. Come in pajamas or your sparkliest outfit. Curate your night, your way.

Why Should You Go?

Because this party is the place to be, hundreds have already registered—if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out, and don’t let your friends go without you.

Your registration is a donation that supports the Boulder JCC's vital work, and let’s be real, it’s way less than a night out. We’re giving you the most bang for your buck, with fantastic vendors, memories, and a meaningful connection packed into one epic evening.

Registration is open for the Exchange Lifelong Learning Program Summer Lecture Series at the Boulder JCC. The series features five diverse classes that will appeal to a broad audience. Each class is 1.5 hours with a short break in between. C

• May 5 - The Composers that History Forgot, Kenneth Woods, Artistic Director/Conductor of Colorado MahlerFest.
• June 16 – The Precious Minerals Challenge for Renewable Energy, Mark Squillace, Professor Natural Resources Law, University of Colorado, Boulder.
• June 30 - A Roadmap for Optimal Brain Health and Longevity, Dr. Ilene Naomi Rusk, Brain and Behavior Clinic, Boulder.
• July 14 – Discovering Bhutan: Land of Gross National Happiness, Dr. Janet Ward, Prize-Winning Teacher and Researcher.
• July 21 – Artificial Intelligence - Learning, Working, and Collaborating in the Digital Age, Gerhard Fischer, Professor Emeritus, Computer Science, University of Colorado, Boulder.

While EXCHANGE was developed for adults 55+, it is open to all. The Summer Lecture Series cost $12 per session, or $50 for all five lectures, and financial aid is available. More information on the classes and the instructors can be found at www.boulderjcc.org/exchange.

Boulder JCC is thrilled to host a moving and memorable evening as we mark Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s 77th Independence Day, with community, storytelling, and celebration. This powerful program features renowned Israeli photojournalist Erez Kaganovitz, the creative force behind Humans of Tel Aviv, Humans of Israel, Humans of October 7th, and Rebuilding Israel. Join us on Thursday, May 1, at 6 pm for dinner from Boychik, a celebration, and community. Visit boulderjcc.org/humans for information and registration.

Since October 7th, the spotlight on Israel has grown more intense—its history, people, and future questioned and examined with new urgency. In this moment of reflection and resilience, we invite you to experience Israel through a human lens with “Humans of Israel,” a stunning photo exhibition that captures the diversity and complexity of Israeli society.

Save the date for Sunday, June 8, 2025, for the Boulder Jewish Festival on the Pearl Street Mall! The Boulder Jewish Festival is the longest-running cultural festival in Boulder. It is planned by a volunteer committee and led by Joy Alice Eisenhauer, Arts, Culture, and Education (ACE) Director of the Boulder JCC. The festival will feature Jewish music, artists, food, and local community organizations.

The Boulder Jewish Festival creates the setting for locals to connect with organizations and the Jewish community they are looking to build, with the courthouse lawn hosting up to 25 different organizations from Boulder County and beyond.  

The festival also serves as a vibrant celebration of Jewish heritage, showcasing unique Jewish music, Jewish artists, and delicious cuisines. It provides a platform for conversation, breaks down barriers, and promotes cross-cultural dialogue. 

It’s time for the Boulder JCC’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and this year, we’re counting on your support. JFest is not a typical fundraiser - no program, paddle raise, or sit-down dinner. Our goal is ambitious—to raise $350,000—and we’re counting on your generosity to help us achieve it during our 36-hour drive on April 22 and 23. Your support is 100% tax deductible and eligible for the 5C tax credit! Then, together, we’ll celebrate our success at the Boulder JCC's biggest party, JFest, on Saturday, April 26!

At the heart of JFest is a celebration of our vibrant and diverse community. Whether you’re a parent whose child attends the Early Childhood Center, a participant in our innovative programs, or simply someone who values the Boulder JCC's presence in our community, JFest is the place to be.

The captivating traveling exhibition, The Bias Inside Us, directly from the Smithsonian Institution, is at the Boulder JCC through March 23, 2025.

The Bias Inside Us is a Smithsonian traveling exhibition and community-engagement project that will raise awareness about the social science and impact of implicit bias. This exhibition provides an opportunity for people to learn about implicit bias and reflect on their own biases and how they impact their actions. Projects like this can expose us to other ideas and groups outside our own. This exposure can lead to meaningful dialogue, positive change, greater empathy, and increased inclusivity.

Project Goals:

• to help people understand and recognize their implicit biases
• to support communities in convening dialogue that will increase awareness
• to inspire more inclusive schools, communities, and workplaces

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRAVELING EXHIBITION

What to Expect
The Bias Inside Us unpacks and demystifies the concept of bias through compelling images, hands-on interactive, and powerful testimonials and videos. The exhibition features six sections:

• Introduction
• The Science of Bias
• Bias in Real Life
• Serious Consequences—Bias is All Around Us
• #RetrainYourBrain
• Personal Reflection

The Bias Inside Us is grounded in decades of scientific research and educational work by psychologists Mahzarin R. Banaji of Harvard University and Anthony G. Greenwald, professor emeritus at the University of Washington. They defined the term “implicit bias” through their work on unconscious and conscious mental processes. Their book “Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People“ (Delacorte Press, 2013) explores the biases people carry based on their exposure to cultural attitudes on areas such as gender, race, social class, and disability status.

Feel free to come at your leisure during our working hours or schedule a tour for a group of 8 – 35 people! Interested in bringing your school group to tour the exhibition? Please contact Sam Rosenbaum at thebiasinsideus@boulderjcc.org or register for a group time here.
 

Ignited by an impromptu visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany, Nick Del Calzo spent the next five years creating 145 portraits of Holocaust survivors in 12 states. Some 72 portraits are included in The Triumphant Spirit, which received a glowing tribute in the Congressional Record and was selected by the American Library Association as one of the “Best Books for Young Adults.”

Beginning in 2010, the Feiner Family Foundation republished The Triumphant Spirit, sending 2,000 complimentary copies to Holocaust museums, educators, organizations, and Jewish leaders. This is the first time in over a decade that this historical book has been widely available.

This groundbreaking work was showcased in the award-winning book The Triumphant Spirit. The prestigious United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., noted that it is a “powerful collection of portraits.” Join Renee Rockford at the opening reception on Thursday, March 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to hear about her experience writing The Triumphant Spirit and speak about its enduring importance. Please register on the Boulder JCC website in advance.

 Join the Boulder JCC on Wednesday, March 5, from 6 - 8 pm for Israeli Art and Global Politics - The Uncut Version with Israeli artist, educator, and activist Shirel Horovitz. She will present the political landscape through art with a unique twist. “This past year created a rift between the Israeli art world and the international one, mirroring many larger issues. Together, we will dive deep into two of these events and their history to uncover the intricate web of connections between art and politics and the intersections of Israeli art and activism,” states Shirel Horovitz. 

 This program offers a unique and critical perspective on the intersection of politics and the art world in Israel and internationally. Rather than focusing on exhibitions, it delves into the mechanisms that shape them —the political forces, power structures, and institutional decisions that dictate what is seen, supported, or silenced. By examining a few specific events and what has occurred since October 7th, the program uncovers how political events have had an immediate and extreme impact on the art world, providing a fresh lens through which to understand artistic expression and global political trends.