News

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.

Registration is open for the Spring Term of the EXCHANGE Lifelong Learning Program at the Boulder JCC. There are (8) diverse classes to appeal to a broad audience. “We only offer 3-week classes in the spring because people begin their travels in April and May,” said Joy Alice Eisenhauer, the Adult, Culture, and Arts Director, which includes

Looking to grow your professional circle in a relaxed and enjoyable setting? Join us for an evening of networking at Sherpa's Adventure Restaurant and Bar.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, February 11
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Cost: $36

Whether you're an established professional or just starting your career journey, this event provides the perfect environment to meet like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities. Enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious light bites while building connections that could take your career to the next level.

What to Bring:

• A valid ID (21+ event)
• Plenty of business cards

Don’t miss this chance to make lasting connections in a vibrant atmosphere. Secure your spot today, and let’s make networking a delightful experience.

Please register on the Boulder JCC website. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for a unique and meaningful Tu B'Shevat Seder on Wednesday, February 12, at 6 pm, as we explore the theme of Cultivating Abundance through the interconnected lenses of Body and Earth. TogetJher, we will reflect on how abundance flows into our lives and communities, drawing inspiration from the natural world and the mystical wisdom of the Tree of Life. We are honored to welcome Ryan Madson of Drylands Agroecology Research to speak about cultivating community and earthly abundance.

Tu B'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, is one of the four "New Years" in the Jewish calendar. Celebrated on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shevat, this holiday marks the awakening of trees and the renewal of life. We commemorate this occasion with a seder, meaning "order," a festive experience where we celebrate tree fruits, share their offerings, and embrace the wisdom they provide.

Join us at the Boulder JCC February 22, 2025 – March 23, 2025, to experience the captivating traveling exhibition, The Bias Inside Us, directly from the Smithsonian Institution. The Opening Reception will be held at the Boulder JCC on Sunday, February 22 at 6:30 pm and you can register in advance on the Boulder JCC website.

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

Join us on Monday, February 24, at 6:30 pm for the annual Ilona Irene Rosenschein Holocaust Education Program with acclaimed historian Jeffrey Veidlinger. Jeffrey Veidlinger is the director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute at the University of Michigan and the Joseph Brodsky Collegiate Professor of History and Judaic Studies.

Between 1918 and 1921, over 100,000 Jews were murdered in Ukraine by peasants, townsmen, and soldiers who blamed the Jews for the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. In hundreds of separate incidents, ordinary people robbed their Jewish neighbors with impunity, burned down their houses, ripped apart their Torah scrolls, sexually assaulted them, and killed them. Largely forgotten today, these pogroms — ethnic riots — dominated headlines and international affairs in their time. Aid workers warned that 6 million Jews were in danger of complete extermination. Twenty years later, these dire predictions would come true.

Council Takes Historic Stand Following More than a Year of Unprecedented Community Tensions and Anti-Jewish Rhetoric

Boulder, CO — A coalition of Colorado Jewish organizations commended the Boulder City Council for its declaration denouncing antisemitism, marking a crucial step following a year of increased disruptions and concerning incidents targeting Jewish council members and the broader Jewish community.

Antisemitic and divisive rhetoric has been a constant source of hatred and unrest at Boulder City Council meetings since the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Tensions escalated to the point where the Council moved its meetings online through mid-February in an effort to address safety concerns that have escalated during open comment periods.

The Declaration Condemning Antisemitism, shared at tonight’s council session, affirms the city’s commitment to countering anti-Jewish rhetoric and cultivating an inclusive environment that celebrates both individuality and commonality among Boulder residents.

Parents of young children in the Boulder area now have an exciting opportunity to dive into Jewish culture, traditions, and values with the launch of a new six-week course, Taste of Judaism. Starting Tuesday, January 28th, this program is designed to fit parents' busy schedules while offering a meaningful exploration of Jewish life.

Taste of Judaism is led​​ by local experts. It will consist of weekly one-hour workshops from 5 - 6 pm, held on Tuesday nights at the Boulder JCC. Each session covers a unique topic, including Jewish Values, Israel, Jewish Texts, Jewish Holidays through the lens of music and food, Shabbat, and God. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to attend individual classes for $18 per class or complete the entire six-week series for $80. 

“We created this course with parents in mind,” said Jewish Education Specialist Jon Wood. “It’s a chance for them to learn about Jewish life and culture in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Whether you want to stay one step ahead of your child, learn something new, or explore how Jewish traditions can enrich your family’s life, this program is for you.” Additionally, it's an excellent way for interfaith and multi-faith families to solidify parts of their family beliefs and vernacular.