News

Get ready, Boulder! The biggest night of the year is approaching, and we have a decade’s worth of reasons to celebrate. JFest returns to the Boulder JCC on Saturday, April 18, from 7:30 – 11 pm. This year is a major milestone as we mark 10 years in our beautiful home on Oreg Avenue.

To honor our past and invest in our future, the Boulder JCC will transform into an immersive, vibrant landscape for adults 21 and older. Best of all, JFest isn’t a typical fundraiser. There is no formal sit-down dinner and absolutely no paddle raise. Your donation of any amount, from $5,400 to $54, is your official ticket to the party.

The Dress Code: "Dress for Joy"

Forget the rigid rules of gala season. At JFest, the dress code is simple: Dress for Joy. We invite you to wear whatever makes you feel your best and brings you the most happiness. Whether that means sparkles, your favorite suit, comfies, or something that simply sparks a smile, we want to see your best version of a 10-year celebration.

In the rush of school pick-ups, extracurriculars, and the daily grind, it’s easy to feel like we’re moving through life in parallel lines rather than intersecting circles. At the Boulder JCC, we believe that a strong community isn't just about the events we attend; it’s built on the strength of our personal relationships.

That’s why we are thrilled to launch our Chavurah Program, a dedicated initiative within our JParent programming designed to help families with school-age children find their "tribe" and cultivate lasting Jewish connections.

Derived from the Hebrew word Chaver (friend), a Chavurah (plural: Chavurot) is a small, self-led friendship group. While the Chavurah movement has been a cornerstone of Jewish life since the 1960s, its purpose remains timeless: bringing people together to celebrate, learn, and support one another.

These aren't just social clubs; they are "micro-communities." Groups that truly click have the potential to grow together, celebrating B’nai Mitzvahs, holidays, and life’s milestones for decades to come.

We know that "forced" social groups can sometimes feel awkward. To ensure these groups are built on solid foundations, we are partnering with renowned Jewish educator Amy Atkins.

As Passover approaches, the Boulder JCC is offering a variety of ways for the community to connect, give back, and prepare for the holiday. Whether you are looking to support local families in need or want to give your children a hands-on introduction to the Seder plate, there is a program designed for every generation.

Here is how you can get involved this Passover season at the Boulder JCC:

JParent Family Shabbat: Pre-Passover Shabbat Dinner
Friday, March 27 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | $15/family

Gather the family for a relaxed evening of community and learning. While the kids enjoy art, music, and activities with counselors, parents will have the opportunity to explore the holiday's themes together. Join the Boulder JCC for a Pre-Passover Shabbat on Friday, March 27, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Registration is $15/family.

The Boulder Jewish Community Center has completed a rooftop solar installation at its LEED-certified campus in Colorado, offsetting 80% of its electricity consumption.

The 306-kWDC solar project, completed in late 2025, was developed in partnership with Namaste Solar, an employee-owned cooperative. The 614-panel system joins an existing 67-kW rooftop array.

This solar milestone was made possible by a collaborative funding effort. A $523,143 grant from Boulder’s Community Culture, Resilience and Safety Tax Program set the project in motion. Additional support came from Boulder County’s PACE program, Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards, a loan from the Adamah Climate Action Fund and gifts from community donors. With this funding and anticipated federal IRA incentives, the project’s cost was largely covered, reducing financial barriers for the nonprofit Boulder JCC.

As we prepare to gather around the Seder table, we recount the story of our ancestors’ journey from bondage to freedom. It is a time of reflection, celebration, and, most importantly, community. Central to the Passover story is the call to empathy and action. As the Haggadah commands us: "Let all who are hungry come and eat." This year, that call is more urgent than ever.

In Boulder and Broomfield Counties, the reality of food insecurity is closer than many realize. Currently, 1 in 12 of our neighbors are experiencing food insecurity. As the cost of living continues to rise, many families are being forced into impossible "heat or eat" decisions—choosing between paying essential bills or buying nutritious groceries.

Through our partnership with Community Food Share, we have the opportunity to live out the spirit of Passover by ensuring that liberation from hunger is a reality for everyone in our community.

Spring is a season for growth, and this April, the EXCHANGE lifelong learning program is offering a vibrant lineup of classes designed to spark curiosity and foster community. Hosted at the Boulder JCC, these programs are open to everyone—no membership or religious affiliation is required.

While these sessions are tailored for adults aged 55+, all lifelong learners are welcome to join us for a season of exploration.

Spring EXCHANGE Open House

Before the classes begin, join us for a morning of socializing and discovery. This is your chance to meet the people behind the podium and get a "sneak peek" at the upcoming curriculum. Meet the instructors, hear brief overviews of each course, and enjoy bagels and fruit while connecting with fellow learners.

Monday, March 23 | 10 – 11:30 am | FREE

In a world of "good, thanks" and endless scrolling, how often do we actually sit down and talk? Not just about the weather or our job titles, but about the things that actually make us think deeper?

This Friday, March 13, from 6 - 9 pm, the Boulder JCC is inviting the 20s and 30s community to trade the "surface level" for something a bit more substantial. Shabbat Beyond the Small Talk is more than just a dinner; it’s a curated experience designed to bypass the social scripts and dive straight into genuine human connection.

The evening balances the ancient warmth of Shabbat traditions with modern, intentional dialogue. We’ll set the tone by welcoming Shabbat together with the traditional lighting of candles, sharing wine, and breaking challah. A delicious, catered three-course dinner from Flower Child provides the backdrop for the evening. Forget the pressure of wondering what to say next. Throughout the meal, you'll be guided by thoughtful prompts specifically designed to spark curiosity and foster presence. 

Whether you are a Boulder native or new to the area, finding "your people" can feel like a chore. This event removes the awkwardness of typical networking or social mixers. It’s a space built for curiosity and presence, allowing you to leave the evening feeling more connected to your community than when you arrived. There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when you combine a shared meal with the intention to really see and hear the person sitting across from you.

Is your little one ready to burn off some energy, make new friends, and learn to play soccer? We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Boulder Maccabees Youth Soccer League, a program designed specifically for 4 and 5-year-olds.

Our league provides a fun, supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment where children can discover the fundamentals of soccer while building essential life skills.

To help our young athletes progress, each week features a specific "Skill of the Day" that we’ll practice before the big game: dribbling with control, stopping the ball, passing to a partner, shooting on goal, basic defensive positioning, and understanding boundaries and teamwork.

We know life is busy! This league is part of our extended after-school care. Our staff will pick up students directly from their classrooms and transport them to the soccer field, making the transition seamless for parents.

If you’ve ever found yourself curious about the "why" behind Jewish traditions or if you’re looking for a modern way to engage with ancient ethics, the Boulder JCC is opening its doors for a transformative series.

Starting Wednesday, April 8, and running through May 13, the Boulder JCC will host a six-week exploration into the heart of Jewish culture, history, and practice. Unlike a standard lecture, this course is designed as a community-centered experience, using original source texts to spark conversation and connection.

The program will be guided by Amy Kopkin Atkins, a powerhouse in the Boulder education scene. With two decades of experience spanning Jewish summer camps, secular boarding schools, and even Buddhist-inspired universities, Amy specializes in creating "safe and brave spaces" for exploration.

As the founder of Loomeries and Program Director for Youth Celebrate Diversity, Amy brings a unique lens of equity, inclusion, and experiential learning to the classroom. Under her guidance, students aren't just memorizing facts; they are "weaving" (as her organization’s name suggests) their own identities into the broader Jewish story.

One of the most welcoming aspects of this series is its accessibility. No prior knowledge or Hebrew skills are required. All source materials are provided in translation, and there is no textbook to buy. The only prerequisite is an open mind and a desire to engage with your neighbors.