News

In 2008, Women of the J at the Boulder JCC was just a thought. Beth Margolis took it upon herself to make her dream a reality, and in 2012, she spoke to Jonathan Lev about finally bringing this idea to life. To create this vision, with the Boulder JCC still located in a small building on Kalmia, Beth partnered with Susan Rona to build active volunteer leadership. Together, they reached out to three other women to help steer the committee, Kate Litwin, Karli Sherwinter, and Gena Walk, and together, the five of them were able to bring the Women of the J to life. 

Following a year of brainstorming, the first advisory board retreat in August of 2014 marked a journey of curiosity and community, where each member got to know each other better and planned events for the first year. On a snowy November night, the first-ever Women of the J event, “Women, Wine, and Welcome,” kicked off with over 100 women showing up to find community and connection through the programs. Women of the J officially became a new affinity group for women of all ages to connect through social and educational events and various mitzvah opportunities each year. 

As we move into this season of renewal, we cannot help but reflect on the significance of October 7—a day that will forever be etched in our collective memory. This date marks the anniversary of a tragedy that deeply affected our community and the world. As we gather to remember the devastation that occurred, we also remain steadfast in our hope for the release of the 101 hostages, still held in captivity nearly a year after their horrific kidnapping by Hamas.

To mark this solemn anniversary, our community will host a special program of remembrance at the Boulder JCC on Monday, October 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. This gathering is intended to foster an environment of reflection, support, and connection, ensuring that we do not stand alone in our grief but together in unity and resilience.

As the Jewish High Holidays approach, this time calls for a sense of reflection, renewal, and community. The Boulder JCC invites individuals and families to unite this high holiday season, honoring traditions passed down through generations. The Boulder JCC is excited to offer a vibrant array of events and activities designed to engage, inspire, and uplift all community members. From a creek clean-up to food drives and family programs like Sukkot on the Farm, there’s something for everyone to celebrate the richness of this meaningful time. Join us as we embrace the high holidays and create lasting memories together.

Alissa Davies and Courtney Cotton, both Denver and Boulder-based abstract artists, will open a new exhibit at the Boulder JCC Messinger Gallery on Thursday, September 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Courtney Cotton and Alissa Davies met while enrolled in a Colorado Business Committee for the Arts business group. They immediately connected over the power of creating art, working with intuition, and using art to process life. Having been approached by Alice Messinger of the Boulder JCC Messinger Gallery, Cotton immediately invited Davies to participate in the exhibit, believing the two would create work that would complement each other. 

Join the Boulder JCC on Monday, September 23, for Faces of October 7th with Ofri Reiner. Ofri Reiner, a resilient Israeli survivor of the harrowing Nova massacre, at just 21 years old, has already faced the darkest trials, emerging with an indomitable spirit. Her journey is intertwined with the tragedy of war; her beloved brother, Shalev Dagan, served as a combat soldier in Golani 51 and tragically lost his life. 

Even with all these tragedies, Ofri Reiner is more than just a survivor; she is a storyteller who weaves the threads of her family's journey with her own. Through her public speaking, she eloquently shares the profound impact of loss, grief, and trauma, inspiring others to find strength in adversity.

This program is made possible by an Israel Engagement Grant from JEWISHColorado and support from StandWithUs. Ofri Reiner will speak in Levin Hall at the Boulder JCC on Monday, September 23, from 7 to 8:30 pm, with doors opening at 6:30 pm. Please register ahead of time on the Boulder JCC website.

Get ready for nonstop fun with our School Break Days! Designed to coincide with your school's off days, these action-packed days are exciting and filled with. There's something for everyone, from sports and games to creative arts and crafts, lively dance sessions, captivating library time, and unforgettable experiences at the Milk and Honey Farm. Open to Kindergarten through 5th grade children, join us for a fun-filled adventure!

Experience a typical day in our School Break Days, filled with farm time, crafty activities, sports, making new friends, and exploring around the JCC. We provide a fun-filled environment for kids on their school day out, ensuring they have a blast while learning and playing. 

For more information, contact the Camp and Youth Assistant Jordan Etter.

The 12th annual Boulder Jewish Film Festival features 13 films from around the world and our always popular shorts program, inviting audiences to engage in a meaningful conversation about the Jewish experience. All films this year are in the Boedecker Theater or the Grace Gamm Theater at the Dairy Arts Center. Tickets to the festival go on sale Oct. 22. Showings do sell out; purchasing early is advisable.

Formed in 2017, Flex embodies flexibility, muscle and mind flexion, heart and mood reflex, and the inflection of a wide range of musical influences. Featuring pianist Art Lande, bassist Gonzalo Teppa, and drummer Dru Heller, the group embraces the myriad of possible textures and colors available to this time-honored instrumentation.

Playing together as Flex, Art Lande, Gonzalo Teppa, and Dru Heller will perform at the Boulder JCC on Sunday, September 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join us in the beautiful Levin Hall for an evening of light appetizers, wine, and music and to listen to Flex's music. Register ahead of time on the Boulder JCC website.