JEWISHcolorado

"This week’s parsha, Nitzavim/Vayeilech, comes at a moment of transition. Moses is nearing the end of his leadership, and as he gathers the people, he reminds them that the covenant they share is not only for those standing before him, but also for those “not with us here this day.” —Daphna Strelitz, Foundation Director

Shabbat Shalom: Caring for the Future Your weekly Shabbat Shalom message from the JEWISHcolorado team in Denver.

If you have attended a JEWISHcolorado event in the past year, you may very likely have encountered one of JEWISHcolorado’s Shinshinim. For a full year, these young Israelis, all recent high school graduates who delay service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), serve in Israel and in diaspora communities around the world. They spend a year immersed in the local Jewish community, educating youth about Israeli society and culture, current affairs, and Jewish traditions. They bring with them unique interests and passions and, above all, a willingness to create a bridge to Israel. Meet JEWISHcolorado’s five new Shinshinim! https://www.jewishcolorado.org/get-to-know-five-new-shinshinim/

JEWISHcolorado Israel & Overseas Center PJ Library JEWISHcolorado Jewish Explorers, a program of JEWISHcolorado YAD Colorado

Get to know five new Shinshinim If you have attended a JEWISHcolorado event in the past year, you may very likely have encountered one of JEWISHcolorado’s Shinshinim. For a full year, these young Israelis, all recent high school graduates who delay service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), serve in Israel and in diaspora commu...

"Ometz – courage – isn't a feeling, it's a decision you make to lead even if you might not feel ready," added Steven Paletz (Colorado), Co-Chair of Cabinet. "Our members are going home to complex conversations and asks but are now equipped with the courage and skills to tackle them. Their work is just starting." https://www.jewishfederations.org/blog/all/350-emerging-federation-leaders-tackle-challenges-at-cabinet-retreat-525721 Jewish Federations of North America YAD Colorado

Last week, JEWISHcolorado’s Women’s Philanthropy Committee held a Shabbaton in Vail, CO, to kick off their fiscal year. It was an incredible weekend of visioning, learning, planning, goal setting, collaborating, and creating a culture of philanthropy. Fourteen of us arrived as individuals and left as a cohesive group—having built deeper relationships and feeling inspired and ready to begin the work ahead.

Join us NEXT Tuesday, September 8, as we welcome Jewish Federations of North America Chair Gary Torgow to Colorado at JCC Denver. 🤩👏 Meet our local Day School leadership and boards and learn more about and the importance of Jewish Day Schools as central institutions of Jewish life.
Registration required. Learn more and register here: https://events.idonate.com/2026jewishdayschooleventwithgarytorgow

Denver Jewish Day School Denver Academy of Torah PJ Library JEWISHcolorado Jewish Explorers, a program of JEWISHcolorado

"This week, we read Ki Tavo. It is the parsha denoting the bringing of the first fruits to the Temple and how when an Israelite did such, they were commanded to recite a specific historical summary of their Jewish life. It was Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, z”l, who said this act turned every Jewish citizen into an active storyteller." —Renée Rockford, President & CEO

Shabbat Shalom: Speaking Our Stories Your weekly Shabbat Shalom message from the JEWISHcolorado team in Denver.

“Jewish safety requires more than condemning hateful images and protecting Jews from physical violence. It also requires the basic agency afforded to other communities — the right to define our identity and decide which emotional, cultural, and political commitments are part of it.” - Brandon Rattiner, senior director of the JEWISHcolorado JCRC:

While the public debates antisemitism in politics, Colorado Jews live the consequences (Opinion) The op-ed in The Denver Post by Krista Kafer on Sunday began by asking, “What does it mean to be antisemitic?” but never asks a single Jew for an answer.

Join us on Tuesday, September 8, for an evening celebrating Jewish Day School, featuring Gary Torgow, Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America. Meet our local Day School leadership and boards and learn more about and the importance of Jewish Day Schools as central institutions of Jewish life.

We will be treated to inspiring words from Gary Torgow, Chairman of Huntington Bank and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Jewish Federations of North America.

Learn more and register here: https://events.idonate.com/2026jewishdayschooleventwithgarytorgow

Jewish Federations of North America JEWISHcolorado Israel & Overseas Center JEWISHcolorado JCRC PJ Library JEWISHcolorado Jewish Explorers, a program of JEWISHcolorado YAD Colorado JEWISHcolorado Real Estate & Construction Network Denver Jewish Day School Denver Academy of Torah

The Forward Parton’s charity, the Imagination Library, a program with free books for children was the inspiration for Harold Grinspoon’s PJ Library, which provides Jewish-themed books to young readers.

“I’m always honored when my Imagination Library inspires others,” Parton said. https://forward.com/culture/459683/the-secret-jewish-history-of-dolly-parton/

PJ Library JEWISHcolorado Jewish Explorers, a program of JEWISHcolorado

The secret Jewish history of Dolly Parton The beloved singer, pop culture icon and philanthropist died at 80

JTA News The game that became a fixture of 20th-century Jewish women’s culture is getting a Gen Z revival.

Mah jongg was a Jewish grandmother thing. Now teens are getting in on the game. - Jewish Telegraphic Agency The game that became a fixture of 20th-century Jewish women’s culture is getting a Gen Z revival.