JEWISHcolorado

"The man who once told God, “Lo ish devarim anochi,” “I am not a man of words” (Exodus 4:10), leaves us an entire book called Devarim, Words. There is something beautifully ironic about this.

When God first called Moses at the burning bush, he questioned whether he was the right person to lead the Israelites. He believed that his inability to speak eloquently disqualified him from the task before him. Yet here, during the final month of his life, Moses speaks with clarity, wisdom, and purpose as he prepares the next generation for the journey ahead." —By: Cindy C***s, Director of Family Engagement & Jewish Explorers https://www.jewishcolorado.org/shabbat-shalom-growing-into-our-voice/

Jewish Explorers, a program of JEWISHcolorado

Shabbat Shalom: Growing into Our Voice Your weekly Shabbat Shalom message from the JEWISHcolorado team in Denver.

Steven A. Paletz, associate in Akerman’s Real Estate Practice Group, has been selected as Co-Chair of the National Young Leadership Cabinet of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) for the 2026-2027 term.

Founded in 1963, the National Young Leadership Cabinet is JFNA’s flagship program for developing the next generation of Jewish community leaders and philanthropists. The program comprises more than 500 members across the United States, Canada, and Mexico who work to strengthen Jewish communities across North America and around the world. https://www.akerman.com/en/firm/newsroom/steven-a-paletz-selected-as-co-chair-of-jewish-federations-of-north-americas-national-young-leadership-cabinet.html

She was five weeks old when her parents fled their bombed-out village in North Vietnam. By six, she was on a plane to Israel. By twenty, she was a radar spotter on the Lebanese border, watching for Hezbollah. Today, Ai Lien Luong Phung owns four kosher restaurants in South Florida. This is her unusual story. https://aish.com/from-vietnamese-refugee-to-israeli-soldier-to-florida-restaurateur/ aish.com

From Vietnamese Refugee to Israeli Soldier to Florida Restaurateur | Aish Ai Lien fled Vietnam as a baby, grew up in Israel, served on the Lebanese border, and now owns four kosher restaurants in Florida.

Join JEWISHcolorado's Family Engagement programs - Jewish Explorers, a program of JEWISHcolorado, PJ Library JEWISHcolorado, and YAD Colorado for a family-friendly Shabbat in the Park! Join us for kid-friendly activities, Shabbat Blessings, singing and dancing, mitzvah project, and more! 🧺🏞️✨

Bring your own picnic dinner & blankets and/or lawn chairs. We will provide your family with a Shabbat kit filled with challah, juice, and votive candles for Shabbat blessings.

Registration required. Location shared upon registration: https://events.idonate.com/2026familyshabbat

“This week’s double portion, Parshat Matot-Masei, brings us to the end of the book of Numbers – and the final days of the Israelites’ 40 years spent wandering the desert. Here, on the banks of the Jordan River, the people are finally ready to enter the Promised Land and begin a new era. This is the moment our people have been waiting for, the payoff for generational anticipation.” - Eddie Feves, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Associate Director https://www.jewishcolorado.org/shabbat-shalom-who-we-are-when-we-arrive/ JEWISHcolorado JCRC

Shabbat Shalom: Who We Are When We Arrive Your weekly Shabbat Shalom message from the JEWISHcolorado team in Denver.

This year also marks a new initiative for The Sukkah Project, as the family-owned company launches The Sukkah Foundation to respond to members of the Jewish community who want to celebrate Sukkot but need a helping hand to own a sukkah.

“Part of what we do is tikkun olam, but we have never had a formal way of doing that,” says Herman. “Now, on our thirtieth anniversary, it seems to be the perfect time to bring my family’s commitment to the community full circle through The Sukkah Foundation.” https://www.jewishcolorado.org/company-celebrates-30-years-of-sukkah-kits-by-helping-those-who-cannot-afford-a-sukkah/

JEWISHcolorado JCRC JEWISHcolorado Israel & Overseas Center JEWISHcolorado Real Estate & Construction Network PJ Library JEWISHcolorado Jewish Explorers, a program of JEWISHcolorado YAD Colorado

"...behind the American Jewish names we know and revere are the stories of many other American Jews who influenced the nation — and whose lives reflected the country’s efforts to realize its founding promises — who have found less purchase in history’s spotlight." https://forward.com/culture/834104/us-at-250-forgotten-jewish-stories/

"I’m sitting down to write this, and honestly, I can’t believe the time has come.

It feels like only yesterday we arrived in Colorado. At the same time, when I look back at everything we’ve experienced together, it feels like a lifetime. Nothing less.

Somewhere between miles on I-70, countless cups of coffee, difficult conversations, joyful celebrations, and unforgettable partnerships, Colorado taught me more than I ever imagined.

So, before I go, I wanted to share the lessons this community has left me with." Read more: https://www.jewishcolorado.org/nelly-ben-tals-lessons-from-3-years-of-shlichut-in-colorado/

JEWISHcolorado Israel & Overseas Center JEWISHcolorado JCRC JEWISHcolorado Real Estate & Construction Network PJ Library JEWISHcolorado Jewish Explorers, a program of JEWISHcolorado YAD Colorado

On July 1, Neil Oberfeld succeeded Ben Lusher as the Chair of the Board at JEWISHcolorado. Oberfeld is an attorney and shareholder at Greenberg Traurig where he has built a respected reputation for assisting national and regional developers, retailers, and institutional owners and investors in real estate and general business matters. He brings years of deep and broad nonprofit experience with him to his new role. Recently, we talked about the many ways he has already served Colorado’s Jewish community and the goals he has for his new role as Chair at JEWISHcolorado. Read more here: https://www.jewishcolorado.org/oberfeld-discusses-new-role-as-board-chair/

JEWISHcolorado JCRC JEWISHcolorado Israel & Overseas Center JEWISHcolorado Real Estate & Construction Network PJ Library JEWISHcolorado Jewish Explorers, a program of JEWISHcolorado YAD Colorado

Another year has come and gone. Together, we've shared laughter, tears, triumphs, and challenges.

As one chapter closes, another begins—filled with new possibilities, fresh opportunities, and the promise of what we can achieve together.

Thank you to our Colorado Jewish community. Your generosity, resilience, and commitment to one another continue to inspire us every day. Because of you, our community is stronger, more connected, and better prepared to meet whatever comes next.

Here's to another year of showing up for one another, celebrating our shared traditions, supporting those in need, and ensuring Jewish life in Colorado continues to flourish.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The best is still ahead. 💙

JEWISHcolorado JCRC JEWISHcolorado Israel & Overseas Center JEWISHcolorado Real Estate & Construction Network PJ Library JEWISHcolorado Jewish Explorers, a program of JEWISHcolorado YAD Colorado