Yom Ha Zikaron is ‘Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of the Wars of Israel and Victims of Actions of Terrorism’. It is Israel’s official remembrance day. It was enacted into law in Israel in 1963. While Yom HaZikaron has been traditionally dedicated to fallen soldiers, commemoration has also been extended to civilian victims of terrorism, including the lives lost on October 7th, 2023.

The Israel American Council (IAC) has developed a moving and meaningful event with songs and personal stories to celebrate the lives of those lost and to show gratitude and respect.

This program is open to the whole community. Advance registration is strongly recommended.

When: April 20th, 2026, 6:45 – 9:00 pm
Where: Boulder JCC

April 17, 2026

Today is the 15th day of the Omer, making 2 weeks and 1 day and is Hesed of Tiferet. The quality of Tiferet is a balancing force between two extremes, often translated as beauty or compassion.  Hesed is love without boundaries, and Gevurah is, sometimes, boundaries without love, while Tiferet is the central pole that allows synthesis and harmony and nuance.

The days of the Omer can be a deeply personal, internal journey, but they also include 20th-century celebrations and commemorations that have become embedded in our national and collective story too. At the beginning of the week, we marked Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day; this coming Tuesday is Yom HaZikkaron, Israel’s Memorial Day remembering the fallen in Israel’s wars and acts of terrorism; on Tuesday night, the mood shifts from mourning to celebration as we bring in Yom Ha’atzma’ut, Israeli Independence Day. These days are far from easy, and the Jewish world has become increasingly divided on positions and opinions on Israel, easily taking up extreme positions. The invitation of the week of Tiferet is to allow the forces of moderation in the middle to hold the tension of the often very vocal voices in opposing camps.  It is not easy!

Some of you heard that just the day after Yom HaShoah, Finchley Reform Synagogue, the North London community where my mother, sister, uncles, aunts, and cousins are all active members, suffered an attempted arson attack.  It’s so horrific and has shaken my family. This was just a few weeks after 3 masked men set fire to four “Jewish” ambulances just a few miles away, blowing them up.  Two weeks earlier, one of those ambulances took my mother to the hospital after she fell and broke her hip.  And now her shul has survived an attack.  It all feels so close, and the rise in global antisemitism is very alarming and makes us all afraid.  So much of this has come from the perpetuation of awful misinformation and demonizing of Israel. We know that the evil forces of antisemitism show up as a “three-headed monster,” as Bari Weis puts it; from the far right, from the far left, and from fundamentalist Islam.  We see all three of these ugly heads. We move from honoring the memory of the victims of the Shoah to the memory and celebration of Israel in these tiferet days.

I restate my position that I am an unashamedly Zionist rabbi in a Zionist synagogue within a Zionist movement, and I will be mourning the losses with Israelis in our community on Monday night at the JCC, and celebrating Israel’s 78th birthday on Tuesday night. I recognize that we have very different opinions in our community and that we need to be able to hear each other. I do not believe that loving Israel as I do means that I cannot express deep criticism of some of what is happening there. Before Pesach, I wrote a piece for which some were very grateful and appreciative, and others were very angry. I do not want to rehash the specific issues over which I expressed concern, but I do very much acknowledge the feedback that I did not put these issues in their full context, and that some read my message as unfairly harsh criticism. Hopefully, we can debate some of this in other ways and forums, and whatever our different opinions are, that many of us come together to celebrate Israel, especially in the wake of October 7th, 2023, and the war with Iran. Many of us have loved ones who spent Passover in shelters and safe rooms, and there have been many casualties from the barrage of Iranian missiles. Of course, we dream of ultimate peace and for the safety of all in the region, knowing that the world desperately needs a new regime in Iran.

I am grateful for the honest feedback on both sides and deeply respect the differences among us. There is no doubt in my mind that so much of the hatred coming our way emerges out of sickening campaigns of misinformation and stunning ignorance of history. And we also need to have the humility and presence to be able to look inside and be honest about how our beloved Israel has fallen short, even in these existentially desperate times.

However strongly we hold our views, I believe the invitation of tiferet is to have enough humility to accept that others’ truths, even if opposite to our own, may also be truths. Of course, we need to stand with pride when we are threatened, pride in our traditions, our practices, our calendar, our sacred homeland. And we also need to be able to hold the beauty of the balance of tiferet and to hear those other voices in the hope that they can hear us.

I hope to see some of you at the events for Yom HaZikkaron at the Boulder JCC and Yom Ha’atzma’ut at Bonai Shalom.

Shabbat Shalom & Am Yisrael Chai!

74% of young Jews feel they can positively influence the future, and 56% consider it important to be connected to the Jewish community around them, according to the “One People Report.”

Jerusalem, April 19, 2026 — Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Jewish young adults worldwide and two-thirds (67%) of young adults in Israel believe they can positively influence the future of their community, reveals The Jewish Agency for Israel’s newly published “One People Report,” providing a sense of hope at a time when global Jewry urgently needs it.

Presented to President of Israel Isaac Herzog last week, the report—featuring a comprehensive and wide-ranging survey on the state of the Jewish people worldwide after the attacks of October 7, 2023—identifies striking optimism in the younger generation. Jews ages 18-28 express twice as much optimism about their community than those ages 60 and above. Sixty-four percent of young Jews worldwide are optimistic about the future of the Jewish community in their country.

The new report is based on a global survey conducted by the Ipsos research institute, among a representative sample of 1,428 Jewish respondents in Israel and 18 countries across North America, Europe, Australia, and South America. Respondents were surveyed between September 25, 2025, and October 10, 2025, with questions examining the key trends that shape Jews around the world as one people.

Jewish communities in Israel and globally are confronting a new baseline reality shaped by rising antisemitism, growing discomfort in public spaces, declining personal security, and growing concerns surrounding how Israel is perceived in the world. Yet alongside these challenges, the Jewish people are demonstrating remarkable resilience rooted in community connection: Across generations, those who feel more connected to Jewish life also report greater strength and security, and the bond with Israel remains a central anchor. Further, young Jews are expressing a powerful sense of agency and optimism.

The survey’s findings underscore a shared understanding that the strength and continuity of the Jewish people depend on a sense of mutual responsibility between world Jewry and Israel. Fifty-six percent of Jews worldwide consider it important to be connected to the Jewish community around them; 55% feel that their community provides a strong and supportive environment; 88% see Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people; 85% agree that the existence of the State of Israel is essential for the flourishing of the Jewish people; and 84% of Jews in Israel and 75% of Jews worldwide agree that Israel has a responsibility toward global Jewish communities.

Simultaneously, respondents acknowledge the challenging reality facing world Jewry. Antisemitism has seeped into daily life and undermines Jews’ sense of security around the world. Sixty-nine percent of Jews worldwide and 79% of Jews in Israel define antisemitism as the central challenge facing Jewish communities today. Forty-three percent of European Jews experienced antisemitism personally or within their family in the past year. Only 22% of French Jews feel safe as Jews in their country.

“The report presented to me paints a troubling picture of rising antisemitism and a growing erosion of the sense of security among world Jewry,” said President of Israel Isaac Herzog. “Precisely at this time, we must strengthen mutual responsibility in Israel and across the Jewish world and stand together as one people. The bond between the State of Israel and world Jewry is a central pillar of our security and our shared future. We will continue to confront antisemitism with determination wherever it appears, and lead a broad international effort to ensure the safety and dignity of Jews around the world.”

At the same time, the issue of Israel’s image in the international arena has become an inseparable part of everyday challenges, with 46% of Jews worldwide identifying Israel’s image as the community’s greatest challenge. This includes 54% of respondents in Israel, 53% in Europe, 37% in North America, and 51% in Australia and South America.

Following the release of the “One People Report,” this moment calls for action—a rare convergence of concern, belonging, and willingness to effect change. Accordingly, The Jewish Agency is mobilizing the momentum demonstrated by the data to strengthen Israel and the global network of mutual responsibility through five core areas: encouraging Aliyah (immigration to Israel) and supporting successful absorption; rebuilding and supporting Israel’s North and South and communities affected by October 7; empowering young Israelis and deepening their connection to the Jewish people; strengthening Jewish identity and connection to Israel among young Jews worldwide; and ensuring the resilience and security of Jewish communities around the world.

The Jewish Agency’s plan of action is already being realized today in the mobilization of global Jewry in support of Israel amid the Iran war, as communities worldwide demonstrate mutual responsibility, solidarity, and collective strength at this critical moment.

“The One People Report reminds us of a profound reality: As tensions rise around us, the Jewish people draw strength from their ability to hold one another up,” said Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency. “From this threat, we also see resilience, belonging, and hope emerge. These values call on us to stand as one people and to responsibly write the next chapter of our shared story; to choose community, mutual responsibility, and hope. This is the strength of the Jewish people.”

“This report underscores a powerful truth: Even in the face of unprecedented challenges, the Jewish people remain resilient, connected, and forward-looking,” said Mark Wilf, Chairman of The Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors. “The optimism and sense of responsibility expressed by younger generations are especially encouraging—they signal not only hope, but a readiness to lead. Our collective task now is to nurture that energy, strengthen the bonds between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, and ensure that this moment of unity translates into lasting impact for the future of the Jewish people.”

About The Jewish Agency for Israel:
Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. Today, The Jewish Agency acts collectively to strengthen Israel and the Jewish people worldwide—by advancing Aliyah as a core value, deepening connections between our global Jewish family, supporting the resilience and security of global Jewish communities, and encouraging every Jewish person to engage with Israel. The Jewish Agency also continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address the Jewish people’s greatest challenges and respond to emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.

An exciting season of empowering brunches for and by Boulder women will culminate with three final gatherings we hope you’ll join.

Please join us this Sunday, April 19, 10:30 am, as Dale Rose prepares our delicious brunch in memory of her dear mother. The content will come from the community as multiple members will share brief, relevant and engaging ideas from Pirkei Avot, Ethics of Our Fathers.

RSVP or for more info: boulderjudaism@gmail.com or schwartzcreative@gmail.com /720-422-6776

SAVE THE DATES…
Sunday, May 3, 10:30 am Damaris Methner of Nederland, CO, will offer a primer on the world of Mussar.*

Sunday, May 17, 10:30 am Chef Miriam Malina will lead us in Cheesecake baking in honor of the holiday of Shavuoth. $20 Suggested Donation

*Mussar is a 1,000-year-old Jewish ethical, educational, and spiritual practice focused on cultivating personal character traits (middot)—such as patience, gratitude, and humility—to improve one’s inner life and behavior. Rooted in Torah, it combines contemplation, study, and daily exercises to align actions with the soul.

Dr. Mark Thorsen of Ponderosa High School Honored as First-Ever Recipient

April 16, 2026, Denver, CO…Governor Jared Polis joined the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Mountain States region last night, Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Temple Emanuel in Denver for the 45th Annual Governor’s Holocaust Remembrance Program, where he presented ADL’s inaugural Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education to Dr. Mark Thorsen, a Social Studies teacher at Ponderosa High School in Parker.

“81 years after the Holocaust, Colorado is as committed as ever to the promise of Never Again. From statewide high school Holocaust education to fighting hate of all kinds, we are building a Colorado for All. Congratulations to Dr. Mark Thorsen of Ponderosa High School for receiving the ADL’s Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education, for decades of impact helping to build a brighter future,” said Governor Polis.

The award, presented for the first time in the program’s 45-year history, recognizes a Colorado K-12 educator who goes above and beyond to ensure that the history and lessons of the Holocaust are not just taught, but felt, understood and carried forward by the next generation.

Governor Polis signed into law the Holocaust and Genocide Studies In Public Schools bill in 2020, mandating Holocaust and genocide education in all Colorado public high schools. This award was created to honor the dedicated teachers and educators who excel in this area.

Dr. Thorsen was selected unanimously by the award committee from a pool of eight applicants. Dr. Thorsen has taught Social Studies at Ponderosa High School in the Douglas County School District since 1996, bringing nearly 30 years of dedication to his students and community. An accomplished Holocaust scholar, he holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver, where his doctoral dissertation focused on teaching about genocide through the arts, a cross-curricular approach that brings the Holocaust to life in powerful and unexpected ways.

Rather than traditional essays or tests, Dr. Thorsen’s students produce original works (visual art, poetry, narrative, 3D design, dramatic scenes) evaluated through a unique EPIC rubric (Effort, Persuasion, Ideation, Creativity) and present their creative journey in café-style conversations, mirroring how victims maintained humanity through artistic expression.

“I have always felt that carrying the history of the Holocaust forward is both an obligation and a duty,” said Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education recipient Dr. Mark Thorsen. “And as my students face a world of increasing antisemitism and social media forces that make simple answers dangerously alluring, that sense of duty only grows stronger. Teaching and learning about the Holocaust is a cornerstone of empowering them to think critically, act empathetically and inherit a world that is just.”

Dr. Thorsen brings meaningful Holocaust education to life in his own classroom and equips educators across Colorado to do the same, setting him apart as this year’s award recipient and a model for the larger field.

“Educators like Dr. Thorsen are essential to ensuring that future generations understand the lessons of the Holocaust and recognize the dangers of hatred, bigotry and antisemitism,” said ADL Mountain States Regional Director Susan Rona. “His commitment to excellence inspires both his students and his colleagues, and we are honored to recognize him with this award.”

The event, held at Temple Emanuel in Denver, brought together over 1,000 community members, Holocaust survivors, family members, students and educators in person and online. The evening featured a keynote presentation from Holocaust survivor Agi Day, who then joined a panel discussion on Holocaust education moderated by Jennifer Goss, ADL Project Director for Echoes and Reflections, and included panelists Todd Hennessy, Board President of Colorado Holocaust Educators and Tiffany Williams, a World History and Sociology Teacher.

The 2026 event was supported by 110 community partners, comprised of 53 Colorado public officials and 57 Jewish and non-Jewish communal organizations. This year’s program took place the day after Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking 81 years since the end of the Holocaust.

About Dr. Mark Thorsen
Dr. Mark Thorsen is a founding board member of Colorado Holocaust Educators, a nonprofit providing quality Holocaust and genocide resources and professional development to educators across the state.

He has served as a United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow, an Auschwitz Jewish Center Faculty Fellow and a fellow of the Defiant Requiem Foundation. In 2025, he participated in the inaugural Yahad in Unum Educational Leadership Field Study in Poland and brought those lessons back to his classroom.

He was recognized in 2022 with the Mizel Museum Excellence in Holocaust Education Award and in 2016 was named Douglas County School District Secondary Teacher of the Year. Each year, he organizes Ponderosa High School’s Annual Human Rights Awareness Week, now in its sixteenth year.

About ADL
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism and extremism, we protect, advocate and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate. The ADL Mountain States Region was founded in 1941 and serves Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. More at mountainstates.adl.org. 

About the Governor’s Holocaust Remembrance Program
Now in its 45th year, the Governor’s Holocaust Remembrance Program is an annual partnership between ADL Mountain States and the Office of the Governor of Colorado. For 45 years, every sitting Governor of Colorado has participated in this program, affirming that the government of Colorado stands against discrimination and hatred in all forms.

For me, this day highlights the irony…the travesty…
and, yes, the obscenity of what Israel has become…
of the leaders and her policies the Israeli body politic has chosen decade after decade…
of the consequences of settling the West Bank and removing Palestinians from East Jerusalem…
of the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians both Moslem and Christian…
of the deliberate repression of information and discussion in our community…
of the silence of most of our community and our “leaders” …
 of the lack of any meaningful concrete action except for words
and ineffective snail-paced political lobbying

I will remember the lead up to that fateful day of November 4, 1995… the hate spewing out from right-wing hardliners in Israel: “Traitor” … “Murderer” …  “Nazi “… and “We’ll get rid of Rabin with blood and fire.”  I’ll remember videos and pictures showing Netanyahu speaking on a podium with posters of montages of Rabin in a Nazi uniform in the background… (all other Likud leaders refused to speak.)

I will remember pictures of a procession through the streets of Ra’nana showing Netanyahu in front of an empty coffin bearing the slogan, ”Rabin is killing Zionism” and that of a hangmen’s noose.

I will remember the words of Rabin (first heard in a 2015 documentary) about Gush Emunim [the ‘Bloc of the Faithful’), the ideological founders of the violent extremist settlement movement as “one of the most acute dangers in the whole phenomenon of the State of Israel… comparable to a cancer in the tissue of Israel’s democratic society. It is a phenomenon of an organization that takes the law into its own hands.” He warned that Israel risked becoming an “apartheid” state if it annexed and absorbed the West Bank’s Arab population.

And… on a day when we confront the reality of that past horror (that can trigger memories of other past tragedies).., I’ll remember videos, pictures and stories of Jewish pogroms in Area C that have become routine in daily life: the murders, the burning of villages, the destruction of homes and orchards. I will remember the failure of our leaders to call it what it is: “ethnic cleansing.” Yes. Ethnic cleansing!

The systematic attempt to get rid of an unwanted ethnic group through violence (including murder) fear, the physical destruction of housing and community institutions such as schools, recreation centers, and houses of worship, or forced displacement and deportation.

The Israeli government gives these terrorists arms…IDF soldiers participate…the JNF helps fund them financially and by placing “at risk youth” in the most extreme yeshivot. The Shin Bet does not consider them a threat…the army or police gives them a free ride. 

And…I will remember that a segment of American Jewry has given the settlement movement hundreds of millions of dollars and when Trump nullified Biden’s too late and too feeble attempts to stop this flow of money and sanction the perpetrators, our leadership was silent.

I will remember the travesty, even obscenity of Netanyahu and other Israeli politicians exploiting “Never again!” after the horrific events of Oct. 7^th.   I will remember the Israeli government ignored the warnings of the female soldiers who reported what was happening on the ground. I will remember how flimsy the protective wall was for the kibbutzim next to Gaza…how the Israeli government allowed and even urged Qatar to financially help Hamas, knowing full well where that money was going to be used for.

I will remember the responses when I spoke to leaders about having a memorial program to honor and reflect on Rabin: “Not everyone liked Rabin,” “No one is asking for it,” “We don’t have ceremonies for Likud politicians.” These remarks would not have been made in the years immediately following his death. Our leaders are caught in the “AIPAC syndrome.” Defend and protect the State. The State has become our golden calf.

We have sacrificed Jewish ethics and morality for the sake of the state…for the sake of the mantra…”We are one” and for the sake of fighting against the real threat of antisemitism. Our leaders talk about an “open tent” and “holding the middle.”   In reality, it means that the JCC or synagogues not show films or documentaries about what is happening or bring in speakers from Israeli-Palestinian groups whose members have lost loved ones to violence or address the issue of how Israel wages war through the lens of Jewish law, and, ”chas v’shalom” a Palestinian victim of the Jewish pogroms or an American volunteer who has witnessed these atrocities. 

Yom HaShoah compels and demands that we remember.  The question is “Who is going to shape and control the content and context of what we remember and what are their self-interests?”

And I will remember the moving prayer of the Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks in 2013:

“Today, on Yom HaShoah, we remember the victims of the greatest crime of man against man – the young, the old, the innocent, the million and a half children, starved, shot, given lethal injections, gassed, burned and turned to ash, because they were deemed guilty of the crime of being different.

‘We remember what happens when hate takes hold of the human heart and turns it to stone; what happens when victims cry for help and there is no one listening; what happens when humanity fails to recognise that those who are not in our image are none the less in God’s image.

‘We remember and pay tribute to the survivors, who bore witness to what happened, and to the victims, so that robbed of their lives, they would not be robbed also of their deaths.

‘We remember and give thanks for the righteous of the nations who saved lives, often at risk of their own, teaching us how in the darkest night we can light a candle of hope.

“Today, on Yom HaShoah, we call on You, Almighty God, to help us hear Your voice that says in every generation:

“Do not murder.”
“Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbour.”
“Do not oppress the stranger.”

“We know that whilst we do not have the ability to change the past, we can change the future.

“We know that whilst we cannot bring the dead back to life, we can ensure their memories live on and that their deaths were not in vain.

“And so, on this Yom HaShoah, we commit ourselves to one simple act: Yizkor, Remember.

“May the souls of the victims be bound in the bond of everlasting life.”

PHILADELPHIA – New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s political proxy of the moment, Brad Lander, accused U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman a week ago of “utterly failing to meet the moment to see Palestinian lives as just as valuable as Israeli and Jewish lives.”

Even if Lander’s accusation is true, we could readily turn that around. Advocates for the so-called Palestinians are “utterly failing to meet the moment to see Israeli and Jewish lives as just as valuable as ‘Palestinian’ lives.”

For this reason alone, America should continue supplying Israel with all offensive and defensive weapons deemed necessary. The weapons issue was Lander’s lynchpin for claiming that Goldman lacks empathy for “Palestinians” when Lander declared that he would vote to withhold military aid from Israel at this time.

“At the moment, Israel is very far from complying with human rights and international law. So I would not vote for any more aid at this moment,” the former city comptroller said at a meeting last Thursday with the New York Editorial Board, an organization of New York City journalists who interview political candidates and civic leaders, The Forward news website reported.

Critics of Israel do express legitimate concerns about Israel’s attacks on Gaza and perhaps Iran and Lebanon.

Yet when Hamas massacred 1,200 Jews and kidnapped another 250 on Oct. 7, 2023, who questioned the sources of Hamas’ weapons? Who condemned Iran and any other suspected sources of Hamas’ weapons?

Not the anti-Israel mob that has been driving their Israel-bash-a-thon long before Oct. 7.

Their movement has been a one-sided propaganda campaign against Israel. Not only do they attack Israel, but they lie about the conflict and avoid mention of inconvenient facts, such as Israel’s offer of a Palestinian state a quarter-century ago.

As Iran has its proxies like the terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah, Mamdani and other critics of Israel support likeminded proxies on the political battlefield in America. Mamdani rebuffed Lander’s bid to join his administration and instead encouraged him to challenge Goldman in the coming Democratic primary. Goldman’s district covers much of lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.

Both have danced around Israeli issues in the past, in fact contradicting themselves at times. Goldman currently supports military aid.

Democratic opposition to Israeli policies has been rising even before Oct. 7. While the Gaza war still raged last year, a record 27 Senate Democrats backed resolutions to block weapons transfers, the Forward recounted. The current Iran war further inflamed Democrats because Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persuaded President Trump to partner with him in a full-scale war with Iran without bothering to fashion a sensible strategy or explain their goals to their respective publics.

The result has been chaos, economic upheaval and retention of virtually the same regime in Iran.

We have strong reason to be concerned about Israel’s military response to Oct. 7. Thousands of civilians were killed in bombing in large part because Hamas built its operations where the people of Gaza live, attend school and receive medical care, so civilian deaths were all but guaranteed. However, it very much appears that Israel went way too far with its attacks, and in the current war American planes killed an estimated 160 schoolgirls, presumably by mistake.

 Normally, we should seriously reconsider our military aid to Israel, but the anti-Israel mob never held terrorists to the same standards, so as a matter of equity we must persist with our assistance to Israel. Those who do not like it should have thought of that on Oct. 7.

(Note – This author no longer refers to the terms “Palestine” and “Palestinians” as gospel because those phrases have yet to be defined. I will gladly consider reverting to these terms if someone offers a satisfactory definition.)

On Saturday, April 11, 2026 (24 Nissan 5786), Maya Willner, child of David & Sabra Willner, was called to the Torah as Bet Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Maya read from Parashat Shmini.

Boulder Jewish News encourages Bar and Bat Mitzvah students to submit their d’var torah and information about their Mitzvah/Tikkun Olam projects.  For more information, please email editor@boulderjewishnews.org.

Shabbat shalom! In case you somehow missed all the mentions and ads over the last few months, tomorrow night, April 18th is the Boulder JCC’s JFest Party at the JCC. We hope you were able to secure tickets and that we’ll see you at the party!

Coming up on April 26th, Boulder’s own Jewish community historian, Roxanne Bailin, will be giving a talk at Congregation Har HaShem on the history of Jewish Women of the Wild West. Her talk will highlight the important roles these women played in building communities, maintaining traditions and shaping Jewish life on the American frontier. Registration is still open.

In September, we began a new column with Rabbi Charna Rosenholtz, a 12-part column exploring the spiritual and psychological wisdom of each Hebrew month. Drawing from Torah,  Kabbalah, Mussar, and seasonal awareness, each installment highlights core themes, practices, and reflections to help ground us in sacred time. Join us on this monthly journey through the Jewish calendar. We are now closing out the month of Nissan, so be sure to check out this latest entry. Links to her earlier columns are included. Next week will feature the month of Iyyar as we celebrate Rosh Chodesh tomorrow night along with Shabbat.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our brothers and sisters under attack in London, West Bloomfield, Australia, the UK, Israel, Ukraine, and in Boulder. Am Yisrael Chai!

Here are the stories from this week.

News/Columns/Letters

• Governor Polis Presents Inaugural Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education at ADL’s 45th Annual Governor’s Holocaust Remembrance Program (4/16/2026) - Dr. Mark Thorsen from Ponderosa High School received the ADL's inaugural Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education for his impactful teaching and dedication to Holocaust awareness. Continue Reading
• Present-Day Israel and Yom HaShoah Observance: Irony and Travesty (4/16/2026) - Ed Kass' reflections on Yom HaShoah in 2026. Continue Reading
• Column: For Israeli Military Aid: It’s the Standards, Stupid!!! (4/16/2026) - Critics of Israel do express legitimate concerns about Israel’s attacks on Gaza and perhaps Iran and Lebanon. Yet when Hamas massacred 1,200 Jews and kidnapped another 250 on Oct. 7, 2023, who questioned the sources of Hamas’ weapons? Who condemned Iran and any other suspected sources of Hamas’ weapons? Continue Reading
• Holocaust Survivors to March at Auschwitz after Wartime Cancellations (4/13/2026) - Despite the ongoing war with Iran, approximately 7,000 participants, including students, young professionals, and adults from dozens of countries, will take part in the International March of the Living in Poland on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, April 14. Continue Reading
• Opinion: Israel’s Generation of Heroes (4/13/2026) - While walking down the streets of Israel, one is literally surrounded by heroes; modest and anonymous civilians who a moment earlier were on the front lines. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• Maya Willner Bet Mitzvah (4/16/2026) - On Saturday, April 11, 2026 Maya Willner was called to the Torah as Bet Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Continue Reading

Arts and Culture

Events

• Brunch This Sunday+ More! (4/16/2026) - Please join us this Sunday, April 19, 10:30 am, as Dale Rose prepares our delicious brunch in memory of her dear mother. Plus, two Sundays in May! Continue Reading
• 10 Reasons to Celebrate: Why You Can’t Miss JFest 2026 (4/13/2026) - The Boulder JCC celebrates ten years on Oreg Avenue with JFest on April 18, featuring fun activities, local flavors, and vibrant community spirit. Continue Reading

The Boulder JCC’s biggest community celebration is back! On Saturday, April 18, from 7:30 – 11 pm, the Boulder JCC will transform into a vibrant, immersive landscape to mark 10 years on Oreg Avenue. Whether you’ve been here since day one or are new to the neighborhood, here are 10 reasons to join over 500 of your friends and neighbors for this milestone event.

1. It’s Not Your Typical Fundraiser

Forget everything you know about traditional gala season. JFest is designed for pure fun; there is absolutely no formal sit-down dinner and no paddle raise. It’s a high-energy thank-you to the community that makes the Boulder JCC’s mission possible.

2. Your Gift is Your Ticket

The best part? Your donation, no matter the amount, is your official ticket to the party. Whether you give $5,400 or $54, every gift secures your entry and helps our community home thrive for the next decade and beyond.

3. The “Dress for Joy” Dress Code

Leave the rigid formal wear behind. The dress code is simply Dress for Joy. We invite you to wear whatever makes you feel your best, sparkles, a favorite suit, or your most comfortable “joy-inspired” look.

4. A Bold Exploration of Taste

Prepare your palate for an elevated exploration of local and global flavors.

• Savory Stations: Explore four different small-bite stations with gourmet catering by Greenspoint Catering.
• Signature Sips: Visit our VIP Lounge to try signature cocktails, crafted by a master mixologist to taste exactly like a celebration.

5. The “Cheers to Ten Years” VIP Lounge

Step inside this secret, immersive space designed specifically for our 10th anniversary. Known as the “Cheers to Ten Years Lounge,” it’s a dedicated area for connection and appreciation.

6. High-Energy Gaming and Magic

Try your luck at Roulette and Blackjack with Colorado Casino Nights. If you prefer a different kind of thrill, experience the “Magician-Mentalist-Bald Guy” Eric Reamer as he wanders through the crowd.

7. Live Music and Dancing

Dance and dream to the unique sounds of the Taylor James Trio, a live 3-piece band providing the soundtrack for the night.

8. Artistic Keepsakes to Take Home

Go home with a one-of-a-kind memory:

• A custom sketch from caricature artist Karen Kovich.
• A bespoke, on-the-spot poem from Lines by Lily Monsour’s Typewriter Poetry.
• A personalized reading from In Tune To You Tarot.

9. Sweet Treats and Whimsical Snacks

The dessert lineup is pulling out all the stops. Enjoy Blackbelly dessert bites, artisanal Gelato & Co. scoops, and a visit from the Tiny Cookie Trolley. Don’t forget to stop by the Popcorn Bar for a variety of Laid off Dad Kettle Corn.

10. The Craft Corner & Chill Zone

Need a moment of “mindful” fun? Head to our dedicated chill zone for friendship bracelet making, puzzles, and coloring sheets.

Secure Your Spot

Our official 36-hour fundraising drive runs from April 15 – 16, but you don’t have to wait for the rush. Register Today and Join the Party! Can’t Attend? You can still be part of the legacy by donating during the drive to ensure the Boulder JCC continues to thrive.

50 Holocaust Survivors from Israel and Around the World to Lead the 2026 March of the Living Alongside Survivors of Antisemitic Shooting Attacks from the U.S., UK, and Australia

New York – April 12, 2026 – Despite the ongoing war with Iran, approximately 7,000 participants, including students, young professionals, and adults from dozens of countries, will take part in the International March of the Living in Poland on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, April 14, marching between the Auschwitz and Birkenau extermination camps.

This year, the March will be led by 50 Holocaust survivors from around the world, joined by a limited delegation of 10 survivors from Israel, aged 90–100, who were brought to Poland at the last minute following a ceasefire, after a significant investment of resources and with the support of 26 Israeli high-tech companies and venture capital funds, despite ongoing uncertainty and frequent changes to airspace restrictions.

Phyllis Greenberg Heideman, President of International March of the Living: “During these difficult times, as the State of Israel stands firm against those seeking its destruction, while waves of antisemitism intensify worldwide, the March of the Living takes on even greater significance. Despite the limitations imposed by the recent war with Iran, a limited delegation of Holocaust survivors from Israel, together with dozens of survivors from around the world who experienced firsthand the attempt to annihilate the Jewish people, will march in Poland—instilling, now more than ever, a spirit of pride and resilience for the State of Israel and the entire Jewish people.”

This year’s March will take place under the theme of combating antisemitism, which has surged to unprecedented levels since October 7, echoing the scale seen in the years preceding the Holocaust.

Accompanied by survivors of recent deadly acts of antisemitism,  Sylvan Adams, President of the World Jewish Congress Israel and a second-generation Holocaust survivor, will lead 2026 the March: Eva Wietzen, survivor of the Hanukkah massacre at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, in which 15 people were killed, including her husband Tibor Wietzen and her close friend Edith Brutman; Yoni Finley, who was injured in an antisemitic attack on Yom Kippur while in  synagogue in Manchester, UK; and Catherine Szkop and Abbie Talmoud, professional staff at the Embassy of Israel in Washington and, survivors of the DC shooting attack in which their colleagues Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were murdered.

The four will light the first torch during the ceremony dedicated to combating antisemitism, together with the United States. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun.

A delegation of 130 law enforcement officials, intelligence agencies, and police chiefs from dozens of countries will also march against the rising tide of global antisemitism and commit to reinforced protection in their jurisdictions.  Representatives of this trans-national delegation will light a torch symbolizing their commitment to protect their constituents from acts of antisemitism and all hate crimes.

Holocaust survivor Irene Shashar, former hostages Agam Berger and Omri Miran, and bereaved father Rabbi Shmuel Slotki, who lost his two sons, Noam and Yishai, on October 7 in the battle at Kibbutz Alumim will light the torch dedicated to the State of Israel during the closing ceremony.

The Torch of Rebirth at the closing ceremony in Birkenau will be lit by Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann of New York, who served in the Air Force after WWII, together with Avi Dickstein, Vice Chairman of the March of the Living.

This marks the 38th year of the global March of the Living, which since its inception has become the largest international Holocaust remembrance event held on Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day. The March, spanning 3.2 kilometers between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-and Birkenau, serves as a march of remembrance, victory, and continuity in contrast to the death marches, and honors those who perished in the Holocaust and the survivors who endured Nazi brutality.

by Ron Jager

While walking down the streets of Israel, one is literally surrounded by heroes; modest and anonymous civilians who a moment earlier were on the front lines. Over the past 40 day war our heroes fought against the Islamic Republic of Iran and her proxy forces in the air, on the sea, and on the ground creating a new reality not only in the Middle East but no less for the United States and Europe. One of these many heroes who I personally know is a pilot who flew alongside his fellow pilots thousands of missions under operational conditions that are truly inspiring and unprecedented in modern combat aerial history. I wish to thank you and your comrades for your service, for your fearlessness and modest audacity to complete “mission impossible”. I also wish to thank the hundreds of thousands of ground forces that have been on the front lines for over the past two years and have paid the ultimate price and sacrifice.

As the late Rabbi Saks has written: Throughout modern history, nations of the Middle East have sought to justify their hatred of Israel and of the Jewish nation. In the middle ages, it was religion. In post enlightenment Europe it was science. Today, it is human rights.  This is why Israel, the only fully functioning democracy in the Middle East with a free press and independent judiciary is regularly accused of the five crimes against human rights; racism, apartheid, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and attempted genocide. Despite this blood libel that has enlisted millions of supporters throughout the world, Israel has been able to be a partner within a coalition that understands the danger that Iran poses not only for Israel but for all of Western civilization. The current 40 day war with Iran will be entering a period of cease-fire, the number 40 has special significance in Jewish history; the Jewish nation wandered in the Sinai peninsula for 40 years before entering the Land of Israel. Moshe went up to Mount Sinai for 40 days before coming down with the holy tablets and the Ten Commandments. The number 40 has always symbolized throughout Jewish history a leap, a springboard for better days and a fulfillment of our historical destiny.

The current war against Iran is a direct, predictable, and almost inevitable continuation of Israel’s wars throughout history. This is not new, this is not the first time, and it will not be the last. Ever since the days of Jabotinsky’s “Iron Wall” and Ben-Gurion’s security doctrine, Israel has relied on three basic principles: warning, deterrence, and decisiveness. It is no coincidence that the word is “decisiveness” — not “victory.” Since the 1920s, Israel has operated from a difficult but consistent premise: final victory is not an option. It is frustrating, it is corrosive, and it is not intuitive — but it is not Israel’s fault either.  Ben-Gurion said at the Mapai Council in 1948: “The Arab enemy can lose once, twice, three, ten times — and still exist. He will live on his land, he will lick his wounds, he will try to mobilize new forces and be able to fight again. Our victory does not solve the question. Even if we strike them with a decisive blow, they will remain in their place, the hatred will not cease and they will wait for the next opportunity… We are a small people, we are currently in the country of six hundred thousand people. Facing us stands an Arab world of thirty million. The ratio is one to forty. We can strike them, but we cannot conquer them. We can defeat them again and again, but we cannot destroy them. They will always remain there, and they will always be able to come back and try again. Our victory cannot be final in the sense that it will eliminate their existence or their desire to fight us, because the small settlement does not have the power to subdue an entire world.”

Some will say that this has been a consistent failure of the Israeli leadership for generations; unable or unwilling or not knowing how to translate a military achievement as decisive as it is into a political achievement. And some will say — and to a large extent rightly — that it takes two to tango. As Ben-Gurion said: “We know that our will alone is not decisive, neither in the entire world nor in the corner of the world where we live.” Israel can want peace as much as it wants, but as long as hundreds of millions of people in our region are raised on an educational, religious, and cultural infrastructure that presents Jews as the devil and an existential enemy — lasting peace simply will not be achievable, no matter how much we want it”.

Therefore, the achievement of the 40 day war against Iran should be measured not against theoretical fantasies of “total victory” — which is not at all achievable, at least according to the greatest leaders and thinkers of Israel throughout the ages — but against realistic alternatives. And from such a perspective, there is no doubt that today is strategically significantly better than yesterday. Yesterday we faced a coordinated existential threat: tens of thousands of terrorists in Gaza, tens of thousands of terrorists in Lebanon, thousands of terrorists in Judea and Samaria (Aka the West Bank), thousands from Syria, and thousands of heavy, fragmenting cluster missiles from Iran — in a coordinated surprise attack. That was the plan. This was the alternative. This alternative was replaced by the reality of a defeated, humiliated, weak, and marginalized enemy. From such a realistic perspective, which distinguishes between real alternatives, one can draw a lot of encouragement.

Our modest and anonymous heroes on the front lines in the skies, on the seas, and on the ground, with the people of Israel proudly standing behind them exhibiting never-ending resiliency  have had the privilege of being part of creating this reality. Our heroes have shown not only our enemies but the nations of the world sitting on the sidelines, what it means to be Jewish, what it means to be a proud Israeli, what it means to be a true military professional, and what it means to be the best at what you do. This is a historic moment — a moment that will shape the character of Israel for decades to come. While I look at the world and see countries crumbling, identities being erased, nationalism becoming a dirty word — in Israel the opposite is happening. Our sense of mission, the understanding that we only have one country the State of Israel, and the knowledge that we are all in the same small boat — have made us stronger than ever.

Iran’s plan to threaten the existence of Israel from seven surrounding fronts has backfired, but the Iranian campaign is far from over. The 40 day war has dealt a heavy blow to Iran’s nuclear project and ballistic missile capacity, exposed Hezbollah’s strategy in Lebanon and underscored Israel’s regional clout — but these gains will emerge further down the line, yet the next round is already taking shape.

Ron Jager grew up in the South Bronx of New York City, making Aliyah in 1980. Served for 25 years in the IDF as a Mental Health Field Officer in operational units. Prior to retiring was Commander of the Central Psychiatric Clinic for Reserve Solders at Tel-Hashomer. Since retiring has been involved in strategic consultancy to NGO’s and communities in the Gaza Envelope on resiliency projects to assist first responders. To contact: medconf@gmail.com  Website: www.ronjager.com

Celebrate 30 Years of Culture, Community, and Connection!

The Boulder Jewish Festival is back on Pearl Street Mall for a landmark celebration of Jewish life in Boulder. From soulful melodies and vibrant art to the best local flavors, there’s something for everyone at this milestone event. Join us for the 30th Boulder Jewish Festival on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 11 am to 3 pm at the Pearl Street Mall; admission is free!

Festival Highlights

• Live Music: Performances by Rick Recht, the high-energy Gora Gora Orkestar, and the soulful Lapidus & Myles.
• Artisan Market: A curated selection of handcrafted Judaica, ceramics, jewelry, and fine art from local makers.
• Food & Drink: A delicious lineup featuring Fleishman’s Bagels, Boychik Kitchen, HipPOPs, Bohemian Wurst, and more.
• Community & Kindness: Connect with local non-profits and join the Be Like Ellie Foundation for a special community art project.

Our Commitment

In the spirit of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), the Boulder Jewish Festival is a Zero-Waste Event. We are proud to partner with local sustainability leaders to keep our celebration green

Save the date and bring the whole family for an afternoon of joy in the heart of Boulder! More information and the full schedule will be coming soon.

On Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m., the Mizel Arts and Culture Center will host The Tight Five: Standup Comedy Showcase, headlined by Denver native and acclaimed comedian Noah Gardenswartz. 

The evening will begin with emerging comedians performing their “tight five” — five minutes of original material developed during an eight-week comedy writing program — before Gardenswartz takes the stage. More than a typical comedy show, Tight 5 is part of the Mizel Arts and Culture Center’s broader commitment to nurturing local voices and creating accessible cultural experiences through comedy. The program pairs education with performance, giving aspiring comics the opportunity to develop their craft and share the stage with established talent. 

Adding to the story, Gardenswartz, who was a writer for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and has appeared on Comedy Central and late-night television, is returning to his hometown for the showcase, making it a full-circle moment for the Denver-raised comedian.

Event Details:

• What: The Tight Five: Standup Comedy Showcase with Noah Gardenswartz
• When: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
• Where: Elaine Wolf Theatre at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., Denver
• Tickets: Sliding scale ($20–$36) to ensure accessibility; ages 18+

Three Days of World-Class Adventure Films, Filmmakers, Discussions and
Community Events in the Heart of Boulder

BOULDER, CO — The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) is proud to announce the return of its highly anticipated Adventure Film Program (AFP), taking place Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Grace Commons Church (1820 15th St., Boulder).

A signature “festival within the festival,” the Adventure Film Program showcases 25 of the world’s best new adventure films, alongside 30+ filmmakers, athletes, and film subjects in attendance, and four Call2Action panels focused on critical issues in the adventure community.

Deeply rooted in Boulder’s outdoor culture, the program celebrates stories spanning rock climbing, skiing, highlining, mountain biking, river running, conservation, glaciers, and wildlife exploration.

Watch the 2026 Adventure Film Teaser

A Boulder Gathering for the Adventure Community

The Adventure Film Program begins Friday, April 10, at 10:00 AM and runs throughout the day with a full slate of screenings, setting the tone for a packed weekend of films, conversations, and community.

That evening, celebrate the Adventure Film Program Opening Night from 5:30–6:30 PM at Grace Commons Church, featuring lite-bites, mocktails, and NA beer, followed by a screening of Sender Films’ “The Dark Wizard.” Entry is free with a BIFF or AFP pass or a ticket to the film.

Later that evening, adventurers come together for the Adventure Film Party at the Velvet Elk Lounge (2037 13th St.) from 9 PM to midnight. Attendees can meet filmmakers, explorers, and artists while enjoying music from DJ TAC, plus drinks and appetizers. Entry is free with an Adventure Film Pass, BIFF pass, or ticket stub, and space is limited.

Spotlight Films: “The Dark Wizard” & “Old Man Lightning“

Anchoring the 2026 program is “The Dark Wizard,” a powerful multi-part documentary series from Sender Films (“The Alpinist,” “The Dawn Wall,” “Valley Uprising“) chronicling the life of legendary climber Dean Potter. Through free soloing, BASE jumping, wingsuit flying, and highlining, the film reveals a brilliant yet tortured athlete who transformed risk into art. Local filmmakers Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen, along with producers and special guests, will be in attendance for screenings of two episodes on Friday at 7 PM, and two episodes on Saturday at 7:30 PM.

Also featured is “Old Man Lightning,” following bouldering legend John “Verm” Sherman as he attempts, at 57, to reclaim his past by re-climbing Yosemite’s iconic Midnight Lightning. Battling age, injuries, and time itself, Verm embarks on a gritty, humorous comeback driven by legacy and stubborn determination. “Old Man Lightning” will be screened along with “Frozen Frames: Murphy’s Yellowstone,” about 76 year-old wildlife photographer, Tom Murphy, who goes deep into Yellowstone in winter to help protect what is still wild.

Alongside films like “Girl Climber,” many screenings will offer a rare opportunity to see and meet some of adventure’s most influential figures in person.

Featured Films & Boulder Connections

The program features a diverse slate of films and stories, including:

• “Girl Climber” — Following Boulder’s own Emily Harrington on a career-defining ascent of El Capitan, with in-person guests including Harrington and director Jon Glassberg
• “Snow Leopard Sisters” — A powerful conservation story from the Himalayas, highlighting resilience and mentorship
• “The Balloonists” — A gripping true story of a record-breaking around-the-world balloon expedition
• “Beyond Parallels” / “Best Day Ever“” — Stories of endurance, adaptive sport, and community-driven adventure

Adventure Film Program Schedule Highlights

Friday, April 10

• 10:00 AM — “Time and Water“
• 12:15 PM — “Beyond the Gates” / “Rogatkin” / “Trango“
• 2:30 PM — “The Balloonists“
• 4:45 PM — Adventure Shorts 1
• 7:00 PM — “The Dark Wizard” (Parts 1 & 2)

Saturday, April 11

• 10:00 AM — “Snow Leopard Sisters“
• 12:15 PM — Adventure Shorts 2
• 2:30 PM — “The River“
• 5:00 PM — “Girl Climber“
• 7:30 PM — “The Dark Wizard” (Parts 3 & 4)

Sunday, April 12

• 1:30 PM — “Beyond Parallels” / “Best Day Ever“
• 4:00 PM — “Frozen Frames: Murphy’s Yellowstone” / “Old Man Lightning“

Tickets & Information

All Adventure Film Program events are free for BIFF and AFP passholders, with individual tickets available for $19 + fees.

Tickets and full schedule

Honoring Adventure Film Legacy

The BIFF Awards Ceremony & Closing Night will include the Johnny Copp Adventure Film Award, honoring the best film in the program and celebrating the legacy of Boulder climber Johnny Copp, a beloved pioneer in adventure filmmaking.

About the Boulder International Film Festival

Named one of the 25 coolest film festivals in the world by Moviemaker Magazine and celebrating its 22nd year in 2026, the Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) brings films and filmmakers from around the world to Boulder, Colorado, for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema. BIFF attracts more than 25,000 film enthusiasts, media, and industry members annually, and this year takes place from April 9 to 12. AFP Sponsors are: Alpine Bank, Meteorite, Chautauqua, Velvet Elk Lounge, WhistlePig Whiskey, A-Lodge, Birdcall, The Post, Best Day Brewing, Tweedle, and The Spot Bouldering Gym. For tickets and more information, visit biff1.com, and follow BIFF on Instagram and Facebook.