HEA is dedicated to creating relationships with Judaism, Torah and one another. For almost one hundred years, we have represented Jewish life in Denver. The synagogue is under the leadership of Rabbi Sarah Shulman and is currently home to 700 households with a thriving pre-school, religious school, adult learning opportunities and activities, both social, cultural and religious for all who enter our doors.
The Congregation Hebrew Educational Alliance was formed in 1928 by merging the Denver Hebrew Institute and the Beth David Sisterhood. These two groups were formed to provide a Jewish education for the children on the West Side of Denver, whose families worshiped at a number of small immigrant synagogues in the neighborhood. Funds were raised for the next four years, and a building was erected at the corner of Meade Street and West Colfax Avenue.
On October 25, 1932, HEA leadership welcomed newly ordained Rabbi Manuel Laderman to the institution who was determined to transform the HEA into a synagogue, not only a religious school. Rabbi Laderman’s personality and athletic abilities were a magnet to the youth of the West Side. Over the years, the Alliance flourished, and Rabbi became a major force in the Jewish community and served HEA until he retired in 1979.
Rabbi Daniel Goldberger assumed the leadership of the Alliance. His stellar reputation attracted many Jewish community members to travel across town to affiliate and a renewed dynamism came to the Alliance. He served the congregation for fifteen years.
In August 1984, HEA named Rabbi Bruce Dollin as its new leader and embraced modernity with the implementation of women’s active participation in worship services. He led the physical transition from its previous location on Steele street to its current location, formed a pre-school and religious school and opened the Goldberger Youth Center.
Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald was hired as an Associate Rabbi during Rabbi Dollin’s tenure and upon retirement, Rabbi Gruenwald shifted into the leadership position from 2022-2024 with Rabbi Sarah Shulman as the Assistant Rabbi hired in 2023.
In August 2024, Rabbi Sarah Shulman became the sole rabbi and the first female Rabbi at HEA.
The Recordings of Rabbi Manuel Laderman:
How the HEA got its name:
