HEArtbeat

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Instruments of Hope

A Message from Rabbi Sarah Shulman

“Hope without memory is like memory without hope.” 
-Elie Wiesel 

Like many of you, I am still processing the powerful program that we hosted at HEA on Tuesday night to commemorate Yom HaShoah.  The combination of music, stories, and symbols is still swirling in my mind as if I have just returned from a transformative journey across time and space.  
 
Imagine for a moment that you are walking into the workshop of the Weinstein family in Tel Aviv. It smells like wood shavings. A violin concerto plays on a cassette in the back of the shop. Dozens of violins hang around the room at various stages of reconstruction.  But this isn’t an ordinary violin repair shop. Each violin not only has a body, but a “soul,” as violinist Samuel Nebyu so powerfully described the Bielski Violin that he played on the HEA bima on Tuesday. Each violin has its own story about the person whose hands once held and played it, and about how it was lost, hidden, or saved. Each violin has its own marks and memories, inside and out; some are stained with the smoke of the gas chambers, while others bear brilliant inlays of Jewish stars as emblems of Jewish pride and continuity.  
 
On Tuesday we were transported into this world of mourning, memory, and hope through the music and stories of survivors. We held at the same time the enormity of the loss of the 6 million killed in the Holocaust and the resilience of the Jewish people. As 97-year-old survivor Marion Kreith said on Tuesday, “When I finally immigrated to Cuba, I realized I had lost everything…and [at the same time] I feel so blessed.”  
 
If you missed Tuesday evening’s Yom HaShoah program, you can watch a recording of it HERE.  And if you would like to learn more about the Violins of Hope, I encourage you to watch the 57-minute PBS Documentary Violins of Hope: Strings of the Holocaust. If you are interested in reading more stories like the one Cherie presented on Tuesday, you can check out the book Hassidic Tales of the Holocaust by Yaffa Eliach. 
 
I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who made Tuesday’s performance come to fruition and to all who bore witness together to the memories and music of our survivors. A special thank you to Osi and Selma Sladek for enabling us all to bear witness to the Bielski and Sladek violins through the Sladek Yom HaShoah Fund and your remarkable spirit. As Elie Weisel once said, “whoever listens to a witness, becomes a witness.” May we all be a witness to the journey and legacy of hope of our people, an instrument of Jewish survival. 
 
Shabbat Shalom!

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Coming Up!

Growing Season Prep Volunteer Day in the HEA Community Donation Garden
Sunday, Apr 27th 11:30a to 1:30p
Did you know that HEA's Community Donation Garden is planting to fight hunger -- for our third season! HEA partners with IFCS (an Englewood food pantry), Spirit of the Sun (Native American elder food shares) and Fresh Food Connect (a national fresh food rescue organization) and donates more than 500 pounds of produce each year. The garden is also a learning lab for our Religious School where students receive hands-on education about Jewish holidays and tzedakah. This year, with the USDA cutting over 1 billion dollars to food pantries, HEA's compassionate garden work and our produce is more important than ever. And YOU can be a part of it!

Kavod on the Road
Tuesday, Apr 29th 1:00p to 2:30p
Monthly programs for adults hosted by Kavod On the Road at HEA. This month's event is Jan Karski "The Man Who Tried to Stop the Holocaust"

Israeli Wine Tasting for Yom Hatzmaut designed for women age 30-50
Thursday, May 1st 7:00p to 8:30p
Israel boasts a vibrant wine industry with over 300 wineries, including both commercial and boutique wineries, spanning various regions from the Galilee to the Negev Desert. Come and taste a variety of these wines in a blind taste test and rate your favorites. Israeli snacks will be served. $20 per-person HEA member / $30 per-person non-member

Silver Shabbat
Friday, May 2nd 5:00p to 7:00p
In celebration of our seniors 75+ and Israel. $18 per individual.

Torah for Today Class in the Library
Shabbat, May 3rd 10:30a to 11:15a
With Rabbi Mordecai Magencey, Ph.D. - Art Appreciation and Rabbinic Exegesis  

Shalom Ambassadors
Sunday, May 4th 6:45p to 8:00p
If you are interested in getting involved as a Shalom Ambassador, please come to our next meeting on Sunday, May 4th at 6:45 p.m. at the GYC.

Men’s Night Out: Pastrami and Poker
Tuesday, May 6th 7:00p to 9:00p
Bragging rights to the winner, but all proceeds will be donated to Leket Israel, The National Food Bank of Israel. Entrance fee with dinner included (veg option available): $36 HEA member / $50 non-member.

Magic Minyan
Shabbat, May 10th 11:00a to 12:00p
A "magical" Shabbat experience for kids and their adults!

Monthly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shulman
Wednesday, May 14th 12:00p to 1:00p
A curriculum on Judaism and Jewish identity based on traditional sources and the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Topics include Identity, Prayer, Study, Mitzvot, Tzedakah, Chesed, Faith, Israel, Kiddush Hashem, and the Jewish future.

Cooking and Connection. What We Share: a Fellowship of the Greek and Jewish Communities
Tuesday, May 20th 10:00a to 11:30a
Come be a part of this lively exchange of cultures, cuisines, and faiths. Converse about our two similar Mediterranean traditions, prepare and share delicious foods from both cultures, and then take an interactive tour of HEA’s sanctuary and its storied artistic and ritualistic legacy. This program is sponsored by the HEA Sisterhood and the Women of the Philoptochos. This is a women's only event.

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Bringing Life to Your Seder 

A Message from Rabbi Sarah Shulman & Eitan Kantor

Passover can be exhausting. The cleaning, kashering, shopping, cooking, and preparing often wears us out before we even reach the first cup of wine. But it can also be liberating. We have fond memories of cleaning out our spiritual chametz, discussing captivating questions, and retaining a sense of hope, activism, solidarity, and freedom that accompanies us home from a great seder. Yet putting together an invigorating seder on top of a delicious meal takes support and creativity, so we’ve decided to team up to help!  
 
To that end, we want to share a few ideas for how to make your Passover meaningful this year, whether you are hosting or simply seeking inspiration: 
 
First, let’s begin with music… 
Music was not only instrumental to the Exodus of the Israelites, but it is essential for a truly spiritual Passover experience. In the spirit of Miriam and the Song of the Sea, you might give a listen to this playlist that Eitan recommends while you are cooking.  
 
Admittedly, sometimes when we feel the heaviness of the world upon us, it is hard to access music. How do I sing from joy, you might wonder, while so much is uncertain about the return of the remaining hostages and the future of our own country? Dr. Tal Becker teaches, “Like the children of Israel amidst the sea, we must summon the courage to sing now.” If we can’t sing as an act of celebration, we must strive to sing this holiday as an act of faith and commitment. 
 
Creativity – such as through song, questions, art, and poetry – is at the core of curating a meaningful Passover experience. To step out from the narrow ruts and constricted routines of our lives, we must be willing to experiment with how we experience the rituals of the Seder and the lessons of the holiday anew.  To bring a fresh perspective to your holiday, we recommend checking out one of these interesting Seder supplements: 
 

• Jewish Disability Advocates Seder Handout (JFS)
• Artwork in Your Space (The iCenter)
• Bringing the Hostages to Your Seder (Everyone Counts)
• Everything You Need For Passover With Kids (PJ Library)
• Freedom: Between Narrowness and Expansion (M2: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education)
• Make Memories This Passover with a New Haggadah (ReCustom)
• Our Outstretched Hand: A Creative Prompt for Passover (Jewish Studio Project)
• Passover, Protest and Power: An Intergenerational Conversation (Moving Traditions)
• Passover Resources (Avodah)
• Recognizing All Our Children (Keshet)
• Resources for Passover 5785 (Shalom Hartman Institute)
• Seder Resources (Hadar)
• Ten Plagues of Housing Injustice (Repair the World)
• There Are No Strangers: Passover Supplement Affirming Our Support for Immigrants and Refugees (Religious Action Center)
• Why Is This Year Different from All Other Years? (Pardes)

 
Second, Passover is a holiday based on the interconnection of people and generations. We invite you to open your doors and your hearts to welcome in someone new into your home or into your life.  Unlike Pharaoh, whose intransigence led him to perpetually harden his heart, we each have the capacity to soften our boundaries for the sake of connection. For both of us, this has been an important and impactful theme of our past year. 
 
Lastly, to experience z’man cheruteinu, a time of freedom as Passover is called in our liturgy, one needs to have time. This year may we give ourselves permission to cook one less course, clean one less cupboard, accept one less “to do” in order to make space for the expansiveness, the creativity, the freedom that Passover beacons into our lives.  Dayenu – it’s enough already! 
 
We wish you and your family a Chag Kasher v’Sameach – a holiday of creativity, connection, and meaning! 
 
Shabbat Shalom! 

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Coming Up!

Tot Shabbat
Shabbat, Apr 19th 10:45a to 12:00p
A fun and spirited playtime and Tot Shabbat service.

USY Chametz Fest
Sunday, Apr 20th 8:00p to 9:30p
Get ready to break Passover and eat all the chametz! Open to 7th-12th Graders

Yom Hashoah Commemoration - Music and Survival: The Spirit Endures
Tuesday, Apr 22nd 7:00p to 8:30p
HEA welcomes a special “Violin of Hope” on loan from the Nashville Symphony and the family violin from the Sladek family that survived with our member, Osi Sladek. The program will include music of the holocaust with the Eitan Kantor, The Colorado Hebrew Chorale and Guest Violinist from the Colorado Symphony, Samuel Nebyu.

Azamra + Dinner
Friday, Apr 25th 5:30p to 8:00p
Our Friday Evening Musical Shabbat service followed by a tasty kosher meal!

Growing Season Prep Volunteer Day in the HEA Community Donation Garden
Sunday, Apr 27th 11:30a to 1:30p
Did you know that HEA's Community Donation Garden is planting to fight hunger -- for our third season! HEA partners with IFCS (an Englewood food pantry), Spirit of the Sun (Native American elder food shares) and Fresh Food Connect (a national fresh food rescue organization) and donates more than 500 pounds of produce each year. The garden is also a learning lab for our Religious School where students receive hands-on education about Jewish holidays and tzedakah. This year, with the USDA cutting over 1 billion dollars to food pantries, HEA's compassionate garden work and our produce is more important than ever. And YOU can be a part of it!

Bubbe, Zayde and Me: Yom Hatzmaut
Sunday, Apr 27th 4:00p to 5:30p
Come and celebrate Israel's birthday with your grandchild (age 2-8) with Israeli-themed activities. We will make Israeli treats, create an Israeli flag collage, write notes for the wall, and much more. $15 per HEA member family / $25 non-member family

Kavod on the Road
Tuesday, Apr 29th 1:00p to 2:30p
Monthly programs for adults hosted by Kavod On the Road at HEA.

Israeli Wine Tasting for Yom Hatzmaut designed for women age 30-50
Thursday, May 1st 7:00p to 8:30p
Israel boasts a vibrant wine industry with over 300 wineries, including both commercial and boutique wineries, spanning various regions from the Galilee to the Negev Desert. Come and taste a variety of these wines in a blind taste test and rate your favorites. Israeli snacks will be served. $20 per-person HEA member / $30 per-person non-member

Silver Shabbat
Friday, May 2nd 5:00p to 7:00p
In celebration of our seniors 75+ and Israel. $18 per individual.

Men’s Night Out: Pastrami and Poker
Tuesday, May 6th 7:00p to 9:00p
Bragging rights to the winner, but all proceeds will be donated to Leket Israel, The National Food Bank of Israel. Entrance fee with dinner included (veg option available): $36 HEA member / $50 non-member.

Monthly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shulman
Wednesday, May 14th 12:00p to 1:00p
A curriculum on Judaism and Jewish identity based on traditional sources and the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Topics include Identity, Prayer, Study, Mitzvot, Tzedakah, Chesed, Faith, Israel, Kiddush Hashem, and the Jewish future.

Cooking and Connection. What We Share: a Fellowship of the Greek and Jewish Communities
Tuesday, May 20th 10:00a to 11:30a
Come be a part of this lively exchange of cultures, cuisines, and faiths. Converse about our two similar Mediterranean traditions, prepare and share delicious foods from both cultures and then take an interactive tour of HEA’s sanctuary and its storied artistic and ritualistic legacy. This program is sponsored by the HEA Sisterhood and the Women of the Philoptochos. This is a women's only event.

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Music. Community. Prayer.

A Message from Mark Alpert and Caryn Osterman

Music. Community. Prayer. These three words depict the essence of Joey Weisenberg’s ability to engage the Jewish community and elevate our spirituality. These three words also encapsulate the foundation of our deep love for the Hebrew Educational Alliance. Joey Weisenberg will be performing this Sunday, March 30th at 7:00 p.m. at the HEA with his band. Joey’s band includes some of the biggest names in Jewish music today including Aly Halpert and Rabbi Yosef Goldman. We hope this concert will be a peak spiritual experience for our community, one we can draw on as inspiration for months to come. Get your tickets HERE. If you can’t afford a ticket, contact our office and we will put you on the guest list. While this concert is an important fundraiser, we want to make sure everyone can attend regardless of financial situation. 

When we chose to invest in HEA’s Music Circle last year, we envisioned bringing such spectacular musical programs to HEA, and it is our honor to both sponsor and organize this event. The mission of the HEA Music Circle is to support transformative Jewish music experiences and imbue every aspect of communal life with song. We find Joey’s music to be deeply moving, and we know you will too. 

Several people have asked me whether Joey will be participating in services tomorrow. Joey will teach one song in the Shir Shacharit service. That service is from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Goldberger Youth Center. After that, Joey will give a short sermon in the Traditional Service around 11:15 a.m. The main event of the weekend is the concert on Sunday. 

We are so grateful to the many sponsors and contributors for this key fundraising event, and we want to extend our appreciation to the other Music Circle members, our concert sponsors, the concert vendors such as McBoat Photography and Applejack Wine & Spirits for their generous contributions, and the HEA staff and clergy who have all stepped up to make this cherished weekend possible. Additionally, we want to thank Sherri Kadovitz for dedicating so much of her time helping with the event coordination. Your efforts and contributions are so meaningful in enhancing HEA’s cultural and musical presence in the community, and we are elated to have so many fervent supporters. 

We encourage you to register for the event, be added as a sponsor, and join us in song this weekend. Register NOW.

We hope to share this meaningful event with all of you.

Shabbat Shalom!

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Coming Up!

New Baby Shabbat
Shabbat, Mar 29th 10:45a to 12:30p
Sign up for New Baby Shabbat!

Selah! - Joey Weisenberg & The Rising Song Ensemble Concert
Sunday, Mar 30th 7:00p to 10:00p
Our biggest and most special music event of the year! Singer, guitarist and composer, Joey Weisenberg Founder and Director of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute returns to the HEA for an uplifting evening of participatory original music. Joey will be joined by special guests, including Aly Halpert, and Rabbi Yosef Goldman.

Yossi Klein Halevi: The Future of Israel, American Jewry & Our Relationship
Thursday, Apr 3rd 7:00p to 9:00p
A senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, and author of Like Dreamers and Letters to My Palestinian Neighbors. Yossi writes for leading op-ed pages in the U.S., including the Times and the Wall Street Journal, and is a former contributing editor to the New Republic. This program is sponsored by The William and Lynn Geller Family in Memory of Gerry and Ly Japha. 

Women’s Seder
Sunday, Apr 6th 6:30p to 8:30p
As women, we will gather to celebrate the season with a Women’s Seder led by Rabbi Shulman. We will nosh with a charoset bar, study, and sing together in community. $5 members/ $10 non-members.

FRONTLINE WARRIORS: The Fight Against Campus Antisemitism
Sunday, Apr 6th 7:00p to 9:00p
The world premiere of Frontline Warriors: The Fight Against Campus Antisemitism, a gripping documentary following courageous student leaders on campuses that have become battlegrounds of hate, violent protests, hostile encampments, and national controversy.

Monthly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shulman
Wednesday, Apr 9th 12:00p to 1:00p
A curriculum on Judaism and Jewish identity based on traditional sources and the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Topics include Identity, Prayer, Study, Mitzvot, Tzedakah, Chesed, Faith, Israel, Kiddush Hashem, and the Jewish future.

Shabbat-Along
Friday, Apr 11th 4:30p to 7:00p
Last Chance Chametz Shabbat! Feel free to come when you are able for this interactive Shabbat experience geared toward families with children in 3rd grade and under. Older siblings, grandparents, and friends are always welcome.

Second Night Seder
Sunday, Apr 13th 5:30p to 9:00p
Join Rabbi Sarah Shulman, Music Director Eitan Kantor, and HEA staff for an engaging, lively, joyful, and kid-friendly musical Second Seder. HEA Preschool teachers will be on hand to lead fun children's activities.

Tot Shabbat
Shabbat, Apr 19th 10:45a to 12:00p
A fun and spirited playtime and Tot Shabbat service.

Yom Hashoah Commemoration - Music and Survival: The Spirit Endures
Tuesday, Apr 22nd 7:00p to 8:30p
HEA welcomes a special “Violin of Hope” on loan from the Nashville Symphony and the family violin from the Sladek family that survived with our member, Osi Sladek. The program will include music of the holocaust with the Eitan Kantor, The Colorado Hebrew Chorale and Guest Violinist from the Colorado Symphony, Samuel Nebyu.

Azamra & Traditional Friday Evening Services + Dinner
Friday, Apr 25th 5:30p to 8:00p
Our Friday Evening Musical Shabbat Service AND Traditional Service, followed by a tasty kosher meal!

Bubbe, Zayde and Me: Yom Hatzmaut
Sunday, Apr 27th 4:00p to 5:30p
Come and celebrate Israel's birthday with your grandchild (age 2-8) with Israeli-themed activities. We will make Israeli treats, create an Israeli flag collage, write notes for the wall, and much more. $15 per HEA member family / $25 non-member family

Israeli Wine Tasting for Yom Hatzmaut designed for women age 30-50
Thursday, May 1st 7:00p to 8:30p
Israel boasts a vibrant wine industry with over 300 wineries, including both commercial and boutique wineries, spanning various regions from the Galilee to the Negev Desert. Come and taste a variety of these wines in a blind taste test and rate your favorites. Israeli snacks will be served. $20 per-person HEA member / $30 per-person non-member

Men’s Night Out: Pastrami and Poker
Tuesday, May 6th 7:00p to 9:00p
Bragging rights to the winner, but all proceeds will be donated to Leket Israel, The National Food Bank of Israel. Entrance fee with dinner included (veg option available): $36 HEA member / $50 non-member.

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Happy Purim!

It was so wonderful to see so many of you at our Purim celebrations and services. Chag Purim Sameach from the HEA clergy and staff!

Thank you to all of our volunteers that help make our Purim celebrations successful!

Purim Highlights!

The triumphant return of the Perpetually Perplexed Purim Players at the 2025 Purim Shpiel, Sunday, March 9. Watch the whole video.

Another over-the-top Megillah Reading, Thursday, March 13. Watch the whole video.

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HEA Purim Carnival, Sunday, March 9. Watch the whole video.

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Coming Up!

Torah for Today Class
Shabbat, Mar 15th 10:30a to 11:15a
With guest-scholar Rabbi Shlomo Levin.

Human Rights in the Passover Story with Shlomo Levin
Shabbat, Mar 15th 12:30p to 1:30p
Are human rights and Jewish values the same, or are they different? How do human rights come up in the Passover story? After Kiddush, Shlomo will show how we can add meaning and relevance to our seders by using these questions to lead a discussion, much like we might have on the holiday.

HEA Shalom Chaverim Purim Party
Sunday, Mar 16th 2:00p to 4:00p
Masks, Mocktails and More: This Purim event is sponsored by HEA Shalom Chaverim, our HEA members group for ages 65 and over, dedicated to celebrating Jewish life together through learning, socializing and sharing life-cycle events. The cost is a modest $5 per person, payable at the door. RSVPs are required so that we can know how many to prepare for. If you plan to join the festivities, RSVP to: heashalomchaverim@gmail.com and we will add you to the list!

The Role of American Jews in shaping Israel’s Future: A Conversation with Yizhar Hess
Sunday, Mar 16th 7:00p to 8:30p
We welcome Dr. Yizhar Hess, Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, in a vital discussion about what American Jews are doing and what they can do to help secure Israel's future.

 Azamra & Congregational Dinner
Friday, Mar 21st 5:30p to 8:00p
Our Friday Evening Musical Shabbat Service, followed by a tasty kosher meal!

Kavod on the Road
Tuesday, Mar 25th 1:00p to 2:30p
Monthly programs for adults hosted by Kavod On the Road at HEA.

New Baby Shabbat
Shabbat, Mar 29th 10:45a to 12:30p
Sign up for New Baby Shabbat!

Selah! - Joey Weisenberg & The Rising Song Ensemble Concert
Sunday, Mar 30th 7:00p to 10:00p
Our biggest and most special music event of the year! Singer, guitarist and composer, Joey Weisenberg Founder and Director of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute returns to the HEA for an uplifting evening of participatory original music. Joey will be joined by special guests, including Aly Halpert, and Rabbi Yosef Goldman.

Yossi Klein Halevi: The Future of Israel, American Jewry & Our Relationship
Thursday, Apr 3rd 7:00p to 9:00p
A senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, and author of Like Dreamers and Letters to My Palestinian Neighbors. Yossi writes for leading op-ed pages in the U.S., including the Times and the Wall Street Journal, and is a former contributing editor to the New Republic. This program is sponsored by The William and Lynn Geller Family in Memory of Gerry and Ly Japha. 

Women’s Seder
Sunday, Apr 6th 6:30p to 9:00p
As women, we will gather to celebrate the season with a Women’s Seder led by Rabbi Shulman. We will nosh with a charoset bar, study, and sing together in community. $5 members/ $10 non-members.

Monthly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shulman
Wednesday, Apr 9th 12:00p to 1:00p
A curriculum on Judaism and Jewish identity based on traditional sources and the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Topics include Identity, Prayer, Study, Mitzvot, Tzedakah, Chesed, Faith, Israel, Kiddush Hashem, and the Jewish future.

SLAK Pre-Passover Pizza Party
Friday, Apr 11th 6:00p to 8:00p
If you're a recent empty-nester or a parent of high school seniors and young adults in their 20s, join the SLAK group for a pre-Passover pizza get-together.

Second Night Seder
Sunday, Apr 13th 5:30p to 9:00p
Join Rabbi Sarah Shulman, Music Director Eitan Kantor, and HEA staff for an engaging, lively, joyful, and kid-friendly musical Second Seder. HEA Preschool teachers will be on hand to lead fun children's activities.

Music of the Holocaust - Violins of Hope
Tuesday, Apr 22nd 7:00p to 8:30p
The Violins of Hope (Hebrew: כינורות של תקווה) is a collection of Holocaust-related string instruments in Tel Aviv, Israel. The instruments serve to educate and memorialize the lives of prisoners in concentration camps through concerts, exhibitions and other projects.

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The Gift of Taking Care of One Another

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Raised in a very secular home, the only tradition I knew about related to Purim as a child was dressing up and eating hamantaschen. I can’t say that my family really did anything on most Jewish holidays. It wasn’t until we were living in Pittsburgh with our young children that I learned about Purim in an adult fashion and the mitzvot associated with the holiday.

There are four important components associated with Purim including listening to the megillah, giving to the needy, celebrating with a feast, and sending gifts of food to friends.

We listen to the megillah to remind us of the importance of standing up to those who try to destroy us, as Haman once threatened the Jews of the Persian empire. We give to the poor to ensure that everyone has the means to celebrate during the holiday and to honor Esther and Mordechai’s legacy of saving the Jewish people. Fulfilling this mitzvah can be as simple as dropping coins into a tzedakah box, making donations of food or clothing to a local pantry or shelter. We have a feast to “eat, drink and be merry.” Sending Mishloach Manot, or gifts of food, ensures that everyone has the means to be happy while strengthening our bonds of friendship with our fellow Jews.

At HEA, we strive to ensure the whole community is cared for by sending mishloach manot to the entire congregation. It is a huge undertaking that is only made possible by you. This year, we have 21 volunteers baking the hamantaschen in our kitchen. We have 18 volunteers putting together the bags and another 42 who will be delivering them to our kehillah. We could not do this project without our volunteers.

We also are so appreciative of those who have contributed monetarily through the Kevin Bitz (z’l) Memorial Purim Mishloach Manot project as well. We take care of one another. The sponsor page this year will reflect not just individual friends, but one list for the whole community. These donations make it possible to fulfill the mitzvot as one synagogue. Donations are being accepted through Monday morning.

Our ancestors understood about living in a difficult world with those who wish to destroy us, but by taking care of one another, creating friendship and unity, we are stronger together.

Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov, as together we begin the month of Adar!

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Coming Up!

Traditional Friday Evening Service & Dinner for JDAIM
Friday, Feb 28th 6:00p to 9:00p
Enjoy the melodies you love at our Traditional Kabbalat Shabbat services, followed by the kosher food you love at our congregational dinner, as we take part in Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM)-a unified effort among Jewish organizations worldwide to raise awareness and foster inclusion of people with disabilities and those who love them. 
 
Torah for Today Class
Shabbat, Mar 1st 10:30a to 11:15a, Library
with Cherie Karo Schwartz - Putting it all together: terumah 
 
Hochmat Nashim: Women’s Torah Study Group
Sunday, Mar 2nd 6:30p to 8:00p
Join a vibrant group of Jewish women led by Rabbi Shulman and Gitit Kaufman for a meaningful evening of engagement with Torah and one another.

Mishloach Manot Bag Prep
Monday, Mar 3rd 1:00p to 4:00p & Tuesday, Mar 4th 6:30p to 8:30p
Help fill Mishloach Manot for our HEA households. Please sign up to help assemble or drop off bags and bring the joy of Purim to all of our members.

Mishloach Manot Delivery
Beginning Wednesday, Mar 5th
Get into the spirit of Purim and spread happiness by delivering Mishloach Manot bags to HEA households. 
 
Monthly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shulman
Wednesday, Mar 5th 12:00p to 1:00p
A curriculum on Judaism and Jewish identity based on traditional sources and the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Topics include Identity, Prayer, Study, Mitzvot, Tzedakah, Chesed, Faith, Israel, Kiddush Hashem, and the Jewish future. 
 
Interfaith Iftar: Sharing Tables for Healing
Thursday, Mar 6th 5:15p to 7:00p
Join us at the Multicultural Mosaic Foundation (14232 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO 80014) for an evening of sharing, caring, and healing. We will look at healing texts in both traditions and share a vegetarian meal at the table. Our Mosaic friends will be providing salmon, rice, and potato dishes, and HEA members will bring salads, side dishes, and desserts. Please sign up to bring one of the requested items in the form. This is a family-friendly event!

Purim Shpiel
Sunday, Mar 9th 11:00a to 12:00p
The Perpetually Perplexed Purim Players Purim Shpiel is returning to the HEA! Esther, Mordechai, Vashti, and Haman (and Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce) invite you to this FREE family event! Cantor Saul Rosenthal is the Director, and Nili Abrahamson is the Musical Director. As always, the PPPP shpiel includes a live band and lots of singing.

Purim Carnival
Sunday, Mar 9th 12:00p to 2:00p
Following the Purim Shpiel, join all your friends in the Social Hall for our BIG Purim Carnival! Enjoy fun, games, rides, and food!

Mini Megillah with Puppets for Families
Thursday, Mar 13th 5:30p to 6:15p
A fun mini megillah reading with puppets! 
 
Full Megillah Reading
Thursday, Mar 13th 7:00p to 9:00p
We read the whole Megillah and shout "BOO" every time we hear "Hamen"! 
 
Human Rights in the Passover Story with Shlomo Levin
Shabbat, Mar 15th 12:30p to 1:30p
Are human rights and Jewish values the same, or are they different? How do human rights come up in the Passover story? After Kiddush, Shlomo will show how we can add meaning and relevance to our seders by using these questions to lead a discussion, much like we might have on the holiday.
 
HEA Shalom Chaverim Purim Party
Sunday, Mar 16th 2:00p to 4:00p
Masks, Mocktails and More: This Purim event is sponsored by HEA Shalom Chaverim, our HEA members group for ages 65 and over, dedicated to celebrating Jewish life together through learning, socializing and sharing life-cycle events. The cost is a modest $5 per person, payable at the door. RSVP’s are required so that we can know how many to prepare for. If you plan to join the festivities, RSVP to: heashalomchaverim@gmail.com and we will add you to the list! 
 
The Role of American Jews in shaping Israel’s Future: A Conversation with Yizhar Hess
Sunday, Mar 16th 7:00p to 8:30p
We welcome Dr. Yizhar Hess, Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, in a vital discussion about what American Jews are doing and what they can do to help secure Israel's future. 
 
PTSD in the IDF with Omri Barkin
Wednesday, Mar 19th 7:00p to 8:30p
Omri Barkin, originally from Modi’in, Israel, spent his formative years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1999–2003) before settling in Tel Aviv. He served in the IDF special forces from 2013-2016 and now runs a nonprofit organization dedicated to IDF veterans with a specific focus on the challenges of PTSD effects and opportunities for implementing nature-based therapeutic programs to help overcome the psychological challenges of combat.
 
New Baby Shabbat
Shabbat, Mar 29th 10:45a to 12:30p
​​​​​​​Sign up for New Baby Shabbat and join us in celebrating the newest member of your family!

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To Shpiel or not to Shpiel?

Originally a joint project of HEA and Rodef Shalom, those early PPPP Shpiels attracted an audience from throughout Denver’s Jewish community. The first year the Shpiel was a tribute to the Beatles. Since then the Shpiel themes have been The Best of Disney, Jersey Boys, Billy Joel, The Wizard of Oz and a couple of swipes at Broadway tunes. 
“What I love about these Shpiels is how both lay-volunteers and professional clergy set aside their inhibitions and come together to put on a great show,” says Michael. “Always full of humor and with the expected bloopers of an amateur production, these have been absolutely great fun.” 

Along the way Michael’s wife, Gail Devore, brought her talent for set designs, costuming and clowning around to the Shpiels. She remembers fondly when Michael cross-dressed and appeared as a Maiden in one of the Shpiels. “My favorite part of these Shpiels is when one of the actors, usually a Rabbi, comes on stage singing a song that’s not part of the Shpiel. The cast – and now the audiences-all shout YOU’RE IN THE WRONG SHPIEL. It’s become a signature moment of these shows,” says Gail. 

As with so many things, the COVID Pandemic brought a halt to the PPPP Shpiels. The most recent one took place in March of 2020, just before the city shut down. Earlier this year Gail and Michael, with the help of Cantor Saul Rosenthal decided to try and revive the Shpiels and start a new series to bring the community together once again around Purim. “With the stress we’ve all been experiencing in recent months we thought it was time for some fun in Denver’s Jewish community,” said Michael.     

So the PPPP Shpiel will return to HEA on SUNDAY, MARCH 9, at 11:00 a.m. This year’s is called “The Story of Esther – Taylor Swift’s Version.” It features 10 of Taylor’s songs – with new lyrics appropriate for the Purim story - and a hilarious script acted out by the Clergy and a dozen members of HEA – adults and children! Plenty of gags about Taylor (and Travis Kelce) and enough Dad jokes to make you cringe. There may even be another case of cross-dressing actors. You’ll have to be there to find out. 

So come one and all – and especially you Swifties out there – in costume (especially Taylor Swift look-alikes) or not. We promise you a great show to kick off your Purim celebrations. And plan to stick around for the HEA Purim Carnival which follows at noon. 

Our thanks to the leadership of HEA for helping to make this show possible and to generous donors over the years whose contributions supported the Shpiels. See you March 9th. 

​​​​​​​Shabbat Shalom!

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