HEArtbeat

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Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald

After the horrific attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, and the devastating war that has followed, our hearts have been heavy with concern and grief.  In the days following the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, it was hard to conceive of gathering on October 29 for a comedy show.   

As the committee that planned the event regrouped, we started to tell a different story. The group–led by Laurie Morris, Joan Saliman and Ceci Lowinger–revisited the purpose of our event. It was not a comedy show–that was merely the draw. The purpose of our event was to celebrate the founders of the Hebrew Educational Alliance. Not unlike the Passover seder, the goal was to tell our children the story of our community and its origins so that they can carry on our values. The group set out to create the Haggadah of this event. They spoke with the children and grandchildren of HEA’s founders and builders, collecting their recollections in a beautiful tribute book. Their memories are a glimpse into a world so different from ours–a close knit community known as West Colfax where working class Jews lived in what was then an unincorporated suburb on the outskirts of Denver.   
 
In 1928, a year before Wall Street crashed, the Beth David Sisterhood formed the organization that would become the Hebrew Educational Alliance. The Great Depression drove easterners toward the Rockies, drove up unemployment, and brought waves of Jewish immigration to Denver. Yet, in the midst of scarcity and social upheaval, a couple dozen families got together with the chutzpah to dream of a better future for their children and the Jews of Denver. They rolled up their sleeves and passed the tzedakah box, creating a brand new kind of synagogue. One that was traditional, but also progressive for its time. And since 1932, when Rabbi Manuel Laderman arrived at Denver’s Union Station, the Hebrew Educational Alliance has been making Jewish education and community accessible for every Jewish family.    
 
This story is told in far greater detail in the beautiful tribute book we created for the occasion. It serves as a living tribute to the generations that built the HEA. A similar book was created in 1979 on the occasion of Rabbi Laderman’s retirement. That weathered old book sits on the shelf in my study, just as it does in the Jewish Archives at the University of Denver.  Like past tribute books, the journal we created for this year’s anniversary will stand as a historical artifact for generations to remember our synagogue’s history. We will also be turning the tribute journal into a permanent digital artifact on our history page in the coming days. It will remain as a living memorial to the generations who founded, built, supported, and participated in the early years of the Hebrew Educational Alliance.   
 
With this sense of heritage and posterity in mind, we want to make sure that we have an accurate record. We regret that the book published for the Anniversary Celebration had some unintentional errors and omissions, and we are grateful to the individuals who pointed out the mistakes so that we can have a more correct version on our shelves and on our website.   

The following corrections will appear in reprinted and digital editions: 
The biographical tribute for Abe and Dora Perlmutter that was omitted will be included. An omitted photograph of the Feiner Family sisters submitted by the family of Anne and Bill Goldberg will be included.   
In the section titled "More Original and Still Alliance Member Families,” the omitted family profile of Harry and Berdie Friedman will be added.   

The event and tribute book represent the legacy of volunteerism and generosity that built and rebuilt the synagogue over generations. In the early years of the Hebrew Educational Alliance, everyone in the community pitched in and contributed their time, their dedication, and their resources to the success of our synagogue. The same is true today. Like the Alliance of the 1930s, we are operating in a challenging environment and recovering from devastating world events like the COVID pandemic. And, as it was for our predecessors, HEA is in a growth phase once more.   
 
The HEA Anniversary Celebration put a capstone on our annual giving campaign, which concludes with our fiscal year at the end of April. Like previous generations, HEA relies on the support of our members and the generosity of those who can help make Jewish life affordable and accessible to any family seeking the warm, welcoming and spiritual experience HEA has offered for over 90 years.   
 
It did indeed feel good to laugh at the Anniversary Celebration. It also felt really good to remember our history and the sacrifices earlier generations made so that we can live proudly and joyously as Jews in Colorado. If you didn’t attend the event and would like a copy of the tribute journal, a limited number of books will be reprinted and available while supplies last. In the coming days, the digital version of the book will be available on our website, along with photographs from the anniversary event. 
 
If you have not had a chance to contribute to the annual Pathways Campaign, there’s still time to help us close out our year strong. Please click HERE to donate.   
 
Thank you for your support and for helping us continue the groundbreaking vision of HEA’s founders.  

Shabbat Shalom! 

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HEArtbeat: What’s Your Half-Shekel? 

Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald

In this week’s parsha – Ki Tisa – God commands the people of Israel to contribute to the maintenance of the Mishkan (tabernacle). The Torah says in Exodus 30: 
 
When you take a census of the Israelite people… everyone who is entered in the records shall pay a half-shekel… the rich shall not pay more, and the poor shall not pay less than half a shekel when giving God’s offering as atonement for your persons.  
 
In his commentary known as Iturei Torah, Aaron Yaakov Greenberg asks: Why was Moses commanded to collect a half-shekel from each person rather than a full shekel? Greenberg observes: “In this commandment, the Torah comes to say to each person of Israel that they will never achieve wholeness as long as they are on their own; rather, only after joining with another person… And not just that, but no person ever knew who it was that joined them in paying the [other] half-shekel in order to complete the whole shekel. This matter teaches us that even the most simple Jew has the power to complete even the greatest person in the community.”   
 
The contribution of the half-shekel reminds us that a community is made up of people who contribute something of themselves to make up the whole.  The commandment that everyone – regardless of means – must contribute meant that every Israelite was a stakeholder in the project of creating a holy community.   
 
The Hebrew Educational Alliance was founded over 90 years ago by the dedicated volunteers of the Beth David Sisterhood. We are the beneficiaries of their half-shekels, and we continue that legacy by adding our own contribution. Here at HEA, we are blessed with an active, engaged, and empowered congregation where people roll up their sleeves and make things happen. Every program, event, and service we do relies on volunteers who organize, plan, schlep, safeguard, and schmooze.       
 
Next Shabbat we will celebrate many of our most active volunteers who represent the countless members who work to support our community.  Please join us next Saturday morning, March 9, as we honor our volunteers during the Shabbat morning Torah service. At this time, we will recognize volunteers from our Sisterhood, Security Greeter Team, Davening Team and service leaders, HEArt religious school, Preschool, HEAConnect groups, Choirs, Board of Directors, Disability and Multi-Heritage Family advocacy groups, Minyan, Azamra, Shabbat Gabbaim, Anniversary Celebration Planners, and more. Please come and be recognized for your service to the HEA community.   
 
Services will be followed by a special kiddush sponsored by the HEA Sisterhood in honor of our volunteers and the founding families of HEA who will be recognized at the HEA Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, March 10. For more information and to purchase tickets before the deadline tonight, click HERE.  
 
There are so many ways that you can get involved and contribute your own “half-shekel” of talent and energy to HEA. Here are just a few: 
 
Board and Committee Nominations 
Nominations are now open for the HEA board of directors and several important committees. We are looking for leaders with skills and experience in fields such as finance, fundraising, law, real estate, education, community organizing and non-profit management, social services, and construction.  
 
Aside from the board, we are looking for volunteers to serve on several committees and task forces including: Development, Membership, Finance, Building and Facilities, Programming and Community, Hesed (outreach to members in need), Education and Youth, Multiheritage Family Inclusion, and Disability Access. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on our board or on a committee, please contact Leslie Alger – VP of Governance and Chair of the Nominations Committee – at algerleslie@gmail.com. Nominees must submit an application by Monday, March 11.    
 
Volunteers to Help Return Shir Hadash to the GYC on a Weekly Basis 
Shir Hadash – our musical Shabbat morning service – started over 12 years ago as a weekly service in the warm and intimate space of our beautiful Goldberger Youth Center. We are pleased to announce that after a long disruption caused by the pandemic, we plan to return Shir Hadash to the GYC.  With increased concerns for security, hosting Shir Hadash in the GYC will require several volunteers to serve on the Greeter/Safety Team and as gabbaim. We need your help. To volunteer, please contact Olivia Wallen at olivia.j.wallen@gmail.com.   
 
The Iturei Torah says that no one knew whose half they completed. When you volunteer of your time and resources to building and maintaining our kehillah kedoshah – our sacred congregation – your efforts make a greater impact than you might imagine. Your contributions make it possible for people of all ages to pray, connect, find comfort, celebrate, mourn, and learn. To all of our wonderful volunteers we thank you and we look forward to celebrating you next Shabbat. 

​​​​​​​Shabbat Shalom!

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HEArtbeat: HEA Youth Highlights

Yuri Tavbin, HEA Youth Director

Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment have truly transformed our community in ways we couldn't have imagined.

As we reflect on the journey we've embarked on together, it's impossible not to marvel at the growth and development I’ve witnessed among our youth. Our USY teens have not only embraced their roles as leaders but have also infused our programming with creativity, energy, and a deep sense of purpose. For anyone who was in attendance last Saturday at our Youth Shabbat services, witnessing our teens read and share Torah, lead services and blessings, and bring smiles to our faces and pride to our hearts, you know what I mean!

One of the most remarkable aspects of their contribution is the way they've fostered inclusivity and belonging within our community. Through their initiatives, events, and outreach efforts, they have created spaces where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Whether it's through organizing inclusive gatherings, Shabbat dinners, or simply offering a listening ear, our USY teens have exemplified the true spirit of community and acceptance.

Beyond their individual accomplishments, what truly sets our teens apart is their collective spirit and camaraderie. I have appreciated this at moments like while traveling last month to a USY Regional Convention at Ramah California last month with 10 Colorado teens. Thanks to the mentorship and generosity of so many in our community, these youth have forged lifelong friendships, built a supportive community, and cultivated a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the walls of our synagogue. In doing so, they have not only enriched our youth programming, but have also strengthened the fabric of our entire community.

As we celebrate the remarkable growth and achievements of our USY teens, let us also reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering them on their journeys. Let us continue to provide them with the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive as leaders, changemakers, and compassionate individuals in a complex world.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of our USY teens for the indelible mark they have left on our community to and all who support them. Your passion, dedication, and enthusiasm are truly awe-inspiring, and I feel immensely privileged to be a part of this journey with you.

​​​​​​​Shabbat Shalom!

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HEArtbeat:

Circles of Support

First of all, thank you to everyone who made last weekend’s Joey Weisenberg visit so special. It was beautiful to hear your voices throughout the weekend and to get to listen deeply with you. 

February is Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). As of 2023, HEA is part of Jewish Family Service’s Jewish Disabilities Advocates (JDA) Collaborative. JDA’s theme for JDAIM 2024 is “Circles of Support.” JDA describes four necessary Circles of Support: 

1. family and close friends 
2. friends, neighbors, and co-workers 
3. community members or organizations with which we interact regularly, and 
4. service providers and/or professionals, such as teachers, coaches, health care providers, therapists, paid caregivers, etc.

JDA created a beautiful resource about the benefits of Circles of Support, how individuals with disabilities might interact with Circles of Support differently than non-disabled people, the role of Jewish organizations in Circles of Support, and avenues of providing support to caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Check out that resource HERE. 

The theme of Circles of Support reminds me that kol yisrael arevim ze baze - all of us are responsible for one-another. This phrase comes from Tractate Shavuot 39a of the Babylonian Talmud. This line emphasizes that our communal well-being is based on interdependence. 

On Friday evening, February 9, we will commemorate JDAIM with an Azamra Kabbalat Shabbat Service (6:00-7:15 p.m.) and dinner (7:15-8:00 p.m.). The service will feature music related to the theme of Circles of Support, discussion of how we can all ask for support, and congregants sharing their experiences of giving and receiving support. We will have an American Sign Language interpreter, transliterated large-print prayer books, magnifying glasses with lights, ear plugs, accessible seating options and a quiet room for anyone experiencing sensory overload. The service will be in the HEA chapel, which is wheelchair accessible from the parking lot using our elevator. Register for Azamra HERE. Please contact our office at (303)758-9400 or info@HEAenver.org to discuss any other accommodations that you or your loved ones might need. 

I’d like to give a shoutout to our Disabilities Advocacy Committee for fueling our process of continually improving the accessibility of our programs and services. 

Besides being Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month, February also includes Repro Shabbat, a celebration that honors the Jewish value of reproductive freedom. And February also contains Refugee Shabbat, an invitation for congregations, organizations and individuals to express solidarity with the global Jewish movement for refugee protection and welcome. These commemorations all emphasize our dependence on Circles of Support. Maybe our refugee grandparents depended on neighbors for childcare as they worked long sweatshop jobs to support their newly-American families. Maybe we have depended on the advice and love of our friends or siblings when making decisions about when to have a baby or not. Maybe we have had the honor of supporting a refugee family from Afghanistan by providing children’s clothing or toys. Maybe we have had the honor of supporting young women in our community by writing letters to politicians begging our representatives to protect reproductive freedom. We all provide and receive support and all depend on one-another. Join us tomorrow and next Saturday, February 10, at 10:30 a.m. to explore Jewish perspectives on refugees and reproductive rights as part of our Torah for Today classes.

As we begin this auspicious month, may we all experience deeply the idea that kol yisrael arevim ze baze. May we ask for support when we need it and may we provide support when we can. 

Shabbat Shalom,
Eitan Kantor, HEA Musical Director

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HEArtbeat: Azamra Kabbalat Shabbat at DU 

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On Wednesday night, I had the pleasure of jamming on Jewish tunes with several students from the University of Denver as well as HEA members Mitch Ohriner (a DU music theory professor and member of our Shir Hadash davening team) and Lily Gross (Director of Jewish Student Life at DU Hillel).
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What a blast! This group inspired me to try new beats under classic songs and also reminded me about the importance of creating tonal space so the melody can shine through.

Tonight, these musicians will be leading a delicious Kabbalat Shabbat service at DU Hillel (2390 S Race St, Denver, CO 80210) followed by an equally delicious dinner! I'd love to see you there! Check out the video of our rehearsal below and register HERE. 

Please reach out to mordy@HEAdenver.org with any questions about the event or any requests regarding accessibility accommodations. 

Shabbat Shalom,
Eitan Kantor, HEA Musical Director

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HEArtbeat: Songs of Ascent

I established the Alpert Family Memorial Fund in honor of my late wife. The intent of the fund is to bring Jewish musical programming of all kinds to our community, as music is at the heart of our tradition. I learned of Joey Weisenberg - leader of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute - several years ago when three of our congregants spent a week in New York learning from Joey. He is well-known throughout the US and Canada and brings his unique talents of music interpretation to inspire and excite audiences of all ages. Our wonderful Eitan Kantor studied with Joey for nine months as a fellow of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute and has brought some of Joey’s now familiar melodies to our congregation.
 
Please join me and Caryn on January 27 for the Songs of Ascent concert. It will be a joyful and uplifting musical evening. I’d like to thank Lee Weisbard and David Rosenthal, Ken and Joan Saliman, Congregation Bonai Shalom, BMH-BJ Congregation, Congregation Rodef Shalom, base Denver and other special friends for helping to sponsor the event.

Shabbat Shalom,

Mark Alpert

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HEArtbeat: Songs of Ascent

I established the Alpert Family Memorial Fund in honor of my late wife. The intent of the fund is to bring Jewish musical programming of all kinds to our community, as music is at the heart of our tradition. I learned of Joey Weisenberg - leader of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute - several years ago when three of our congregants spent a week in New York learning from Joey. He is well-known throughout the US and Canada and brings his unique talents of music interpretation to inspire and excite audiences of all ages. Our wonderful Eitan Kantor studied with Joey for nine months as a fellow of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute and has brought some of Joey’s now familiar melodies to our congregation.
 
Please join me and Caryn on January 27 for the Songs of Ascent concert. It will be a joyful and uplifting musical evening. I’d like to thank Lee Weisbard and David Rosenthal, Ken and Joan Saliman, Congregation Bonai Shalom, BMH-BJ Congregation, Congregation Rodef Shalom, base Denver and other special friends for helping to sponsor the event.

Shabbat Shalom,

Mark Alpert

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Pathways Campaign Ends Sunday!

Click the image below to play the latest Pathways Campaign testimonial video and hear Leslie & Steve Levine tell their story of how they connected with HEA.

Help HEA get to $300,000 by December 31 and your gift will be matched 1-to-1. Your donation helps HEA sustain the important work we do to support families like yours and make Jewish life available to anyone seeking the warm and welcoming community we offer.

Thank you for your overwhelming generosity!

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HEA Member Pathways Testimonial

This year we celebrated Hanukkah with heavy hearts, as we continue to pray for the safety of the Jewish people in Israel and around the world.  In these troubling times, HEA’s mission of inspiring lives of meaning through the support of Jewish community is more urgent than ever. The response we’ve seen for our annual Pathways Campaign is evidence of how important our synagogue is at times like this. As of today, we are nearly two-thirds of the way to meeting our goal of raising $300,000. We are so grateful to the families who have given thus far (see below).   

If you haven’t yet given to the annual campaign, please consider making a donation today. Thanks to several donors, every donation made before December 31 will be matched 1:1. And, in addition to State and Federal tax deductions, you may qualify to get back up to 50% of your gift to this year’s Pathway’s Campaign under the Colorado Child Care Tax Credit (consult your tax professional).   

Most importantly, your donation helps HEA sustain the important work we do to support families like yours and make Jewish life available to anyone seeking the warm and welcoming community we offer.

Click the image below to play Keren and Aaron Sturtz's Pathways Campaign testimonial video, and hear how the Alliance has impacted their family.

PATHWAYS CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS 
Mark Alpert and Caryn Osterman    
Albert Banker    
Bob and Marcia Bankirer
Birdie Becker    
Anna and John Bekerman

Harvey and Jacky Bolshoun
David and Marla Brown    
David and Vicki Dansky
Mark and Alice Fasman    
Wendy Feiner Dworkin and David Dworkin    
Jerry Feiner    
Monica and Ethyn Feldman
Joe and Cynthia Gensheimer    
Hal Gibbons    
Duncan and Alison Gilliam
Mark and Janel Goldberg    
Peter and Gabriela Gottlieb    
Richard and Eileen Greenberg
Melanie and Salomon Gruenwald    
Marc and Lynn Harvey    
Sandra Isser    
Michael "Mordy" and Sherri Kadovitz
Fred Karp
Susan Katz    
Cheris Kline Berlinberg and Adam Berlinberg    
Evan and Ellen Kline    
Jamie and Michael Lambert    
Jeffrey Levine    
Steven and Leslie Levine    
Jill Levy    
Cynthia and Michael Lowinger    
Elana and Andronik Mamayan    
James McKeon    
Abby and Leon Merker    
David and Gail Miller    
Louis and Laurie Morris    
Rebecca and Eric Paradis    
Anna Passer    
Jeffrey and Leah Peer
Kenneth and Joan Saliman    
Stewart and Merna Saliman    
Mara and Paul Sax    
Cherie Karo Schwartz
Gregory Schwartz and Jody Tanabe  

Jim and Debbie Shpall 
Max Silverman  

Aaron and Keren Sturtz    
Harvey Sundel    
Beth and Thomas Toth    
Wayne and Kimberly Turnbow    
Bonnie Wallack
Adam and Olivia Wallen    

Daniel and Elizabeth Weiner
Howard and Sandra Wolf

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HEArtbeat + Chai-lights

HEArt-lights? Chai-HEArt? beatlights?

The Hebrew Educational Alliance is fueled by the love, talent, and creative investment of each of our community members. Yet membership dues alone do not cover our growing expenses. We are asking for your help to meet our goal of raising $300,000 – our most ambitious annual campaign ever. We are thrilled to announce that every donation made before December 31 will be matched 1:1, thanks to the generosity of several families in our congregation. Click the image below to play Elana and Andronek Mamayan's Pathways Campaign testimonial video, and hear how the Alliance has impacted their young family.

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MEMBER MILESTONES

Let's celebrate this month's b'nai mitzvahs, birthdays, and anniversaries.

The above link is a secure access page on our website. You must be logged into our website in order to see it. If you haven't completed your online account setup or have trouble logging in, email us at info@HEAdenver.org.

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UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS

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Support the Annual Pathways Campaign and Save the Date for the HEA Anniversary Celebration

Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald

Supporting One Another 
Our rabbis and staff continue to support individuals and families who have been affected by the tragic events of the past few weeks and we will continue to respond to the needs of our community for as long as it takes.  If you or someone you know has been impacted by the war, we want to know and offer our help.   

In the coming weeks, we will be offering resources and programs, classes and groups, to help our community process, learn, and discuss. We will soon announce the formation of a grief support group led by trained mental health professionals. Please check back as we set up a resource page on the HEA website.   

What Else You Can Do 
Stay informed: Find a trustworthy news site to keep abreast of the news. You can also find many helpful spiritual and practical resources on the website of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.   

Be an advocate: Write an email, send a text, or make a phone call to your elected representatives or leaders of local universities. Your advocacy has a real impact.  Find your elected officials HERE.  

Show Up: The HEA and Denver Jewish communities are ramping up our response to the crisis with programs and events. Showing up sends a message that we will not be deterred from living proudly as Jews.  
 
Give: There are several organizations fundraising for Israel, and we encourage you to find ways to give that match your values and priorities.  JEWISHcolorado has established an Israel Emergency Fund in conjunction with Jewish Federations of North America. These funds are allocated where they are needed most and to an array of relief agencies working on the ground. 
  
Engage in Productive Discourse: Our community is constituted by a membership with a range of political views, both in America and Israel. Now is a time to meet passion with compassion, and to hold together the many ways we express our shared desire for Israel to live at peace with its neighbors. At HEA we value productive open discourse, kindness, curiosity, and generous listening by encouraging inquiry and learning rather than debate and persuasion.    

Reach out: While we cannot remove someone’s pain, the act of letting someone know that they are not alone is an important gesture. Reach out to those impacted by the war here and in Israel. Send a text or email letting them know they are in our hearts. 

Pray: Prayer is how we give expression to our hopes for our world and tilt God’s will towards making those hopes a reality. Our souls need prayers now more than ever. At home, in the synagogue, wherever you are – now is the time to give expression to our feelings through prayer. We will be adding prayers to our daily and Shabbat services throughout this crisis, including the traditional prayer below, which has been recited since the Middle Ages on behalf of Jews in captivity and in crisis.    

Click to play video

Shabbat Shalom, 
Rabbi Gruenwald, Rabbi Shulman, and Caryn Osterman 

HEArtbeat - Anniversary Celebration POSTPONED

Come to HEA 

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Rally for Israel at State Capitol

Give to Israel

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to accept your donations to Magen David Adom in Israel by Ayelet Kaufman, a young HEA member with family and friends in Israel. Donate HERE.