HEArtbeat

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May God Comfort You: A Message from Rabbi Sarah Shulman

Today we say Kaddish for Ariel and Kfir Bibas and Oded Lifshitz, who returned home from Gaza but not in the way we had hoped. Today we mourn alongside their families, as the words of our tradition guide us, “among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.” Today we cry and outcry at the grotesque manner in which their bodies were paraded and returned, at the loss of such precious life, at the brokenness of our world. And today we yearn for information regarding Shiri Bibas, whose body was not returned as planned. 
 
Shiri Bibas was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with her little ones Ariel and Kfir on October 7, 2023. Oded Lifshitz was also kidnapped and dragged to Gaza on that mournful day from Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community in which he was a founder and worked as a journalist and peace activist.  For over 500 days we have prayed for their return.   
 
I recall marching in Washington Park with the group Run for Their Lives a few months ago carrying a poster with a picture of baby Kfir with his distinctive red hair, praying with my feet for his return. Something about the red hair of those boys stood out to us, because when we have seen a child in the supermarket, at school, or on the playground with red hair, so many of us immediately have thought of the Bibas boys, and we always will. On that particular Sunday, another walker approached me in the park to ask: “How can you carry that photo of Kfir? I try not to carry that one. It’s so hard.” My response to this individual was, “How can we not? We must keep the image of these kids alive.” 
 
And now we must keep their memory alive. I invite you to join me in saying their names aloud this Shabbat at services and honoring their memory. We stand alongside the other mourners among us and all those in the House of Israel. Our hearts break, our resolve does not. The Jewish response to loss, after all, is to stand together.  
 
Shabbat Shalom 

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Coming Up!

Shabbat-Along
Friday, Feb 21st 4:30p to 7:00p
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. 
 
Torah for Today Class
Shabbat, Feb 22nd 10:30a to 11:15a
With Michael Raizen 
 
Kavod on the Road
Tuesday, Feb 25th 1:00p to 2:30p
Monthly programs for adults hosted by Kavod On the Road at HEA. 
 
Whiskey Tasting
Wednesday, Feb 26th 7:00p to 9:00p
HEA will be hosting a whiskey tasting with Ben Rosen, founder of Colorado Bourbon & Rye Collectors. We will be tasting single-barrel selections that are completely unique to CBRC. Appetizers will be served for the tasting, and, of course, some non-alcoholic drinks will be available. 
 
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 a 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. 
 
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
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 Bag Prep
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
Wednesday, Mar 5th (All day)
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 2:00p
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"!e requested items in the form. This is a family-friendly event!