First and foremost, I want to recognize that we are filled with sadness and outrage as we grieve the loss of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who were killed in a blatant act of antisemitism in DC this week. Each of them worked for the Israeli embassy and committed themselves to supporting Zionism, the Jewish State, and the Jewish people. May their memories be a blessing. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks once wrote about this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Behar-Bechukotai, “Adaptative leadership is the highest leadership quality of them all.” The Jewish people have long been one of resilience and adaptation, from their journeys through the wilderness to this very moment in history. And I am truly proud of the ways our own HEA community has remained strong, vibrant, connected, and dynamic through much change over the years.
It was my honor on Wednesday night at the Annual Meeting to present our new Strategic Plan for 2025-2028 along with a wonderful slate of new board members: Carol Abrams, Barbara Carroll, Justin Coburn, Maya Mintzer, Neal Price, and Joan Saliman! We thank them for their leadership and service, along with our Past President Evan Kline and our incoming President Peter Gottlieb.
The Strategic Plan was shaped out of the suggestions and feedback, ideas and needs that our congregants expressed during our Listening Tour this winter with input from our Board of Directors, Staff, and Strategic Planning Committee. I want to thank the hosts, participants, and the facilitator of our Listening Tour sessions, Paul Shamon, for your time and input, and for all who have already invested in this bright next chapter at the Alliance.
If you attended the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, you know that the attendance was impressive, and the vibe was extremely positive. We are beginning the next chapter in our congregation’s long history in a strong position with outstanding programs, growing membership, and new security from our recent land sale.
If you were not able to attend the Annual Meeting, I am delighted to share with you an electronic copy of theStrategic Plan. This plan is based on three strategic pillars:
Engage: Build opportunities and networks for deepening connections amongst members of our community
Elevate: Enhance programming, education, joyful Jewish moments, and the value of membership at HEA
Sustain: Foster future leadership and investment in HEA
Under each strategic pillar, you will find a list of different initiatives and specific action steps to guide our next steps and strengthen our community. I want to emphasize that this strategic plan is not meant to sit on the shelf and collect dust. Nor is it exhaustive of all the things we will undertake at the HEA in the next three years.This plan was designed to be simple enough to implement, accessible enough to understand, and dynamic enough to change over the coming years as we evolve. We are a community, like the Israelites in the wilderness, of adaptative leadership.
I look forward to hearing your feedback on our strategic plan and to partnering with you to write this next chapter together. If you are interested in joining our Strategic Planning Committee to assist with its implementation, please let me know.
Shabbat Shalom!
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Coming Up!
Kavod on the Road Tuesday, May 27th 1:00p to 2:30p Monthly programs for adults hosted by Kavod On the Road at HEA. The Heartbeat of Tradition: Klezmer, Yiddish, and New Sounds with Eitan Kantor.
Our Friday Evening Musical Shabbat service followed by a tasty kosher meal!
Erev Shavuot Tikkun Leil at Temple Sinai Sunday, Jun 1st 7:00p to 11:55p HEA members, join your friends from Temple Sinai and Temple Emanuel for an evening of study. Breakout sessions led by clergy at 7:30 p.m., Ma'ariv at 8:00 p.m., and a dessert reception at 9:00 p.m. The final learning session starts at 9:30 p.m.
Torah for Today Class Shabbat, Jun 7th 10:30a to 11:15a With Rabbi Mordecai Magencey, Ph.D.
Razzle Dazzle Sunday, Jun 8th 4:00p to 6:00p A Jewish Cabaret featuring Colorado Hebrew Chorale and Kol Nashim. Join us for an evening of laughter, talent, and refreshments as we celebrate the great Jewish composers of the stage and beyond. Top hats, glitter, feather boas, and dramatic costumes welcome! Tickets $10-$20.
Monthly Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shulman Wednesday, Jun 11th 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: Galveston Movement Thursday, Jun 12th 6:00p to 8:30p Join SLAK for a potluck dinner and an engaging presentation on the Galveston Movement—a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in Jewish American history. This initiative helped resettle thousands of Jewish immigrants through the Port of Galveston (yes, in Texas!). We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Joshua Furman from the University of Denver’s Center for Judaic Studies and the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society as our speaker for the evening. Dr. Furman's presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. $18 suggested donation.
Kleztronica Party Thursday, Jun 12th 7:30p to 11:50p Dance party with DJ Chaia (Brooklyn, Yiddish Techno). Opening set by YUGS (Los Angeles/Denver, Indie Alternative).
Shabbat in the Park Friday, Jun 13th 5:00p to 7:00p Enjoy a fun-filled Shabbat service and celebration for young ones and their adults at Westland's Park, Center Pavilion. Families should bring their own dairy dinner, and HEA will provide snacks and drinks.
Rabbi Shira Stutman: Author of The Jewish Way to a Good Life Wednesday, Jun 18th 6:30p to 8:00p For as long as Judaism has been a religion, “Jewish” has been a culture—one whose unique blend of ritual and realism has kept its people going for some 3,000 years. In The Jewish Way to a Good Life, Rabbi Shira Stutman invites readers of every faith—and none—to do chesed (good work), foster tzedek (justice), practice shabbat (rest), and ultimately find happiness. Books will be available for sale at the event.
Tot Shabbat Shabbat, Jun 21st 10:45a to 12:00p A fun and spirited playtime and Tot Shabbat service.
