Life & Legacy Testimonials
Lynn & Bill Geller
We have been members at the HEA since 1998. We joined because we wanted to belong to a synagogue where our daughters could grow up and feel a part of a community. We didn't know how important the HEA community would become in our lives at the time, but we both knew our Jewish traditions were a key part of our marriage and family and the HEA was the right place to belong. Our daughters attended the HEA Preschool and Religious school. They made friends and we made friends with their classmates' parents. Twenty-five years later, we are still friends with a number of those couples and families. It is these friendships that Bill and I hope young families today will create and hold onto for the next 25 years. Bill got involved as a religious school teacher and Jr. Congregation leader when our youngest daughter, Alissa, was in elementary school. Our daughters became B’nai Mitzvah, Confirmands, blessed before their IST trips, and were given send-offs to college at the HEA. Jessica, our oldest, had her wedding in the beautiful sanctuary in 2021 and her daughter was named there too. Now we get to attend Tot Shabbat with Jessica, Ian, and Adina and see the next generation growing up beautifully, making friends and carrying on our important Jewish traditions. It is due to all of this that we are a part of the Legacy Society, HEAroes for the Future. We hope you will join us and all the others who give generously.
Davis & Dansky Families
Bonnie & Seth Davis
We moved from New York City to Denver in the year 2000, both in our 20s. Although we loved the appeal of what Denver had to offer, we only knew only a few people here and no family that lived locally. At first, we sought a rabbi and cantor to marry us, but we were also eager to find our kehillah - our community in our new city. At HEA, we were amazed by Shabbat crowd and davening energy, the vibrant (and delicious) kiddush lunches, and services that felt similar to what we experienced growing up -- we were sold! We have made many wonderful friends over the years and have found volunteer time at events and being on the Board to be fulfilling. The HEA community has been by our side through life’s highest highs and lowest lows and has been a special place to raise our children. For our family, HEA is the essence of L’ Dor V’ Dor – our connection to our deep Jewish roots, a home for our children to continue to build their Jewish identity, and for future generations to do the same. We know that there are many aspects to HEA staying strong for generations to come, and that our legacy gift will help along the way.
Vicky Perlmutter Dansky & David Dansky
My dad had a collection of silly sayings. I am reminded of them all the time. I see lettuce in the grocery store, and I hear him say, “Lettuce, turnip and pea.” (Pun intended.) To the phrase, “We’re in good shape,” my mind echoes his typical response: “For the shape we’re in.” I look West towards the mountains, and his voice utters, “G-d’s country,” where our family has always enjoyed skiing, hiking and fishing. When I walk into the HEA sanctuary, I look right and see him in his tallis, davening near his favorite seat in the south section under the stained-glass windows. Along with my mother, he loved the Alliance, where our family has celebrated and commemorated the circle of life from the most beautiful milestones to the saddest goodbyes. This has always been our family’s sacred community. My parents were Westsiders, and all four of my grandparents were founding members from the HEA’s inception. 
My dad included the HEA in his will to strengthen the congregation’s rainy-day fund, which is critical for financial stability. We all know the importance of having reserves to save for the future, meet unforeseen needs, and build an enduring resource to support creativity and nimbleness to adapt to change and challenges. Who would have thought that the world would come to a standstill in 2020 and that life would look so different after a three-year worldwide pandemic? COVID-19 has caused so much disruption, grief and loneliness for so many as well as issues for organizations. The HEA has always risen to the challenge. It moved from the Westside to its current location when its membership no longer lived near its Stuart Street neighborhood. It transformed from a traditional orthodox shul to an egalitarian congregation offering many unique services and chavruta to make everyone feel welcomed, included and connected. To honor my parents and the community that means so much to us, David and I have made the HEA a percentage beneficiary of our retirement fund. We hope you will also consider a gift to the HEA in your will, retirement fund or life insurance.
Every time I think of my dad, I can’t help but smile even as I well up in tears. I feel in my heart of hearts the truth of what we say upon the passing of a loved one, “May their memory be for a blessing.”