HEArtbeat

Friday, November 7, 2025

If you haven't joined a dinner table at the Night of 100 Dinners on Saturday, November 8th, you can still join us at HEA for a dessert reception and Havdalah at 8:30 p.m., where we will celebrate together as we launch our annual fundraising campaign, Pathways.

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Our Annual Pathways Fundraising Campaign supports the professional operations, dedicated staff, and transformative programming that makes HEA what it is today—for all our members. In the words of one HEA member and Pathways contributor:

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​​​​​​​We are honored to support HEA and its clergy and staff who have been there for our family at our wedding, our child’s bris, and now his bar mitzvah. For years, this community has facilitated our family's most precious moments, and we want to make sure that can be true for families today and for generations to come. We may not be a family who can give at the highest level, but nevertheless, we prioritize giving what we can to support our home, the HEA.

Please join this family and many others who have generously stepped forward to make a meaningful end-of-year donation to honor, celebrate, and strengthen our growing community. Your contribution to HEA may qualify for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit (5C Tax Credit).

Thank you for your support!

Upcoming Events & Programs

Shishi Israeli – A Community Shabbat Celebration
Fri, November 7, 5:30 p.m.
Bring your family and friends to the GYC for an evening filled with the warmth of Shabbat, delicious shared diary potluck dishes, and engaging activities for all ages. 

Torah for Today with Rabbi Doug Weber
Sat, November 8, 10:30 a.m. 
Mind Your Manners! Tips from Derech Eretz Zuta (one of the ''Minor Tractates of the Talmud")

Night of 100 Dinners
Sat, November 8
After dinner, we will all meet up at HEA for Havdalah, desserts, and a nightcap.

Gardening
Sun, November 9, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
 Putting the garden out back to bed for the season! Contact Sue Salinger at salinger.sue36@gmail.com.

Israel Trip Informational Meeting
Sun, November 9, 11:30 a.m.
Are you interested in joining us on a trip to Israel, March 11-19, 2026? Sign up to hear all about it. 

Medicare Made Simple
Sun, November 9, 1:00 p.m.
Medicare is boring, bureaucratic, and confusing. That’s exactly why HEA has invited Christine Meek to host a seminar on key deadlines, how to save money, and the top 5 Medicare mistakes to avoid.

Monthly Israel Updates with Amir Kaufman
Mon, November 10, 6:30 p.m.
Are you finding it hard to keep track of what's going on in Israel? Join us for a monthly exploration of current events in Israel.

The Case for Dual Loyalty: Healing the Divided Soul of American Jews with Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz, Ph.D.
Tue, November 11, 7:00 p.m.
What is the next chapter of Jewish life in Israel? Rabbi Lebovitz argues that declaring Jewish loyalty forges a new path forward, imbued with pride and peoplehood and collective destiny.

Shabbat-Along
Fri, November 14, 5:00 p.m.
Playtime, crafts, then a Shabbat service for young ones and their families, followed by dinner.

Shalom Chaverim Friendsgiving Dinner
Fri, November 14, 5:30 p.m.
A dinner event for our Shalom Chaverim group for members 65+.

Havdallah in the Shtetl
Sat, November 15, 6:00 p.m.
A terrific way to meet and socialize with other members who live in your area. Join us as we observe Havdalah led by clergy.

Pop Your Trunk for JFS Donations
Sun, November 16, 9:00 a.m.
Fill your trunk with items needed for the JFS Food Pantry, and our volunteers will unload them! Drive up to the GYC, and we will do the rest.

For Such a Time As This: On Being Jewish Today with Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove, Ph.D.
Tue, November 18, 7:00 p.m.
This discussion will delve into the challenges and opportunities facing the Jewish community in the contemporary world, examining themes of identity, resilience, and faith.

Mom's Night Out: Pressed Flower Art
Wed, November 19, 6:30 p.m.
Relax and enjoy the company of other moms while enjoying a craft project.

Single Boomers Happy Hour
Thu, November 20, 5:30 p.m.
Our Shalom Chaverim (65+) will be hosting this gathering as a chance for mature singles to meet and mingle with others in a more intimate setting.

Midrash in the Morning with Cantor Saul Rosenthal
Fri, November 21, 10:00 a.m.
Join Cantor Saul Rosenthal as we explore the Jewish tradition of Midrashim (creative interpretations of Jewish texts).

Azamra
Fri, November 21, 5:30 p.m.
Our Friday Evening musical service and congregational dinner. 

Tot Shabbat
Sat, November 22, 10:45 a.m.
A spirited and fun playtime before our Tot Shabbat service for little ones and their adults.

Purim Shpiel Auditions
Sun, November 23 & December 7, 10:00 a.m.
Not one broken heart. Everyone gets a part.

Chocolate & Wine Pairing Class with the Chocolate Therapist
Mon, December 1, 6:30 p.m.
Join us at The Chocolate Therapist, located at 2560 Main St, Littleton, CO 80120, to learn how to savor chocolate properly and discern flavors!

Dinner & Discussion for Professional Groups
Tue, December 2, 6:30 p.m.
The first program in a series, a Dinner and Discussion for Doctors, Nurses, Health Professionals as we explore the topic of Jewish medical ethics.

Dive Into Bereshit-The First Book
Wed, December 3, 1:00 p.m.
A monthly deep dive into the first Book in the Torah, Bereshit. Join Rabbi Sarah Shulman as she explores the themes in Genesis.

The American Jewish Immigrant Experience Mid-1600-1800
Thu, December 4, 11, 18, 6:30 p.m.
This three-session class examines the earliest chapters of the American Jewish immigrant experience, from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s.

Challah Bake Off
Fri, December 5, 12:00 p.m.
Calling all bakers who think their challah is the best… Now is the chance to prove it--in the HEA kitchen.  

Magic Minyan
Sat, December 6, 11:00 a.m.
Magical Shabbat fun for young ones and their families.

Hochmat Nashim: Women’s Torah Study Group
Sun, December 7, 6:30 p.m.
Join a group of vibrant Jewish women, led by Rabbi Shulman and Gitit Kaufman, for a meaningful evening of engagement with Torah and one another.

🍂Got leaves? Leave them with us!🍂
The HEA community donation garden wants your bagged, pesticide-free leaves - shredded if at all possible. Just drop them off behind HEA at the garden. You can help enrich the soil for next year's produce! We harvested and donated nearly 350 pounds to IFCS this season! Click HERE for a garden update.

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Rabbi Shulman davening at the Mitzpe Ramon crater in 2013

Let’s Go to Israel!

Wandering the streets of Tel Aviv, you run into someone you know, and you greet them in Hebrew! As you stroll through the Old City of Jerusalem to pray at the Kotel, you realize you’re retracing the footsteps of your ancestors. On every street corner, you see the faces of the young heroes you’ve been praying for these last two years. There is nothing like being in Israel. 
 
I want to personally invite you to join me on an HEA trip to Israel, March 11-19, 2026. Join me for a transformative journey to build lasting relationships with other HEA members while experiencing the vibrancy, history, resilience, and beauty of the Holy Land and the people of Israel.  We’ll spend several days in Jerusalem before heading to kayak on the Dead Sea, stand atop Masada, and volunteer in the South. While spending a few nights at Mitzpe Ramon near the Crater, we’ll visit the site of the Nova Music festival and Kibbutzim in the Gaza Envelope, learn from the current life and struggles of Israelis, and travel to Tel Aviv to spend a few final meaningful days of our trip. After the trip you’re welcome to stay on and travel on your own or depart with the group back to Denver on March 19. 
 
Want to learn more about this incredible opportunity? Join us for an Israel Trip Information Session with our wonderful trip educator Jonty Blackman on November 9th at 11:30 a.m. at HEA (in person with a Zoom option and recording available afterward). Visit our HEA trip website to find information about pricing, logistics, and a full draft itinerary. Feel free to speak to Amy Karp or me if you have any specific questions about the trip. 
 
Finally, you can sign up for the trip HERE! I hope you’ll consider joining me and members of your HEA family for this sacred opportunity.  
 
Shabbat Shalom!

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Upcoming Events & Programs

Magic Minyan
Saturday, Oct. 25, 11:00 a.m.
Magical Shabbat fun for young ones and their families.

Hochmat Nashim: A Women's Torah Study Group
Sunday, Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m.
A monthly women’s Torah study group led by Rabbi Shulman and Gitit Kaufman delving into issues and engagement with Torah and one another. 

Monthly Israel Updates with Amir Kaufman
Monday, Oct. 27, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a monthly class that aims to cut through the noise. We will be diving into the societal changes that are happening during the war.

Family Concert with Jason Mesches
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2:45 p.m.
Clap your hands, and sing along with Jason Mesches, creator of the amazing songs “Shabbat Shake” and “If I Were a Tree.”

Judaism in the Digital Age with Rabbi Danny Schiff, Ph.D.
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 7:00 p.m.
Join us to explore the boundaries of Judaism's technological advancements and examine the future of Judaism in the digital age. 

Dive Into Bereshit-The First Book
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1:00 p.m.
A monthly deep dive into the first Book in the Torah, Bereshit. Join Rabbi Sarah Shulman as she explores the themes in Genesis.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 7:00 p.m.
We invite you to join our next B’nai Mitzvah cohort for a meaningful learning experience that will culminate in a group b’nai mitzvah ceremony.

On Saturday evening, November 8th, you will have the chance to be wined and dined at the home of an HEA member who has generously offered to host a dinner. After dinner, we will all meet up at HEA for Havdalah, desserts, and a nightcap. So many generous hosts have signed up, so now we need to fill seats at all the tables.

You can participate as a guest, either by attending a dinner at a friend’s home or at a “new friend’s” home. Choose from small gatherings of 6–10 people, a dozen guests, or a big get-together of 30+. And there's a whole range of menus, so you can go with a favorite or try something new! Guests will be asked to contribute $54 per adult. No cost for HEA Plus Members (two total).

If you are unable to make the dinner event, we hope you will consider joining us for the dessert reception and Havdalah for a contribution of $18. No cost for HEA Plus Members (two total).

Medicare Made Simple
Sunday, Nov. 9, 1:00 p.m.
Medicare is boring, bureaucratic, and confusing. That’s exactly why HEA has invited Christine Meek to host a seminar on key deadlines, how to save money, and the top 5 Medicare mistakes to avoid.

The Case for Dual Loyalty: Healing the Divided Soul of American Jews with Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz, Ph.D.
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 18, 7:00 p.m.
What is the next chapter of Jewish life in Israel? Rabbi Lebovitz argues that declaring Jewish loyalty forges a new path forward, imbued with pride and peoplehood and collective destiny.

Havdallah in the Shtetl
Saturday, November 15, 6:00 p.m.
A terrific way to meet and socialize with other members who live in your area. Join us as we observe Havdalah, led by clergy, in various homes throughout our city, where you can meet, mingle, and begin a new week. 

For Such a Time As This: On Being Jewish Today with Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove, Ph.D.
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7:00 p.m.
The discussion will delve into the challenges and opportunities facing the Jewish community in the contemporary world, examining themes of identity, resilience, and faith, and what it means to be a Jew in today’s society.

The American Jewish Immigrant Experience: Mid 1600-1800 with Professor Josh Furman
Thursday, Dec. 4-18, 6:30 p.m.
This class examines the earliest chapters of the American Jewish immigrant experience, from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s, in order to understand how newcomers navigated the process of adaptation, acculturation, and integration into American life. 

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Sukkot & More

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם מַתִּיר אֲסוּרִים 
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam matir asurim. 
Blessed are You Adonai our God Source of Life who releases the captive. 

          Rabbi Sarah Shulman

Every morning, we begin our prayers with blessings, including thanking God for releasing those who are bound. This week, we can finally say those words not as an aspiration but with a sense of hope, resolution, and even joy as we anticipate the return of those 48 souls held captive for over 700 days in Gaza. As we experience the holiday of Sukkot, which is known in our liturgy as z’man simchateinu, a time of joy, we finally feel our spirits lifting after two years of heaviness and waiting.  
 
When we take down our sukkah next week, we’ll notice that it’s not the temporary hut that has brought joy into our lives; rather it is our family and friends, the reconnection of our people and our community. 

May we witness the return of our people and the spreading of a true and lasting shelter of peace for all. 

Shabbat Shalom!

Featured Events

We are now a month away from our Night of 100 Dinners event, with so many families already volunteering to host. If you are interested in participating as a Host, Guest, or Volunteer, please reach out to our VP of Development, Barbara Carroll, at barbara@barbaradcarroll.com or 720-810-6737.

If you're ready to commit to hosting a dinner, register NOW! This will be a spectacular evening to enjoy time with friends in an intimate Shabbat setting, followed by a dessert reception at HEA. 

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Upcoming Services

Sukkot Shabbat Chol ha-Moed, October 11:

• 9:30 a.m., Traditional Shabbat Services, Sanctuary
• 10:30 a.m., Torah for Today in the Library with Rabbi Doug Weber: Before There Was Anything? Thoughts on the First Word of the Torah
• 10:45 a.m., Tot Shabbat, Social Hall
• 5:45 p.m., Mincha, Chapel 
  
  

• Tuesday, October 14 (Shemini Atzeret)
• Wednesday, October 15 (Simchat Torah)

• 6:00 p.m., Simchat Torah Community Dinner
• 6:30 p.m. Children's Service
• 7:00 p.m. Simchat Torah Services

Upcoming Events & Programs

Sisterhood Soup in the Sukkah
Friday, Oct. 10, 6:00 p.m.
Services at 6:00 p.m., followed by Shabbat buffet dinner, featuring delicious vegetarian soup & salads, lots of ruach, and fun for the whole family! 

Torah for Today with Rabbi Doug Weber
Saturday, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m.
Before There Was Anything? Thoughts on the First Word of the Torah.

Tot Shabbat
Saturday, Oct. 11, 10:45 a.m.
A spirited and fun playtime before our Tot Shabbat service for little ones and their adults.

Disability Justice Sukkot Celebration
Sunday, Oct. 12, 3:00 p.m.
An event for individuals with disabilities, allies, and those seeking to learn more!

Adult Sukkah Hop (Closed for Registration)
Sunday, Oct. 12, 6:00 p.m.
Join us as we travel to three different houses in our neighborhood for appetizers, dinner, and dessert.

Simchat Torah Community Dinner
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy a pasta dinner before Simchat Torah services and activities begin. 

October 7th Memorial
Thursday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.
We invite you to join us in listening, sharing, and coming together as a community.

Midrash in the Morning with Cantor Saul Rosenthal
Friday, Oct. 17, 10:00 a.m.
Join Cantor Saul Rosenthal as we explore the Jewish tradition of Midrashim (creative interpretations of Jewish texts). 

Silver Shabbat & Shalom Chaverim Dinner
Friday, Oct. 17, 5:00 p.m.
A special Shabbat dinner for our seniors (and their significant others) who are 75+, joined by our Shalon Chaverim 65+ group.

Torah for Today with Cherie Karo Schwartz
Saturday, Oct. 18, 10:30 a.m.

Movie Night: October 8
Monday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m.
The film explores the subsequent rise in antisemitism on college campuses, social media, and in public spaces in America after the Hamas attack on Israel.

Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7:00 p.m.

One Woman’s Fight Against Antisemitism with Tessa Veksler
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7:00 p.m.
As the student body president at the University of California, Santa Barbara, she faced targeted harassment and antisemitism in the wake of October 7th.

Baby and Me
Thursday, October 23, 30, Nov, 6, 9:30 a.m.
Meet up with other parents for some support, casual baby playtime, and refreshments at HEA. For babies up to 18 months old. 

Azamra
Friday, Oct. 24, 5:30 p.m.
Our Friday Evening musical service and congregational dinner. 

Magic Minyan
Saturday, Oct. 25, 11:00 a.m.
Magical Shabbat fun for young ones and their families.

Hochmat Nashim: A Women's Torah Study Group
Sunday, Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m.
A monthly women’s Torah study group led by Rabbi Shulman and Gitit Kaufman delving into issues and engagement with Torah and one another. 

Monthly Israel Updates with Amir Kaufman
Monday, Oct. 27, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a monthly class that aims to cut through the noise. We will be diving into the societal changes that are happening during the war.

Family Concert with Jason Mesches
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2:45 p.m.
Clap your hands, and sing along with Jason Mesches, creator of the amazing songs “Shabbat Shake” and “If I Were a Tree.”

Judaism in the Digital Age with Rabbi Danny Schiff, Ph.D.
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 7:00 p.m.
Join us to explore the boundaries of Judaism's technological advancements and examine the future of Judaism in the digital age. 

Dive Into Bereshit-The First Book
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1:00 p.m.
A monthly deep dive into the first Book in the Torah, Bereshit. Join Rabbi Sarah Shulman as she explores the themes in Genesis.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 7:00 p.m.
We invite you to join our next B’nai Mitzvah cohort for a meaningful learning experience that will culminate in a group b’nai mitzvah ceremony.

Night of 100 Dinners
Saturday, Nov. 8, 6:00 p.m.
at the home of an HEA member who has generously offered to host a dinner. After dinner, we will all meet up at HEA for Havdalah, desserts, and a nightcap. Right now, we're looking for hosts!

Medicare Made Simple
Sunday, Nov. 9, 1:00 p.m.
Medicare is boring, bureaucratic, and confusing. That’s exactly why HEA has invited Christine Meek to host a seminar on key deadlines, how to save money, and the top 5 Medicare mistakes to avoid.

The Case for Dual Loyalty: Healing the Divided Soul of American Jews with Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz, Ph. D.
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 18, 7:00 p.m.
What is the next chapter of Jewish life in Israel? Rabbi Lebovitz argues that declaring Jewish loyalty forges a new path forward, imbued with pride and peoplehood and collective destiny.

Havdallah in the Shtetl
Saturday, November 15, 6:00 p.m.
A terrific way to meet and socialize with other members who live in your area. Join us as we observe Havdalah, led by clergy, in various homes throughout our city, where you can meet, mingle, and begin a new week. 

For Such a Time As This: On Being Jewish Today with Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove, Ph. D.
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7:00 p.m.
The discussion will delve into the challenges and opportunities facing the Jewish community in the contemporary world, examining themes of identity, resilience, and faith, and what it means to be a Jew in today’s society.

The American Jewish Immigrant Experience: Mid 1600-1800 with Professor Josh Furman
Thursday, Dec. 4-18, 6:30 p.m.
This class examines the earliest chapters of the American Jewish immigrant experience, from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s, in order to understand how newcomers navigated the process of adaptation, acculturation, and integration into American life. 

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Yom Kippur Information

A Message from Rabbi Sarah Shulman

This Saturday, we will be holding services for Shabbat Shuvah at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Then, we hope you’ll join us on Sunday at Bible Park for our Community Tashlich at 10:00 a.m. at the southeast corner of the parking lot, off Yale Street. 
 
Then we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday night for Kol Nidre and Thursday for a meaningful Yom Kippur.  Please take note of locations and timing of services in the schedule below.   
 
G’mar Chatima Tova – may this New Year bring peace, health, and togetherness for you and your family. 

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IMPORTANT: On Yom Kippur, we will all be together for Kol Nidre and Neila services. And, as in years past, the Traditional service will be in the Sanctuary on Yom Kippur day, and Shir Hadash will be at Bethany Church.

Schedule for Tashlich, Kol Nidre, and Services

Sunday, September 28

10:00 AM, Tashlich, Bible Park
We invite members of all ages to participate in an engaging tashlich ceremony at Bible Park with Rabbi Shulman, Eitan Kantor, Dan Yolles, and Amy Karp. Sign up HERE. Chairs will be available.

Wednesday, Oct 1: Kol Nidre

4:30 PM, Kol Nidre Family Service, Sanctuary
Begin Yom Kippur with a memorable service featuring Michael Harlow, Rabbi Shulman, Eitan Kantor, and the Youth Choir — designed for families with children aged 0-10.​​​​​​​

6:15 PM, Community Kol Nidre Service, Sanctuary
Shir Hadash and Traditional combine for a meaningful Kol Nidre service as one community.

Thursday, Oct 2: Yom Kippur Day

9:00 AM, Early Childhood Service, BETHANY
Get your morning started with a spirited family musical service with Michael Harlow designed for families with kids 0-5 and siblings are welcome!

9:00 AM, Traditional (Yizkor approx.11:30 a.m.), Sanctuary
Engage in the powerful liturgy and experience of Yom Kippur service with traditional melodies led by Rabbi Shulman, Eitan Kantor, and the Choir for Yizkor and Musaf.

10:00 AM, Shir Hadash (Yizkor approx. noon), BETHANY
Join us for a moving and musical Yom Kippur experience led by the davening team, Rabbi Shulman, Eitan Kantor, and Rabbi Dollin.

9:45 AM, Youth Programming & Babysitting, BETHANY
We welcome elementary age students for a youth service led by Michael Harlow and activities led by HEA educators for students K-6th grade. Babysitting is also available with our preschool teachers and helpers for ages one through PreK (pre-registration required.) Reach out to Jamie Lambert to reserve a spot in babysitting.

9:45 AM, Babysitting, HEA Preschool
Babysitting is also available this year on Yom Kippur on the HEA campus for age one through PreK. Pre-registration required. Reach out to Jamie Lambert to reserve a spot in babysitting.

2:00 PM, Teen Hang, GYC
Join other teens for some quality time together as Jewish youth prior to the youth-led Mincha service on Yom Kippur.

2:00 PM, Restorative Yoga, Social Hall
Information on this activity is on our website. Led by Debra Simpson. Comfortable clothes recommended.

3:00 PM, Learning: Rabbi Bruce Dollin, Library
Topic: Why Are We Even Doing This to Ourselves? The Hidden Meaning of Fasting.

4:00 PM, Healing Service, Sukkah Pad
Join Rabbi Shulman and Eitan Kantor out on the sukkah pad for prayers and songs designed to restore the soul and embrace healing.

5:00/6:00 PM, Mincha/Neila, Sanctuary
Join us before the open ark as Shir Hadash and Traditional combine for the festive concluding services of Mincha and Neilah with Havdalah and the final shofar blast – bring your own shofar if you have one!

6:45 PM, Kids Dance Party Under the Stars, Rubin Pavilion
Led by Michael Harlow with dancing, singing and community under the stars. Then we’ll march into the Sanctuary for Havdalah and the final shofar blast – bring your own shofar if you have one!

7:22 PM, Final Shofar Blast!
We conclude Yom Kippur together with a final shofar blast, singing, and the powerful feel of community!

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Other Upcoming Events & Programs

Focaccia Art
Sunday, Sep. 28th, 1:00 p.m.
Join Sherri Kadovitz as we learn the best ways to create art on bread, just in time for Sukkot!

New Member Event in the Sukkah
Sunday, Oct. 5th, 5:00 p.m.
New to HEA? Join us for an evening of fun decorating the sukkah, and meet other new members, our clergy and staff! Decorating the sukkah is the only thing that’s weather-contingent. Fun is guaranteed!

Smores in the Sukkah
Monday, Oct.6, 5:30 p.m.
Bring your family for a fun night in the sukkah for smores, friends, and more—$10 for HEA families; $20 for non-member families.

Steaks and Shots in the Sukkah
Thurs., Oct. 9th, 5:30 p.m.
A fun evening with the steaks on the grill and shots provided by Ben Rosen of Onyx Amber, maker of specialty bourbons.

Festo! Festo! Featuring Aly Halpert and Gora Gora Orkestar
Thurs., Oct. 9th, 7:15 p.m. doors open; 7:30 p.m. concert begins 
In partnership with the Mizel Arts and Culture Center of the JCC, the HEA is excited to host Festo! Festo!, Denver’s monthly Klezmer, Balkan, and World Music concert and jam session. Aly Halpert will perform at 7:30 p.m., followed by a dance set by Gora at 8:45 p.m.

Family Shabbat Services
Saturday, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m.
Children and their families will take part in a joyful Shabbat service.

Disability Justice Sukkot Celebration
Sunday, Oct. 12th, 3:00 p.m. 
An event for individuals with disabilities, allies, and those seeking to learn more! This free community-wide Sukkot celebration incorporates disability justice themes and features connection opportunities, a brief service project, a chance to shake the lulav and etrog, and a cozy, vegetarian, gluten-free nosh!

Adult Sukkah Hop
Sunday, Oct. 12, 6:00 p.m.
Join us as we travel to three different houses in our neighborhood for appetizers, dinner, and dessert. Host names are provided in the registration confirmation, and addresses will be sent as we get closer!

October 7th Memorial
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.
The events of October 7th have deeply affected us all. We have witnessed powerful images and heard heartbreaking stories that impacted us in unique and personal ways. “Café Otef” offers a space for collective reflection, where individual narratives contribute to a shared memory. We invite you to join us in listening, sharing, and coming together as a community.

Silver Shabbat
Friday, Oct. 17, 5:00 p.m.
A special Shabbat dinner for our seniors (and their significant others) who are 75+.

Basic Hebrew Comprehension
Sunday, Oct. 19th, 11:00 a.m. 
Taught over 10 sessions by Jessica Weber, this class is for individuals who can already read Hebrew but would like to develop a basic understanding of vocabulary and syntax. It is for beginners in terms of Hebrew comprehension.

Chocolate & Wine Pairing Class with the Chocolate Therapist
Monday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m.
Join us at The Chocolate Therapist, located at 2560 Main St, Littleton, CO 80120, to learn how to savor chocolate properly and discern flavors as we pair four different wines with two chocolates and enjoy the evening.

Movie Night: October 8
Monday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m.
The film explores the subsequent rise in antisemitism on college campuses, social media, and in public spaces in America after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and examines the networks Hamas created to infiltrate U.S. institutions and the online disinformation campaigns from Iran, China, and Russia. 

One Woman’s Fight Against Antisemitism with Tessa Veksler
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7:00 p.m.
As the student body president at the University of California, Santa Barbara, she faced targeted harassment and antisemitism in the wake of October 7th. As one of the people highlighted in the film, October 8, Tessa has chosen to speak out bravely about her experiences while encouraging Jewish people nationwide to fight against hate. As one of the people highlighted in the film, Tessa, who was born on October 8, has chosen to speak bravely about her experiences while encouraging Jewish people nationwide to fight against hate.

Hebrew Reading Class 1.0
Wed., Oct. 22nd, 6:00 p.m. 
This multi-session course is taught by Jessica Weber, this class will focus on learning to decode Hebrew letters and vowels. It is geared for those who never learned to read Hebrew, or for those who wish to brush up on and solidify their reading skills. It is not meant to be a class for Hebrew comprehension, though basic words will be covered.

Adult B'nai Mitzvah
Wed., Nov. 5th, 7:00 p.m.
We invite you to join our next B’nai Mitzvah cohort for a meaningful learning experience that will culminate in a group b’nai mitzvah ceremony on Saturday morning, June 20, 2026. The class will meet weekly on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. in person at HEA, with a Zoom option as needed. The curriculum will include Hebrew, Torah Trope, Liturgy of the Shabbat morning Shacharit service, Torah study, as well as some other topics and cohort building. Participants of all abilities are welcome. The class will be taught by Rabbi Shulman, Eitan Kantor, Mallory Bustow, and a few other guest community rabbis. Cost: $360 Members; $540 Non-members.
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Wake-Up Calls in Our Nation

A Message from Rabbi Sarah Shulman

Remember the days when you would dial up the front desk for a wake-up call while staying in a hotel?  It would go something like this: you dial zero on the phone in your room (the kind connected to the wall with a twirly cord). Then, after the phone rings once or twice, someone in a sweet voice picks up and asks, “How can I help you?”  
You inquire of her, “Could you wake me up at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow?”  
She responds, “Oh, of course. I’ll make sure you are woken then.” 
And she does. Miraculously, as the sun rises the next morning, you are awoken to the most unpleasant yet affective beeping noise.  
 
Nowadays, few rely on the person in the lobby when we have alarm clocks of our own. Every device comes equipped with an alarm and a million other apps too. You can be lulled out of sleep to any song or sound. Yet, I must admit, I miss the soothing voice of the woman in the lobby whom I could ask to wake me up. And I even miss the blaring beeping noise of the hotel automated alarm because it really did wake me up. At a time of year when we anticipate the ancient sound of the shofar, I can’t help but wonder: what are our wake-up calls in today’s age? What really wakes us up to renew ourselves and the world? 
 
When we pay attention, we realize that our lives are full of wake-up calls, only we so often “snooze” through these signs. Getting into a car accident can be a wake-up call to pay better attention to the road or to hang up one’s keys for good. Having an intense conversation with a friend can awaken us to the need for teshuvah in our relationships. Reading a new book or listening to a song on the radio can activate our souls anew. Or a shooting, as we witnessed this week at a high school in Evergreen or at a university in Utah, can and should wake us up to praying for the families of those affected, to the dark divisions within our country, and to an epidemic of hate-inspired violence.   
 
This year, I feel grateful for the shofar to wake us up. For it is so easy to walk through life with complacency, like the steady blast of the first tekiah. Then, thank God, we are awoken by shevarim and truah, the broken blasts that turn our ears, our hearts, and our lives in new and even unexpected ways to hear the cries of others and to experience the wake-up calls we need. And then we have an opportunity to return to a new wholeness and healing, rebuilding ourselves and our world anew in tekiah gedolah.   
 
That is the path and the practice of the shofar, echoing how the 11th century commentator Rashi interprets the verse “Your God commands you this day to observe these laws and rules faithfully with all your heart and soul” from this week’s Torah portion (Deut. 26:16). Rashi suggests that this means that every day should awaken us to something fresh, as if we just received the Torah today. That’s what makes us a learner, a Jew, a person of faith.  
 
I wonder who, or what are the wake-up calls around us, and how might they inspire us to open our hearts, change our actions, transform our communities, and repair our world? Perhaps that "lady in the lobby" is no less than the Divine, a loved one, or someone else who awakens us in the ways we need this year. I am grateful to be sitting down with Jewish author and spiritual whistle-blower Sarah Hurwitz to explore what the wake-up calls are for our identity as American Jews this year, and how we might witness them together. I hope you’ll join me on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. as we welcome her to HEA for a discussion of her new book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. 

​​​​​​​May we all pay attention to the wake-up calls in our lives for goodness, for healing, and for peace.
 
Shabbat Shalom 

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Upcoming Events & Programs

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Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on September 22nd and ends at nightfall on September 24th. Yom Kippur begins at sunset on October 1st and ends at nightfall on October 2nd.

Sign up to volunteer to be an usher at High Holiday services HERE.

Rosh Hashanah Meals from Cohen's Cuisine
Mock chopped liver, chicken matzah ball soup, chicken Chardonnay, tomato-tinged beef brisket, kasha varnishkas, tzimmes, challah, and apple Bundt cake. Your last chance to order is TODAY!

Azamra: Nigguns of the Season
Friday, Sep. 12th, 5:30 p.m. (For All Ages)
We begin with a happy hour at 5:30 p.m., services at 6:00 p.m., and dinner at 7:15 p.m. Come ready to sing!