HEArtbeat

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HEA & The Foundation

The Foundation Partner Spotlight: Hebrew Educational Alliance (HEA)
Jul 31, 2025 | Article

For nearly a century, Hebrew Educational Alliance (HEA) has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in Denver, fostering spiritual growth, community connection, and lifelong learning. As an egalitarian synagogue committed to Conservative Judaism, HEA welcomes all who seek meaningful engagement through prayer, education, and social programs. Their partnership with The Foundation supports their vision for a vibrant future and deepens their impact in the broader Jewish community. In this Q&A, HEA’s Executive Director Steve Levine shares more!

Tell us a little about HEA and the role it plays in the Jewish community.
HEA is an egalitarian synagogue, open to anyone seeking a spiritual and communal connection to Conservative Judaism. With nearly 100 years of history in the Denver area, HEA has cultivated strong family ties and community bonds that resonate within the synagogue and throughout Denver’s Jewish community. HEA strives to be a place where anyone can feel welcome and engaged through myriad musical and traditional services and educational and social programs for all ages.

What led HEA to open a fund at The Foundation, and how does it support your long-term goals?
HEA values holistic collaboration within the broader Denver Jewish community and partners with many sister organizations. JEWISHcolorado provides essential support through grants, security programs, and community initiatives. When establishing its endowment and seeking strong financial stewardship, HEA saw The Foundation as a trusted partner that aligns with its financial goals and commitment to the larger Jewish community.

In what ways has partnering with The Foundation supported your mission and helped you grow your impact?
The Foundation’s effective management of HEA’s endowment gives the synagogue confidence that its funds are preserved and growing, helping to secure the future of the congregation and its programs.

Jewish tradition emphasizes tzedakah and community. How do these values influence your work?
Beyond maintaining day-to-day operations, HEA is dedicated to giving back by supporting organizations like Jewish Family Service and Kavod, as well as funding youth engagement, Chesed (acts of loving-kindness), Israel support, and a wide range of educational programs. This focus on community engagement reflects HEA’s commitment to altruism and collective responsibility.

What’s the best way for fundholders and community members to support or engage with HEA?
In my opinion, the best way to experience the value and joy of supporting HEA, or any synagogue, is to show up! Participate in programs, get to know fellow congregants and become part of the community. HEA’s welcoming and vibrant membership makes it easy to connect, fostering deeper involvement and we hope over time, encouraging ongoing support.

What’s your favorite Jewish holiday at HEA and why?
For me, at HEA, there is no greater Jewish gift than participating in the Neilah service at the conclusion of Yom Kippur where we see so many of our young families participate in an uplifting service to end the fast. Passover, however, has always been my personal favorite as it has provided a chance to get the family together and remember our ancestors and celebrate Judaism’s powerful history.

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HEA offers so much spirit, love, education and fun for our members. I truly believe, like with anything in life, you get out of it what you put in. I encourage all our members to take advantage of the many programs and services offered at HEA so that you, too, can recognize the value of engaging in this magnificent community.

Shabbat Shalom!

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Coming Up!

Shabbat in the Park for Adults
TODAY! Friday, Aug 8th, 5:30 p.m. (Adult Programming)
A Shabbat in the Park experience for adults at Wash Park. HEA will provide the main meal & challah, but please sign up for side dishes/salads, or desserts. (For reference, Shabbat begins at 7:47 p.m.)

*Torah for Today with Rabbi Doug Weber *HAS BEEN CANCELED
Saturday, Aug 9th, 10:30 a.m., Library

Tot Shabbat
Saturday, Aug 9th, 10:45 a.m. (Family Connections)
A spirited and fun playtime before our Tot Shabbat service for little ones and their adults.​​​​​​​

Hike, Torah & Shmooze with Rabbi Shulman
Sunday, Aug 10th, 7:45 a.m. (Adult Programming)
Join Rabbi Shulman on a hike for a discussion and a chance to get to know each other better. Location: Golden Gate State Park. If participants do not have the State Parks Pass on their car registration, there is an admission fee.

Hochmat Nashim: Women’s Torah Study Group
Sunday, Aug 10th, 6:30 p.m. (Adult Programming)
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. We will be holding this class at our local new Mikvah as we explore the connection between women, water, and Torah!

Annual Summer BBQ Picnic
Sunday, Aug 17th, 12:00 p.m. (Fun for all ages)
Come celebrate a fabulous Summer and a great year ahead at HEA’s annual BBQ (vegetarian options are available as well). Welcome new members and enjoy the company of old friends. Savor the flavors and aromas of great food grilled under the summer sun.  Activities for kids and adults as well, with inflatable, kiddie pools, foam machine, and time to schmooze and mingle. Free to HEA members; $25 per family for non-members.

Combating K-12 Antisemitism in Colorado
Wednesday, Aug 20th, 6:30 p.m. (Families with K-12 Students)
Engage in an insightful discussion about K-12 antisemitism, the policy surrounding it locally, and what you can do to stay proactive. HEA is partnering with JEWISHcolorado and StandWithUs Colorado.​​​​​​​

Monthly Israel Updates with Amir Kaufman
Thursday, Aug 21st, 6:30 p.m.
Finding it hard to keep track of what’s going on in Israel? Join us for a monthly class that aims to cut through the noise. Led by Amir Kaufman, we’ll be diving into the societal changes that are happening during the war. Join us to stay informed and thoughtful about our homeland.

Azamra! & Congregational Dinner
Friday, Aug 22nd, 5:30 p.m.
Azamra is our Friday evening musical service and congregational dinner.  Appetizers and schmoozing at 5:30 p.m.; service at 6:00 p.m.; dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Torah for Today with Cherie Karo Schwartz
Saturday, Aug 23rd, 10:30 a.m.
Torah learning in the library.

Baby and Me
Thursday, Aug 28th, 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. Hosted by HEA Preschool parent, Dr. Shana Kronish, Psy. D.

Arc of the Apology
Wednesday, Sep 3rd, 7:00 p.m.
Apologies aren’t simple and cannot be reduced to a singular moment. Join Rabbi Shulman and Rabbi Dollin for a three-part series on the Arc of the Apology. 

• Session 1, Wed., Sept. 3: Focusing on the reflection before the actual apology with Rabbi Shulman
• Session 2, Wed., Sept. 10: Focusing on the apology itself with Rabbi Dollin
• Session 3, Wed., Sept. 17: Focusing on navigating a changed relationship after the apology with Rabbi Shulman

Jewish Women's Retreat
Friday, Sep. 5th to Sunday, Sep 7th (Adult Programming)
Rabbi Sarah Shulman and Gitit Kaufman will lead a dynamic group of Jewish women for a relaxing and reinvigorating weekend celebrating Shabbat, friendship, Torah study, hiking, and spirituality at Ramah in the Rockies. ​​​​​​​This retreat is a perfect opportunity to build lasting friendships and prepare for the upcoming High Holidays. Nice camp accommodations include bathrooms and linens in each room, kosher food and snacks, and other amenities. Rooms are shared and priced according to occupancy. Very few single rooms are available.

Shofar Blowing Class
Sunday, Sep 7th, 10:00 a.m.
Learn to blow the Shofar in time for the High Holidays with Eitan Kantor!

Greek and Jewish Cuisine and Conversation
Tuesday, Sep 9th, 11:30 a.m.
Greek OrthodoxLadies Philoptochos Society & Women of Hebrew Education Alliance present Greek and Jewish cuisine, culture, and conversation with vegetarian delights. OPA! We invite women to the second Greek and Jewish cultural gathering, this time at the Greek Orthodox Church. We will have conversations together, including discussions about our women’s groups, and cook delicious food. We will also take a tour of the sanctuary’s sacred art dome, feast on our food creations, and then come full circle to learn a Greek dance that is also Jewish. We are building a sense of shared community through Philoptochos and HEA Sisterhood.

Yivarechecha: Batya Levine in Concert
Thursday, Sep. 11th, 6:45 p.m. doors open; 7:00 p.m. concert begins (For All Ages)
Rooted in the traditional wisdom and ruach (spirit) of their Modern Orthodox upbringing, Batya (they/them) is dedicated to building a vibrant Judaism that simultaneously reaches backward and forward in time, and is wide enough for our whole selves. They believe in the liberatory power of song to untie what is bound within us, and sustain us as we build a more just and beautiful world.

Azamra: Niggun’s of the Season
Friday, Sep 12th, 5:30 p.m.
We begin with a happy hour at 5:30 p.m., services at 6:00 p.m., and dinner at 7:15 p.m.

Selichot at Rodef Shalom
Saturday, Sep 13th, 8:00 p.m. 
HEA will again join with Rodef Shalom and Bais Hillel for an evening of Selichot, of song and study.

A Conversation with Sarah Hurwitz
Sunday, Sep. 14th, 7:00 p.m.
As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us - Rabbi Shulman will facilitate a conversation with Sarah Hurwitz on her new book cited above. This book is an urgent exploration of how antisemitism has shaped Jewish identity and how Jews can reclaim their tradition, by the celebrated White House speechwriter and author of the widely acclaimed Here All Along. Books will be available for sale and can be signed by the author after the event. This evening is generously sponsored by Barbara and Jason Carroll.

Loosen: Aly Halpert in Concert
Thurs., Oct 9th, 6:45 p.m. doors open; 7:00 p.m. concert begins (For All Ages)
A singer, pianist, drummer, and guitar player, Aly writes songs for building community, working for collective liberation, and visioning different worlds. Aly leads music and prayer for the Jewish community. Her songs have been sung in national gatherings, song circles, and quiet moments of personal prayer, and have moved people all over the world.

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