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Pardes Levavot

Pardes Levavot, “Orchard of Hearts,” was formed in the spirit of creating conscious holy community. Our name expresses the spiritual blossoming of each individual heart within an inspiring and nurturing orchard.

For information on our congregation please call (303) 563-2110 and leave a message or send email to info@pardeslevavot.org. To join our congregation, please print a copy of our membership form, fill it out, and send it to our Synagogue.


Pardes Levavot gratefully acknowledges Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado for their support of our Circle of Family Education program. Thank you!

Boulder JCC

Events and Classes

March 2007



March 1

Menorah's Talking Pictures

presents

Reflections of a Jewish Filmmaker

An evening with Mark Jonathan Harris

Thursday, March 1, 7 p.m.

At the Boulder JCC

$8 for Boulder JCC members; $10 for non-members

RSVP to Kathryn@Boulderjcc.org, (303) 998-1021


When accepting an Academy Award, there are always so many people to thank. Both times director Mark Jonathan Harris accepted the Oscar for best documentary, he had six million people to acknowledge. In 1997, the academy honored "The Long Way Home," a heartbreaking depiction of the wilderness years many Jews experienced after liberation from Nazi death camps. Three years later Harris took home another Oscar for "Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport." Harris will show clips from these and other films as he talks about his life and work, his background and his future projects, his methods and his vision. Join us during Holocaust Awareness Week for this presentation by one of the most successful Jewish documentary filmmakers working today.


March 2

Moral Grandeur and Spiritual Audacity - The Legacy of A. J. Heschel

A six-week class with Rabbi Victor Gross and guest speakers

Tuesdays, 10:30 am - noon

March 6, 13, 20, April 17, 24, May 1

$90 for Boulder JCC members: $100 for non-members

Registration deadline is March 2

Please contact Kathryn@Boulderjcc.org, (303) 998-1021


One of the most influential rabbis of the 20th century, Abraham Joshua Heschel may be best known for marching with Martin Luther King - the subject of Menorah's January program, which left many who attended longing to learn more. Indeed, there's much more to Heschel than social activism. Come learn more about this great scholar, theologian, writer and teacher from one of his students, Rabbi Victor Gross. Rabbi Victor Gross was a student of Professor Heschel in the late 60's and had a personal  relationship with him and his family and paid a partial debt to his influence by writing his Ph.D. on him.


March 5th

Getting Hammered:

An evening with director Jonathan Kesselman

Director of "The Hebrew Hammer"

Monday, March 5, 8 p.m.

ATLAS 102 on the CU Campus

No charge


Jonathan Kesselman, a CU graduate, created the most outrageous Jewish film in history prior to "Borat." In 2003, he shocked and delighted audiences with his hilarious send-up of blaxploitation films. An instant cult classic, "The Hebrew Hammer," which he dubbed a "Jewxploitation film," starred Adam Goldberg as a Jewish superhero battling the evil son of Santa Claus who wants to make everyone celebrate Christmas. The Hebrew Hammer saves Hanukkah with the help of his soul brother, played by Mario Van Peebles. Join us as Kesselman returns to CU to talk about his notorious parody and some recent projects, including his upcoming sequel, "Hammer versus Hitler."

Sponsored by the Jewish Film Series at Hillel and Menorah. For more information contact Kathryn@boulderjcc.org or andrew.oppenheimer@colorado.edu.


March 11

Menorah's Talking Pictures

Boulder Premiere!!

"When Do We Eat?" (2006)

Directed by Salvador Litvak

Starring Michael Lerner, Jack Klugman, Lesley Ann Warren

Sunday, March 11, 7 p.m.

At the Boulder JCC

$6 for Boulder JCC members; $8 for non-members

RSVP to Kathryn@Boulderjcc.org, (303) 998-1021

Sex, Drugs, and Matzoh Ball Soup! Strict patriarch Ira Stuckman (Michael Lerner) experiences religious ecstasy -- literally -- after being slipped a hallucinogenic drug during the family's Passover Seder meal. With a little psychedelic inspiration, the once-gruff and critical Ira embraces the spirit of the holiday, vowing to guide his contentious clan toward forgiveness and harmony. Jack Klugman co-stars in director Salvador Litvak's abrasive and outrageous domestic comedy. "Thanks to a great cast and sharp writing, When Do We Eat? is a clever comedy with plenty of black humor and irreverence, all of which leads to contemplative thought." - Liz Braun, Toronto Star

March 12

Richard Foy, Founding Partner of Communication Arts

Finding Freshness: Beauty plus Meaning plus Connection

Monday, March 12, 6 p.m.

For information on location and cost, contact Kathryn@boulderjcc.org or call (303) 998-1021. RSVP by March 9 to Kathryn@boulderjcc.org, (303) 998-1021


Design and architecture mirror a culture's ideas, values and traditions, according to Richard Foy, who has been reflecting and shaping society through design for 40 years. In 1973, Richard Foy and Henry Beer founded Communication Arts and built a unique firm of multi-disciplinary, integrated design services that range from the branding of Spyder Sportswear and StarTrek to the architectural design of Madison Square Garden, the Downtown Boulder Mall and Walters and Hogsett. Today the company of 51 employees is responsible for projects that include Park Meadows Mall in Denver; Ontario Mills in Calif.; Diagonal Mar in Barcelona, Spain; Dolphin Mall in Miami; Bugis Junction in Singapore; St. Louis Union Station in Missouri; Prudential Center in Boston; JFK International Arrivals Terminal in New York; and 29th Street in Boulder.

An active participant in Boulder life who started the Boulder Farmers' Market in the mid 70's with David Bolduc, Richard Foy sits on the boards of the CU Artists' Series, Chautauqua Concert Association, Downtown Boulder Inc., CU Atlas Foundation, Colorado Chautauqua Association, Society of Environmental Graphic Designers, and the Downtown Boulder Mall Commission. Sponsored by Jared Polis Foundation and Customer Paradigm.


March 14

Older Adults - Not Just for Seniors - Co-sponsored by HaSifria

Women Blazing Trials

With Jeanne Abrams

Author of Jewish Women Pioneering the Frontier Trail, A History in the West

Wednesday, March 14, noon

At the Boulder JCC

$5 for lunch and talk

RSVP to Kathryn@Boulderjcc.org, (303) 998-1021


In her new book, DU professor Jeanne Abrams explores the feeling of unlimited opportunity experienced by Jewish women in the early American West, focusing on their integral role in areas of social welfare and progressive reform. "Jewish women in the West took advantage of the unsettled nature of the region to open new doors for themselves in ways often not yet possible elsewhere in the country, where there were already established social circles and levels of society." Abrams gathered information for her book from hundreds of primary and secondary sources such as diaries, photos, letters and memoirs. Professor Abrams will share inspiring stories of women like Frances Wisebart Jacobs, Denver's "Mother of Charities" and the impetus behind the creation of the National Jewish Hospital and the organization that is now the United Way; and Florence Prag Kahn of San Francisco, who in 1925 became the first Jewish congresswoman in the nation.
Jeanne Abrams is associate professor at DU's Penrose Library and director of the Beck Archives and Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society.


March 15

"Shaken"

With filmmaker Deborah Fryer in person

Thursday, March 15, 7 p.m.

$5 per person

RSVP to Kathryn@boulderjcc.org or (303) 494-5431


Boulder filmmaker Deborah Fryer's short documentary, "Shaken," is about a young Denver man who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and then opted for radical brain surgery to deal with the terrible symptoms of the disease and side effects of the medication.

Fryer, who has gravitated toward the topics of health, spirituality, and environmental concerns during her 13-year career as a filmmaker, says she chose Parkinson's - an illness suspected to be linked to environmental toxins - as the topic for her first independent project because it is a subject that intersects all three of her passions. With Parkinson's expected to grow more common as the Baby Boomers age, she hopes her 27-minute short film will serve to promote further interest in an incurable, mysterious illness that is often misunderstood.


March 15

Northern Exposure - Realities Behind the Lebanon War

Thursday, March 15, 7 p.m.

Humanities 1B90 on the CU Campus

Free of charge


Come hear the story of two CU students who have just returned from a trip from Northern Israel, where they helped rebuild areas affected by the Lebanon war this past summer.  Sponsored by Hillel and B'Yahad.  For more information contact elina.moyn@colorado.edu or miriam.barrere@colorado.edu


March 18

Understanding Christian Zionism

With Cheryl Morrison, leader of the Israel ministry at Faith Bible Chapel,

along with other guest speakers

Co-sponsored by Stand By Israel


Sunday, March 18, 7 p.m.

At the Boulder JCC

$5 for Boulder JCC members; $6 for non-members

RSVP to Kathryn@Boulderjcc.org, (303) 998-1021


Come explore the myths and realities of Christian Zionism. Bring your questions and an open mind as we examine the fervent love for Israel in this corner of the Christian community.


March 20

Arlene Blum in person

Author of Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life

Tuesday, March 20, 7 p.m.

Appetizers and desserts by Nanci Alpert!

Cost: $10

RSVP: Froma@boulderjcc.org by March 16 for directions to Nanci's home

Space limited, please RSVP early!


Meet the author of Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life, a dramatic memoir chronicling the life of this pioneering mountaineer and scientist, from her over-protected childhood in Chicago to the summits of some of the world's most challenging peaks. This intimate author event will take place at Nanci Alpert's Gunbarrel home with Nanci providing her amazing appetizers and desserts.

Arlene Blum has played a groundbreaking role in women's mountaineering.  Best known for leading the first American — and all-women's — ascent of Annapurna I, considered one of the world's most dangerous and difficult mountains, Blum also led the first women's team up Mt. McKinley; was the first American woman to attempt Mt. Everest; and has played a leading role in more than 20 mountain expeditions worldwide. She has a doctorate in biophysical chemistry and has taught at Stamford University, Wellesley College, and the University of California, Berkeley. Please visit her website at www.arleneblum.com to see photographs from Breaking Trail.


March 21

Book Club

The World to Come: A Novel by Dara Horn

Wednesday, March 21

Noon-1:30

At the Boulder JCC North Wing


In this winner of the 2006 National Jewish Book Award for Fiction, Benjamin Ziskind, a writer for a television quiz show, recognizes a painting at a museum opening that used to hang in his childhood home and steals it back. Unfortunately, that painting is a Chagall. From a Jewish orphanage in 1920s Soviet Russia to a junior high school in Newark, New Jersey, this profound, compelling book takes readers on a journey through the spiritual and secular elements of the human condition. A Publisher's Weekly starred review. Bring a dairy or pareve lunch and we'll provide drinks and dessert.


March 22

Reel Israel: An Israeli Film Series

Co-sponsored by B'Yahad, Congregation Har HaShem and Menorah

"Desperado Square" (2001)

Directed by Benny Torati

Starring Sharon Reginyano, Nir Levi, Yona Elian

96 minutes

Thursday, March 22, 7 p.m.

At Congregation Har HaShem

3950 Baseline Road

Suggested donation: $5

RSVP to Kathryn@Boulderjcc.org, (303) 998-1021


An Israeli "Cinema Paradiso," this bittersweet ensemble film spins a tale of respect, long-lost loves and village history among a settlement of Greek Jews near Tel Aviv. On the anniversary of his father's death, Nisim has a dream in which his dad instructs him to reopen the family movie theater that's been shuttered for years. Nisim enlists the aid of his brother, and the two set out to make their father's wish a reality. Thus begins a moving and sensitively wrought Israeli drama that touches on themes of memory, family, and cultural obligation. Winner of 5 Israeli Academy Awards, Benny Torati's drama also boasts a talented ensemble cast and a spirited soundtrack of ethnic music


B'Yahad

Attention Sara Batz Hebrew Students and others wanting to learn Hebrew in Israel. Sara is recruiting a small group of first-timers to Israel to learn Hebrew while touring the country with her and local experts. Very reasonable price for 10 interesting days. 3-4 star lodging and B&B's. Group will self-organize directly with Sara. Contact Byahad@boulderjcc.org

Shift into Chai Gear™. May 1 - 8: ROAD-RIDE ISRAEL with TEAM BOULDER in the ARAVA INSTITUTE & HAZON ISRAEL RIDE '07. Visit www.byahad.org for information and Team Get Together dates.


MAY FILM SERIES

Getting It Together...Together Film Series

Thursday Night at the Movies

At the Boulder JCC

May, 3, 10, 17, 24

"We're all in it together..."


This month-long film series is designed to promote tolerance and foster mutual understanding by presenting lively, provocative films that portray Jews in positive, mutually beneficial relationships with people of other faiths, cultures and traditions. This series of film suitable for the entire family will offer viewers, both Jews and non-Jews, an opportunity to see quality films portraying important cultural values and to engage in interfaith dialogue.

Titles include "Keeping the Faith," "Gentleman's Agreement," "Norma Rae" and "Driving Miss Daisy."