Podcasts about radio chavura

This week on Radio Chavura, we feature an exclusive interview with His Excellency Asterio Takesy, Micronesia’s Ambassador to the United States and Israel. Micronesia, an international exporter of fish, bananas, and black peppers, is not known for much in the western world except as the periodic answer to an obscure question on Jeopardy. Yet when Israel is under fire at the United Nations – and when isn’t Israel under fire at the UN? – the Federated States of Micronesia has proven to be one of the Jewish State’s staunchest global allies. Only the United States, Canada, the Marshall Islands and Palau stand shoulder-to-should with the FSM in defense of Israel when the UN is singling out the Jewish State for rote condemnation.  The track records of other “allies” – including France, England, Germany, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, and all of Central, South and Latin America are nowhere near as pro-Israel as Micronesia’s. Ambassador Takesy is interviewed by Radio Chavura co-hosts Maxwell and Dean Rotbart.

Rabbi Daniel Rapp, whose permanent home is in New York, might be dubbed the "Commuter Rabbi," because he regularly shuttles between Manhattan and Denver in order to serve and enrich our community in his capacity as the Interim Rabbi at East Denver Orthodox Synagogue. Rabbi Rapp and his family were in Denver for much of this past summer and will return again soon so that he can help lead Yom Kippur services at EDOS. Rabbi Rapp is a recognized Torah scholar and a Dayan (judge) at the Beth Din of America.  His impressive credentials include serving as Associate Dean of Students of Undergraduate Torah Studies at Yeshiva University, where he is a visiting professor of Talmud.  Rabbi Rapp received his juris doctor from the Columbia University School of Law, where he was twice honored for academic excellence. In mid-August, shortly before he returned to New York, Rabbi Rapp sat with Radio Chavura co-host Dean Rotbart at The Jewish Experience Center to share his thoughts on how the Jewish community can prepare for the High Holidays this year.  The interview was not originally intended for broadcast and thus was not recorded in our regular radio studio.  (Which explains the music, voices and noise in the background.) "There is a spiritual gravity out there.  If you're not pushing up, you're sinking down." But the Rabbi's insights were so on target and valuable, we thought it best to let our readers and listeners hear what he had to say directly.   Our pre-Rosh Hashanah interview with Rabbi Rapp is the second in our series of 5775 conversations with prominent Colorado spiritual leaders on the topic of High Holidays preparations.

Beginning this week exclusively on Radio Chavura, we launch our annual series on preparing for the High Holidays. This year we are proud to feature another prominent group of Colorado spiritual leaders, starting with Rabbi Evette Lutman, the spiritual leader of B’nai Havurah, the Denver Reconstructionist Congregation that serves more than 240 households. B’nai Havurah is an egalitarian and participatory community, open to multiple perspectives and forms of religious expression. Rabbi Lutman, who is affectionately called “Rabbi Evette” by her congregants, was hired in July 2010 upon her rabbinic ordination for the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA.  She has a law degree from Ohio State University. Our interview with Rabbi Lutman was conducted in June 2014, just prior to her departure for Israel.  The rabbi is passionate about Israel and urges her congregants to visit and stay engaged. Rabbi Lutman discusses her personal and congregational preparations for the High Holidays, which begin this year on Wednesday evening, September 24th.   In future segments, we’ll feature Rabbi Daniel Rapp, visiting professor of Talmud and Associate Dean of Students at Yeshiva University (East Denver Orthodox Synagogue); Rabbi Raphael Leban, The Jewish Experience; and Rabbi Brian Field, Judaism Your Way. Although the rabbis represent a variety of approaches and Jewish denominations, each rabbi shares insights certain to make 5775 relevant and inspirational.  Fresh episodes of Radio Chavura are available on Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm at Chavura.com as well as from the iTunes store. The program is hosted and produced by Maxwell and Dean Rotbart.

This week on Radio Chavura, we speak with Yana Vishnitsky, president and CEO of Jewish Family Service of Colorado, about the important role that JFS plays in our community. As an immigrant, Yana, herself, has a special connection to JFS, which she explains during our interview. Begun in 1872 as the Hebrew Ladies' Benevolent Society, today JFS of Colorado directly serves 23,000 Coloradans annually – both Jews and non-Jews. Working with the elderly (in-home meals and cleaning); mentally endangered (kids with difficult home lives and adults suffering from depression); special needs (people with Down Syndrome, traumatic brain injuries and others who cannot live independently); and impoverished members of our society (unable to afford sufficient food, rent, and medical care), JFS provides care based on the Jewish values of repairing the world and engaging in acts of loving kindness. JFS’s much lauded Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Food Pantry provides meals for 1,600 people each month; that’s in addition to the 3,200 nutritious meals that JFS’s Lunchbox Express program delivers weekly to children when school is not in session. With 850 volunteers and a dedicated staff headed by Yana, Jewish Family Service of Colorado showcases the best of the Jewish people.

Larry and Cindy Halpern have built their company, Safe Systems, Inc., into Colorado's largest locally owned security provider by following a Jewish-inspired philosophy of treating customers like members of the family. Safe Systems, which began in 1982, faithfully serves more than 10,000 residential and business customers in Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Ft. Collins, and all along the Front Range.   Larry is the featured guest this week on both Radio Chavura and on 710 KNUS AM's weekly Business Unconventional broadcast.  Joining Larry is Tim Watson, director of sales and marketing. Larry's joint appearance on the two audio programs arises because the story of Safe Systems's phenomenal success is one of interest to both the Jewish community - where Larry and Cindy have long been supportive of many fine nonprofit programs and institutions - and to the secular community, which admires his company's growth, service record and remarkable hiring practices. Indeed, Larry tells Dean Rotbart, co-host of both Radio Chavura and Business Unconventional, that the secret to Safe Systems's growth has been the quality of employees the company has hired and retained.  Today, Safe Systems employs more than 70 workers who share Larry and Cindy's mission: "to ensure your family or business's on-going safety with the most advanced, custom-designed security systems." Whether you are a member of the Jewish community who knows Larry and Cindy and appreciates all that they've done; whether you're a homeowner or business professional who might benefit from the great services provided by Safe Systems; or whether you're an owner or entrepreneur who hopes to glean some success insights from Larry, you won't want to miss this insightful interview. Business Unconventional, featuring Dean Rotbart and co-host David Biondo, airs each Sunday from 8 am to 9 am on 710 KNUS AM, and is also simulcast on the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.

 Paula's Window: Papa, the Bielski Partisans, and A Life Unexpected By Paula Burger (As told to Andrea Jacobs)    Purchase Paula's Window on Amazon     Paula Burger was only a child when she and her younger brother, Denver's beloved Cantor Isaac Koll, survived the Holocaust with the Bielski partisans.    Now Paula, an accomplished painter and grandmother, has written an account of her harrowing childhood experiences and the heroic efforts of her father, Wolf Koladicki (z'l), to protect his children under the most trying of circumstances.  On this week's edition of Radio Chavura, Paula explains her reasoning for writing with book and the lessons it provides.     Writes Robert Bielski in the foreword to the book: "Paula's story brings the pain and suffering of her experience to the forefront so that her family, students and all generations to come will learn of the evil brutality that Paula, her brother Isaac and her father Wolf endured."   [Note: Those who read Paula's Window will immediately recognize the skilled and moving writing of Andrea Jacobs, the senior writer at the Intermountain Jewish News.  For 2 1/2 years, Andrea meet weekly with Paula to capture and relay Paula's experiences.  Andrea "possesses a rare and beautiful gift - a heart that hears," Paula writes in the book's acknowledgements.  "Without her talent, dedication, sensitivity and compassion, this book would not exist."   Paula will be featured at a BMH-BJ luncheon on Sunday, June 8th.  Come hear her speak and purchase a signed copy of her book.  

Hear the unedited audio from the April 2, 2014 Torah 4 Tycoons business ethics lunch and learn series, presented by the Denver Community Kollel. The topic was, "In the Eye of the Beholders: The Ethics of Public Relations." The panel was moderated by Daniel Woodrow and featured Rabbi Mordechai Fleisher, senior lecturer, Denver Community Kollel; and Dean Rotbart, co-host of Radio Chavura and Business Unconventional (710 KNUS AM in Denver). The questions discussed included: Is it okay to present a front that may be misleading? What are the ehtics of making contributions to make an impression of generosity when ulterior motives are the driving force behind them? Does the Toray actually obligate one to put on a good face for the general public? How far does Halacha expect one to go to avoid suspicion of wrongdoing even when nothing has been perpetrated? Radio Chavura is proud to be a supporter of the Denver Community Kollel. Photo (clockwise):  Actor, Ron Moody who played "Fagin" in the 1968 movie, "Oliver;" presenters Dean Rotbart and Rabbi Mordechai Fleisher; Fagin; participants in the Torah 4 Tycoons luncheon on April 2nd.  

In November 2006, Radio Chavura co-host Dean Rotbart conducted a broadcast interview with Esther Pollard, wife of Jonathan Pollard, the former American naval intelligence analyst who pled guilty to passing classied secrets to Israel and has been in prison since 1985. Joining Dean was Dr. Donald Salem, a respected Los Angeles dentist and an expert on the Pollard case and Israel advocacy. While Pollard's action were illegal, the program highlights the inequity of his extended jail sentence and the duplicity of American politicians and citizens who argue for Pollard's continued incarceration. Mrs. Pollard was interviewed for Israel This Week, a precusor to Radio Chavura.  The program was broadcast live in 2006 on Sunday nights in Los Angeles on 870 KRLA AM, a leading news/talk station. Although Radio Chavura co-host Maxwell Rotbart was not featured on air, he was a behind-the-scenes producer for the program. Sim Shalom, the opening and closing song on Israel This Week, was peformed by Talya Rotbart. For more information on Jonathan Pollard and the facts of his case, visit: http://www.jonathanpollard.org/facts.htm

Top Row (l-r): Niso Aharonian, Rabbi Uriel Malka, z'l, and Eliana Azoulay Bottom Row (l-r): Liat Fischer, Josh Khalepari, and Yehuda Alter Beit Uriel is spearheading an effort to raise funds for Rabbi Malka's widow and six young children, and is asking the help of the Denver Jewish community.   For more information about Rabbi Malka and his legacy, or to donate, visit www.beituriel.org.   On this week's edition of Radio Chavura, we speak with Niso Aharonian, co-founder of Beit Uriel, a new synagogue in Denver that follows the Sephardic tradition of prayer.   Niso, who started Beit Uriel with his brother, Avraham, is joined on the first half of the program by Eliana Azoulay and Josh Khalepari, two of the regular congregants at the synagogue.   Niso, Eliana, and Josh share with listeners the warmth that they feel at Beit Uriel, located at 295 S. Locust Street, Denver, 80224, and discuss the beautiful sense of community that has developed among members of this young Sephardic congregation.   While most Colorado synagogues follow the Ashkenaz tradition of prayer, based on the customs of European Jewry, Sephardic prayers follow the style of the Jews of the Islamic world. The moving services at Beit Uriel are infused with melodies rarely heard elsewhere in Jewish Colorado.   On the second half of the program, Niso speaks about the namesake of Beit Uriel, Rabbi Uriel Malka, z'l. Rabbi Malka was a beloved Judaics teacher at the Denver Academy of Torah, who - tragically - was killed in the Mount Carmel Forest Fire in Israel in November 2010 at age 32.   Two of Rabbi Malka's former students, Yehuda Alter and Liat Fischer, join Niso to reflect on Rabbi Malka's legacy in Colorado. Yehuda and Liat both fondly remembered how Rabbi Malka used to engage them in class by re-enacting battles from Jewish history.

Bel Kaufman, the 102-year-old granddaughter of famed Yiddish author Sholem Aleichem, is the guest on the January 19, 2014 edition of Radio Chavura. (L) Bel as a child with her grandfather, Sholem Aleichem;  (R) A recent photo of Bel Kaufman.   Born Solomon Naumovich Rabinovich in 1859, Sholem Aleichem is best known for writing the stories that were eventually adapted for Broadway and film as 'Fiddler on the Roof.'    Often referred to as "the Jewish Mark Twain," Aleichem was born into a Hasidic family and grew up in a shtetl in what is now the Ukraine. He resettled in New York City in 1905 and passed away in 1916. Aleichem had six children. His daughter, Lyalya, a Hebrew writer, was Kaufman's mother.   In her exclusive interview with Radio Chavura, Kaufman observes, "I am the only person in the world at this time who [personally] remembers Sholem Aleichem."   Although Kaufman was five years old when her famous grandfather died, she still has clear memories of him. She recalls that Aleichem used to say to her, "'The tighter you hold my hand, [the better] I will write.' So," Kaufman jokes, "anyone who enjoys his writing has me to thank."   Kaufman, who lives in Manhattan with her 97-year-old husband, is a successful author in her own right. In 1965, she penned the bestselling "Up The Down Staircase," which recounted the life of a first-year public school teacher in New York City. The book was made into a film in 1967, starring Sandy Dennis as the teacher. Be sure to subscribe to the free weekly Radio Chavura e-newsletter and program guide at:  www.SubscribeChavura.com.   Read more about Bel Kaufman and her Radio Chavura interview here.

On this week’s edition of Radio Chavura, we feature exclusive interviews with two Denverites who will be active participants in the upcoming JNF National Conference, scheduled to be held here in Colorado from October 25th through October 28th.  Our first guest is noted historian Jeanne Abrams.  Dr. Abrams – author of the newly published book, Revolutionary Medicine: The Founding Fathers in Sickness and health – will lead an afternoon session on Sunday the 27th, during which she’ll share the amazing and at times harrowing tales of Colorado’s early Jewish Settlers.  After Jeanne, we talk about the Jewish National Fund with Gene Kay, board chair of the JNF’s Rocky Mountain Region.  Gene, along with Stanley Kamlet, are well-known throughout the United States for their tireless work on behalf of the Jewish National Fund. Both Gene and Stan will be honored at the national conference on Monday morning, October 28th. If you haven’t yet registered to attend the JNF national conference, we at Radio Chavura encourage you to do so today.  Simply visit JNF.org and click on the national conference logo. The JNF Conference, like the JNF itself, is a chance to give of yourself and discover how much personal satisfaction you will reap in return. The national edition of Radio Chavura is intended to build support for the Jewish National Fund conference to be held in Denver from October 25th through October 28th. The conference will bring together hundreds of committed Jewish leaders from across the United States to learn about JNF's ongoing work on behalf of the land and people of Israel. Those attending will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with committed volunteers of all ages, as well as to contribute their own ideas for enriching the work of JNF. CREDITS: Hosts:  Maxwell and Dean Rotbart Musical Director:  Julie Geller Audio Production:  Blane Nichols Additional Audio Elements:  Jason Hickman Director of Research:  Talya Rotbart Staff Photographer:  Avital Rotbart Opening Music (Hinei Mah Tov) and Closing Credits (Elokai):  Julie Geller Songs: Eli Ata Ve'Odecha - Oded Melchner Jews Don't Camp - Rocky Mountain Jewgrass Lo Yisa Goy - Miami Boys Choir [Support Jewish Day Schools] Open the Gates (Pitchu Li) - Rabbi Joe Black - Leave a Little Bit Undone Niggun Nevo - Shlomo Katz [Denver Community Kollel] Sim Shalom - Talya Rotbart, Vocalist and Gabriela Gottlieb, Pianist - Lu Yehi JNF Liaisons:  Neta Yoffe and Boaz Meir Photo:  Dr. Jeanne Abrams

Russell F. Robinson, JNF's CEO and a member of its global board of directors, is the featured guest on this inaugural national edition of Radio Chavura. Robinson divulges that at this year's national conference, JNF will formally announce an unprecedented 10-year, $1 billion fundraising campaign, that he says will be "the most innovative, most bold campaign" even untaken by a Jewish organization.   The national edition of Radio Chavura is intended to build support for the Jewish National Fund conference to be held in Denver from October 25th through October 28th. The conference will bring together hundreds of committed Jewish leaders from across the United States to learn about JNF's ongoing work on behalf of the land and people of Israel. Those attending will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with committed volunteers of all ages, as well as to contribute their own ideas for enriching the work of JNF. "Colorado has a flourishing and vibrant Jewish community which couldn't be more excited to welcome the JNF national conference," says Maxwell Rotbart, co-host of Radio Chavura. Rotbart notes that the Colorado Jewish community, which predates statehood in 1876, gave rise to the United Way and helped inspire Golda Meir's Zionism during her sojourn in Denver as a high schooler.  Well-known global brands that have Jewish roots in Colorado, include Samsonite Luggage, Hot Pockets, and perhaps most famous of all, the Barbie doll.  (Inventor Ruth Mosko Handler was born and raised in Denver.) Today, Colorado is an incubator of many cutting edge companies in the technology and health sectors, serving as the global headquarters of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs, which educates and connects biomedical and health innovators who seek to commercialize their ideas, inventions and discoveries. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, who recently returned from an inspiring visit to Israel, will be the JNF conference's opening speaker on Friday, October 25th.  Other Coloradans scheduled to participate in the program include Rabbi Joe R. Black, spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel; Jerome "Jerry" Tinianow, chief sustainability officer for the City of Denver; and Dr. Jeanne Abrams, an historian and professor at the University of Denver.   At the breakfast and closing plenary on Monday, October 28th, Ken Salazar, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior and a former U.S. Senator from Colorado, will be the speaker.  During the breakfast, longtime JNF lay leaders, Eugene "Gene" Kay and Stanley Kamlet will be honored for their years of service.  CREDITS: Hosts: Maxwell and Dean Rotbart Musical Director:  Julie Geller Audio Production:  Blane Nichols Additional Audio Elements:  Jason Hickman Director of Research:  Talya Rotbart Staff Photographer:  Avital Rotbart Opening Announcement: Eugene Kay Opening Music (Hinei Mah Tov) and Closing Credits (Elokai):  Julie Geller Songs: Zum Gali Gali - Fred Fastow, Jewish Songs for Classical Guitar Maym Mayin - Israeli Folk Group, Authentic Israeli Folk Songs & Dances Lo Yisa Goy - Miami Boys Choir Yism'Chu - Rabbi Joe Black, Sabbatical JNF Liaisons:  Neta Yoffe (New York) and Boaz Meir (Colorado)

The Palestinian Authority continues to hide its true intentions toward Israel from the non-Arab world, while consistently pushing a three-part anti-Israeli message to the Palestinian people, says Itamar Marcus, director of Palestinian Media Watch, and the special guest on this week's final installment of our three-part High Holidays series. "When people understand the true Palestinian ideology, they realize that the victimhood [storyline] is a mask," Marcus explains during a pre-recorded telephone interview from Israel.  That internal Palestinian message has three consistent components, he says:  First, to deny Israel's right to exist; second, to demonize Israel and Jews, and third, to promote violence. Since 1996, PMW has monitored the Palestinian media, speeches and schoolbooks to showcase what the Palestinians are saying - in their very own words, and how their Arab-language messaging differs from the mask the Palestinians present to the English-language world.  While numerous global news organizations do report on PMW's findings, Marcus tells Radio Chavura that too often the news media miss a critical aspect of the Palestinians' messages to their own people - what the journalists call "incitement." "We say there is no incitement," says Marcus, who grew up in the U.S. and now lives in Israel. "They're expressing their honest beliefs and opinions. They're saying it and we should listen to them and believe them." The PMW has a staff of nine translators who read the Palestinian newspapers and watch the newscasts of two Palestinian TV stations. Read more about Itamar Marcus and Palestinian Media Watch on our website. Recent Palestinian Media Watch Articles - "In Their Own Words": PA daily:  US behind civil war in Syria and supports the killings PA promotes religious hatred against Jews PA TV: All of Israel is 'Palestine' Fatah: 'Without blood Palestine will not return' PA daily:  A Jew set fire to Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1969 and Israel still tries to destroy the Mosque Click here to Support Palestinian Media Watch and its vital mission 

The ancient Greek, Diogenes of Sinope, went in search of an honest man.  Dafna Michaelson of Cincinnati went in search of problem solvers and idea generators.  She had better luck. In fact, Dafna, founder and president of The Journey Institute, traveled to all 50 states and Washington DC to hunt down people doing extraordinary things on behalf of their businesses and communities.   Dafna detests whiners.  Her philosophy is straightforward:  If you want to complain about some aspect of your business or community, then you have to be willing to do something about it. And if you can't do it yourself, find those who can and cheerlead for them. This week on Monday Morning Radio, Dean Rotbart and his guest co-host, son Maxwell, interview Dafna and hear how she's mobilizing people to solve their own problems. Dean and Maxwell share the hosting responsibilities each Sunday on Radio Chavura, a 30-minute broadcast radio program that focuses on the Jewish Community of greater-Denver.  The program airs at 6:30 pm on 990 KRKS AM in Denver. Dean, a member of the Wizard Academy faculty, is also the weekly co-host of Business Unconventional, a one-hour weekly broadcast that airs on 710 KNUS AM in Denver. David Biondo, a wealth management expert and authorized Bank on Yourself advisor, is the regular host of B. Unconventional. When he’s not on the radio, Maxwell teaches 12th grade psychology and 9th grade geography at Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado. Be sure to follow B. Unconventional on Twitter: @BUnRadio and subscribe to Roy H. Williams's Monday Morning Memo.  The best things in life really are free! Monday Morning Radio Run Time: 27 mins 15 secs Photo: Dafna Michaelson, The Journal Institute

One of Israel's staunchest allies in the U.S. House of Representatives is Congressman Doug Lamborn, representing Colorado's 5th District. As the co-chair of the bipartisan Israel Allies Caucus, and co-chair of the Republican Israel Caucus, Congressman Lamborn is a consistent and strong supporter of the special strategic, economic and cultural ties that exist between the United States and Israel. In recognition of his dedication to the welfare of the people of Colorado and his unwavering support for the State of Israel, Congressman Lamborn will receive the "Pillars of the Colorado Jewish Community" award during tonight's special broadcast of Radio Chavura, marking the start of our second year on the air. Part of what makes Congressman Lamborn's support of Israel so remarkable is that his district - encompassing Colorado Springs and Buena Vista - is anything but a "Jewish" district. Indeed, Congressman Lamborn represents a minuscule Jewish population, estimated at only 500 families, So why does he stand steadfast with Israel? Congressman Lamborn explains that he backs Israel because doing so is the right thing to do morally, is consistent with the best interests of America, and because his strongly held Christian values are closely aligned with a pro-Israel stance. Congressman Lamborn's actions match up with his rhetoric. Three times since he first took office in 2007, Congressman Lamborn has led the effort to pass legislation that would relocate the United States Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (the country's lawful capital). He has also been the lead sponsor of a legislative amendment that would prohibit the distribution of taxpayer funds to any individual, private entity or government that does not expressly recognize the right of the State of Israel to exist. In tonight's exclusive sit-down interview with Congressman Lamborn, taped recently at the studios of 1460 KZNT AM in Colorado Springs, we discuss the roots of the Congressman's awareness of the special role that Israel plays in the world and its friendship with the United States.  We also talk about his strong Christian faith and values - shared with his wife, Jeanie - and how they have deepened his respect for the State of Israel. In particular, Congressman Lamborn notes the Biblical verse, where G-d speaks to Abraham, saying "And I will bless those who bless you and curse him who curses you (Genesis 12:3)." Among other topics that Congressman Lamborn covers are the reasons why the U.S. and Israel are so often the target of radical Islamic groups and whether America's support of Israel makes it a greater target for terrorists. Congressman Lamborn also serves on the Congressional Task Force Against Anti-Semitism and the International Religious Freedom Caucus. Those wishing to comment on Congressman Lamborn's support of Israel may visit his website, or call him at 719-520-0055. Radio Chavura is co-hosted Maxwell Rotbart and his father, Dean – both homegrown members of the Denver Jewish community.  The program is broadcast each Sunday at 6:30 pm on 990 KRKS AM in Denver. Do you want to suggest a potential guest for the show or learn how to become a sponsor? Call Dean & Maxwell at 1-855-JEWISH-4 or email them at radiochavura@gmail.com. For more information, visit our website: www.Chavura.com. First Broadast:  July 7, 2013Photo: Congressman Doug Lamborn - (Photo Credit: Avital Rotbart, Radio Chavura) 

Come October 25, 2013, the eyes of the Jewish world will be focused on Denver, as the Mile High City hosts the annual Jewish National Fund national conference.  JNF, which is also known by the initials KKL (for its Hebrew name - Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael), is one of the largest and most prominent Israeli environmental groups, tracing its origins back to the days of Theodor Herzl and the Zionist Congresses (during which time it was tasked with buying land in Israel). Today, JNF is mostly often associated with reforestation efforts in Israel (planting 250 million trees in the last 100 years).  But JNF is also deeply involved with other missions crucial to Israel and its people. Boaz Meir, the recently-appointed director of JNF's Mountain States region (encompassing Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), joins us in the studio to discuss what JNF looks like today; the work of its Mountain States regional office; and what we can expect at the national conference this October. One of the most exciting endeavors that Boaz discusses with us is the work that the Mountain States office is doing to lend its support to JNF's campaign to populate the desert regions of Israel.     This week's show is the final episode of our first season. We began broadcasting Radio Chavura on Sunday, July 1, 2012.  Our program airs weekly on 990 KRKS AM.  For more information on JNF, contact Boaz and the Mountain States offices of JNF at  303-573-7095. Radio Chavura is co-hosted Maxwell Rotbart and his father, Dean – both homegrown members of the Denver Jewish community.  The program is broadcast each Sunday at 6:30 pm on 990 KRKS AM in Denver. Do you want to suggest a potential guest for the show or learn how to become a sponsor? Call Dean & Maxwell at 1-855-JEWISH-4 or email them at radiochavura@gmail.com. For more information, visit our website: www.Chavura.com. First Broadast:  June 30, 2013Photo: Boaz Meir, JNF 

Radio Chavura host Dean Rotbart, who also hosts a the weekly Business Unconventional radio newsmagazine, interviewed Rabbi Hillel Goldberg about this week's commemorative issue of the Intermountain Jewish News (IJN), which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Dean's interview with Rabbi Goldberg, who is the IJN's executive editor, was taped in August 2012 in anticipation of the paper's centennial-year festivities.  Dean is joined by David Biondo, who serves as Dean's co-host on Business Unconventional.  B. Unconventional is broadcast each Sunday on 710 KNUS AM in Denver from 8 am to 9 am. In this edited portion of the August 26, 2012 business program, Rabbi Goldberg discusses what it takes to keep the IJN vibrant and relevant, as well as his pride over the high-quality of readers and advertisers that the paper attracts. Rabbi Goldberg's father, Max, of blessed memory (z'l), purchased the IJN in 1943 for $1.  At the time, the community-owned publication was a financial mess.  Max Goldberg and Robert Gamzey, who was brought in as a partner, revitalized the paper both financially and editorially.  The IJN has won dozens - perhaps hundreds - of editorial honors over the decades. Upon his father's passing, Rabbi Goldberg's mother, Miriam assumed the leadership of the paper and oversaw its continued growth until passing along the duties to Rabbi Goldberg. Virtually all of the Rabbi's children are active (or have been active) in contributing to the IJN. Rabbi Goldberg notes that several of the IJN's employees have remained with the paper for more than 35 years, including assistant editor Chris Leppek.  Original Broadcast:  August 2012Length: 14:52 

On June 9th, the Radio Chavura team drove to Boulder to participate in the Boulder Jewish Festival.  This year's event, the 19th annual festival, was organized by Cheryl Fellows, who also publishes the Boulder Jewish News with her husband, David. We saw many friends from both Denver and Boulder, and had the opportunity to meet new people and learn about some wonderful regional organizations, including LoKo Denver: Local Kosher Food, the Longmont Shabbat Group, Westminster's Congregation B'nai Torah, the Boulder Mikvah, and Boulder's Congregation Bonai Shalom. Three of the groups we encountered - Adventure Rabbi, Hazon, and Camp, Inc. - are featured on this week's edition of Radio Chavura. __________ The Adventure Rabbi Program was started by Rabbi Jamie Korngold in 2001.  A strong believer in the power of nature to inspire modern Jews and bring them closer to G-d, Rabbi Jamie and her congregation regularly take trips to some of the most beautiful places in the United States and Israel.  The author of seven books - including five aimed at children and families - Rabbi Jamie is a dynamic leader and exemplifies the fresh spirit that abounds in Boulder. We are joined by Rabbi Jamie to talk about the exciting programs that Adventure Rabbi offers. __________ Hazon  - now the largest Jewish environmental group in the country - was started by New York resident (and British expat) Nigel Savage in 2000. Believing that Jews have a responsibility to "create healthier and more sustainable communities in the Jewish world and beyond," Hazon has helped make Jewish Colorado a more environmentally-aware place to live. Denver Jews may be most familiar with Hazon's involvement at the Ekar Farm, which sits adjacent to the Denver Academy of Torah campus. We are joined by Nigel and by Hazon's Boulder director, Becky O'Brien, to talk about Hazon's mission and its future. ________ Camp, Inc., a new Jewish camp for young entrepreneurs, may not be opening its doors for another year, but it's already creating buzz among circles of innovative young people here in Colorado. Managed by the Boulder JCC and its chief camp officer Josh Pierce, Camp, Inc., promises to inspire the Jewish youth of today to develop the ideas that will "make a positive difference in the world" of tomorrow. We are joined by Josh to talk about Camp Inc.'s Summer 2014 launch. Original Air Date: June 16, 2013Photo:  David and Cheryl Fellows, Boulder Jewish Festival (Credit: Avital Rotbart) 

Two segments on this week's edition of Radio Chavura, which is broadcast every Sunday at 6:30 pm (Mountain) on 990 KRKS AM. When Rivka Cohen was a young girl, she fell in love with musical theater. Determined that her life's direction would take her to Broadway and beyond, she pursued her passion with vigor.  As she became a more observant Jew in her adult years, Rivka faced a dilemma. Orthodox Jewish women don't sing in front of male audiences - doing so is considered a form of immodesty. If Rivka were to adopt a fully observant lifestyle, she would have to give up on her dream of performing in Broadway musicals. Rivka had spent her whole life believing that she was 'bound for Broadway,' and now found herself rethinking her performance career - which she loved. In her humorous, touching and inspiring one-woman musical, Broadway unBound, Rivka narrates her struggle and explains her ultimate decision: to put a halt to her secular musical career and devote her life to Torah and other Jewish pursuits (including raising a lovely family with her husband Meir). Broadway unBound will debut at Aish Denver on Sunday, June 23rd, at 7 pm. This program - exclusively for women and girls above age 10 - will be followed by a reception. The tickets are $25. Register by calling 303-220-7200.  =========================================================== Zach Stern, a sixth grade student at Denver Jewish Day School, wanted to raise funds and awareness for Shalom Cares (which many people know best for its Shalom Park Nursing Home) for his Bar Mitzvah project. His intentions were kind-hearted - Shalom Cares is a compassionate care facility that serves our community. Zach witnessed a similar center help his grandfather during a time of need, and felt that helping Shalom Cares would be a way for him to say 'thank you' to all the dedicated people who manage organizations such as Shalom Cares. Zach decided that to make his project really count he would have to turn his efforts into an investment of sorts, and then watch his contribution grow exponentially. Using his love for sports in general - and golf in particular - as his motivation, Zach decided to host a community-wide charity golf tournament. Now, rather than raising awareness and funds from just a close-knit group of friends, Zach will be generating donations from many community members (including listeners of Radio Chavura)! Although Zach's Bar Mitzvah, at the Hebrew Educational Alliance, won't take place until November, the golf tournament will be held on Sunday, June 23rd (while the weather is still nice) at the Family Sports Center, located at 6901 S. Peoria Street, Centennial, 80112. Registration is $36.  Check in begins at 11:30 am. For questions, please contact Zach or his father, Jon Stern, at 720-203-2642.  Original Air Date:  June 9, 2013 Photos: Zach Stern and Rivka Cohen

Decades ago, cartoonist Gary Larson, creator of the popular "Far Side" comic strip, drew an image of two middle-class parents, watching their son play video games, and wishfully thinking that maybe - one day - he would find a high-paying job as a Nintendo or Mario Brothers player (because he clearly was incapable of doing anything else).  Most parents of teenage children can relate to the disconcerting fear that their children will never find a passion that will translate into a fulfilling career. Rabbi Levi Brackman, founder of the Denver-based Youth Directions, is determined to make sure that all teens find a meaningful path in life that fits their interests and talents. Rabbi Brackman, who is the guest on this week's edition of Radio Chavura, started Youth Directions only four years ago, but has already transformed the lives of many young adults in Colorado - both Jewish and gentile - by giving them the "space" to discover their lives' purpose. With a specific action plan, designed based upon his years of experience as an entrepreneur and community leader (both in the United Kingdom and the United States), Rabbi Brackman works with public and private school teachers to bring Youth Directions into their classrooms, helping students to learn about themselves in the safety of their own school. Rabbi Brackman also serves as director and rabbi at Judaism in the Foothills, a dynamic, non-judgmental congregation at the base of the Rocky Mountains that Rabbi Brackman founded with his wife Sheindy in 2005. To learn how to get your child involved with Youth Directions, or how to bring its curriculum of self-empowerment to your school, contact Rabbi Brackman at 303-462-5777. To find out more about the amazing Judaism in the Foothills community, call Rabbi Brackman at 303-679-0613.

Watch the amazing video and see all 210 photos in only 3 minutes and 30 seconds On this week's edition of Radio Chavura, hosts Maxwell and Dean Rotbart reflect on last Sunday's vibrant 10th Annual Celebrate Family festival, presented by the Robert E. Loop Jewish Community Center, and the Walk for Israel, organized by the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado. Festival guests and organizers who are interviewed include: James "Jim" Barnard, Commander, Jewish War Veterans Post #344, the Captain Ellis David Greene chapter   Danielle Menditch, JConnect Coordinator, Hebrew Educational Alliance Becky Epstein, Executive Director, and Jay Mayer, Chairman of the Religious School Committee, B'nai Havurah Caren Blanke, Assistant Executive Director, and Melanie Gruenwald, Director of Family Programs, Jewish Community Center. Radio Chavura was proud to be an official sponsor of this year's festival and walk. Special thanks to Dani Wynn of the JCC and Dana Eckoff of Professional Planning Group for their assistance. __________ Note:  You can view each of the 210 photos in our Radio Chavura video individually by clicking here.  High-resolution digital jpeg files of each photo are available from Radio Chavura for only $18 each.  They make great gifts and keepsakes.  To order, phone 1-855-JEWISH-4 or email us at radiochavura@gmail.com. 

Four of Denver's community-minded Jewish young people are guests on the first segment of this week's broadcast of Radio Chavura.  The students, each of whom attends the Denver Academy of Torah, will be participating in The 2013 Color Run to benefit Denver Yachad on Sunday, June 16th. The students, pictured below are siblings: Estee and Aaron Brooks and Heidi and Pearl Clayman.  To view a complete list of scheduled runners, click here. Radio Chavura staff photographer, Avital Rotbart, will also be running in support of Denver Yachad (the National Jewish Council for Disabilities), an agency of the Orthodox Union. NJCD is dedicated to addressing the needs of all individuals with disabilities and including them in the Jewish community.  To show your support for these students, click on their names below.  Even a contribution of a few dollars will be greatly appreciated.   DONATE: Aaron Brooks, Estee Brooks, Heidi Clayman, Pearl Clayman and Avital Rotbart. __________ During our second broadcast segment this week, we are joined by Cheryl Fellows, head of the volunteer committee organizing this year's Boulder Jewish Festival, which will be held on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on Sunday, June 9th.  Cheryl talks about the great entertainment and food that will be featured at this year's Festival.

This is a bonus audio featuring an extended Radio Chavura interview with Bill Korn.  You can hear the broadcast portion of the interview (May 12, 2013) here.

A new community-wide initiative, Jewish & Widowed, is the focus of our program this week on Radio Chavura. The group, offering a safe, non-threatening way to begin new friendships, will hold its first event this coming Wednesday, May 8th.  The program is open to Jewish men and women of all ages who have lost a spouse or significant other. Joining us in the 990 KRKS AM studios to discuss the creation of Jewish & Widowed, as well as its goals, are Connie Suson and Lisa Thorner. Connie, programming director at Congregation Rodef Shalom, came up with the concept for a community-supported program to connect Jewish men and women who've lost a spouse or partner.  Connie's own father is a widower. Among those who quickly embraced the concept and shared in its development is Lisa Thorner, programming director at Temple Sinai, who also has a widowed parent. Connie and Lisa stress that Jewish & Widowed is not a dating service, nor is it a forum for a "group cry."  Rather, it's aimed at fostering friendships and fun among individuals who, in time, will direct their own social functions. Our interview with Connie and Lisa will be especially interesting to potential group members; their friends and family; and to other community leaders who will enjoy hearing how Connie, Lisa and others have found common purpose, even though they represent different Jewish congregations, religious affiliations and organizations. Radio Chavura is proud to join these other organizations as co-sponsors of Jewish & Widowed:  Allied Jewish Apartments; BMH-BJ: The Denver Synagogue; B'nai Havurah; Congregation Rodef Shalom; Feldman Mortuary; Hebrew Educational Alliance; JFS at the JCC; Keshet; Shalom Cares; Temple Emanuel; and Temple Sinai.  For more information, contact Connie at 303-399-0035.  Everyone is welcome to kibbutz, kvel and laugh - just not to kvetch (this is an upbeat group)! Photo:  Lisa Thorner, Temple Sinai   

Celebrate Lag BaOmer this year with Studio J at Radio Chavura and three of Colorado's most engaging and entertaining musical talents: Hal Aqua and the Lost Tribe Danya and Eyal Bryan Zive & Kol Echad Hosted by Denver's own multi-talented singer and songwriter, Julie Geller. Maybe it's the crisp mountain air. Maybe it's the snowmelt. Maybe it's the spiritual influence of our great Jewish day schools and educational programs.  Regardless, it is undisputed that Colorado's Jewish musical artists generate a unique vibe - a special feel that distinguishes them from the sounds of other Hebrew and Jewish groups. In February 2013, we launched Studio J at Radio Chavura, an all-music edition of our program. Each edition of Studio J at Radio Chavura highlights bands that are channeling the Rocky Mountain energy and producing awesome, original Jewish music.   Original Broadcast Date:  April 28, 2013Photo:  Singer-Songwriter Julie Geller 

On Sunday, April 21, we speak with Temple Emanuel’s dynamic director of membership and programming, Susie Sigman. As the go-to person at Colorado’s largest and oldest synagogue, Susie manages a congregation that is larger than some cities in our state. And she does it with professionalism and plenty of ruach (spirit)! Susie works tirelessly to ensure that members of Temple Emanuel feel at home and are part of a meaningful community. Susie tells us about Temple Emanuel’s many religious, educational, and social activities; the synagogue’s (quite musical) religious leaders; and the inclusive nature of Reform Judaism. Radio Chavura is co-hosted by veteran reporter Dean Rotbart, and his son, Maxwell – both homegrown members of the Denver Jewish community.  The program is broadcast each Sunday on 990 KRKS AM in Denver. Do you want to suggest a potential guest for the show or learn how to become a sponsor? Call Dean & Maxwell at 1-855-JEWISH-4 or email them at radiochavura@gmail.com. For more information, visit our website: www.Chavura.com.

This we speak with two outstanding students from the Jewish Student Connection: Georgie Seserman and Ben Weil.  Georgie (who, in addition to playing five instruments, is a talented singer and songwriter) is a senior at the Denver School of the Arts and plans on attending the Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) next year. She aspires to a career in music education.  She uses the professional name Georgeta-Rae.  Hear Georgie perform Outstretched Wings, an original composition. Ben (who is a master of audio mixing and rap) is a junior at the Denver School of the Arts and is looking at attending Berklee College of Music or the California Institute of the Arts (Valencia, CA) when he graduates.  He uses the professional name Bdub$. Hear Ben's rap mix, You and Me. Georgie and Ben talk with us about their college and career aspirations, and explain how Judaism has influenced their lives and music.  Rabbi Michael Sunshine, who serves as the regional director of JSC, joins Georgie and Ben on the program. Rabbi Sunshine was previously a guest on the October 21, 2012 edition, when he discussed how important Jewish Student Connection is to ensuring that our children in public schools maintain a solid relationship with their religious and cultural identity. In making their radio performance debuts on Radio Chavura, Georgie and Ben also help us inaugurate our "We've Got Kisharon (Talent)!" Showcase.  We've Got Kisharon will regularly provide a broadcast stage to Colorado's talented Jewish young people - giving them an opportunity to share their special gifts with our growing audience of Jewish and non-Jewish listeners. If you or a student you know has got "Kisharon," then we'd like to hear from you.  The student need not be a singer or musical artist. We're also interested in Jewish students with skills as actors and actresses, entertainers (of any variety), and even gymnasts and athletes.   Send us an email at radiochavura@gmail.com, and we'll consider you for a future broadcast edition of "We've Got Kisharon." Interested in joining Jewish Student Connection (and scoring some really good Kosher bagels in the process)?  Contact Rabbi Sunshine "via smoke signal" or at rabbisunshine@myjsc.org. 

CEO Space, Noodles & Company, and Chick-fil-A are among the companies we discuss on this week's episode of Business Unconventional, hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart.  Hear the full broadcast now. Segment One: David Biondo and Dean Rotbart are joined by Homer Hudson Hillis, Jr. - Certified Entrepreneur #1 - in a conversation about the fallout from the recent protests and counter-protests surrounding the Chick-fil-A restauarant chain.  Listen Now to Just This Segment:  http://traffic.libsyn.com/bunconventional/081212_BUnconventional_Segment-1_9min.mp3 Segment Two: The conversation continues with David, Dean and Homer.  Joining the three is Maxwell Rotbart, producer and co-host of Radio Chavura on 990 KRKS AM in Denver.  Maxwell, who also helps produce the weekly B. Unconventional, discusses consumer boycotts targeting Israeli-made products. Listen Now to Just This Segment: http://traffic.libsyn.com/bunconventional/081212_BUnconventional_Segment-2_14min.mp3 Segment Three: David Boennighausen, Chief Financial Officer of Noodles & Company, talks about opening the chain's 300th restaurant and how his company works to maintain high quality and increased revenues at all its locations. Listen Now to Just This Segment: http://traffic.libsyn.com/bunconventional/RESEND-081212_BUnconventional_Segment-3_10min.mp3 Segment Four: Rodney and Kimberly Lindsey of CEO Space discuss their highly-regarded small business networking and coaching organization.  Business owners and listeners are invited to attend their weekly meetings in Denver. Listen Now to Just This Segment: http://traffic.libsyn.com/bunconventional/081212_BUnconventional_Segment-4_13min_50.mp3 Business Unconventional is broadcast each Sunday on 710 KNUS AM in Denver.  It is also streamed live over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. Visit us at www.BusinessUnconventional.com. Original Broadcast Date: August 12, 2012Audio Length: 52 min 42 secsPhoto: Dean Rotbart (r) and David Biondo 

As he bid adieu to Colorado after six years as senior rabbi at BMH-BJ Congregation, Rabbi Selwyn Franklin stopped by the 990 KRKS AM studios to share some of his fond memories and to discuss his legacy. Rabbi and Mrs. Franklin are much beloved by both the BMH-BJ membership and the Jewish community at large. He also enjoyed warm and cooperative relations with Colorado's non-Jewish community. The Rabbi's warmth, eloquence, insights, intelligence and passion for his work won him many fans and friends. Among the topics he discusses are his dedication to "non-observant Orthodox Jews."  He also has a few words of advice for his successor, Rabbi Ben Greenberg, who officially began his tenure on July 1, 2012. Radio Chavura is broadcast each Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. on 990 KRKS AM in Denver.  The program's website can be found at www.Chavura.com. Radio Chavura is co-hosted and produced by Dean and Maxwell Rotbart, a father-son team.  Sponsors include Pampered Passions Fine Lingerie and Care Wear and Signal Butte Financial Corp. Contact the program at: radiochavura@gmail.com or phone, 1-855-JEWISH-4 (1-855-539-4744) Original Air Date: July 8, 2012Length: 26 minutes Photo: Rabbi Selwyn Franklin   

Denver's own weekly Jewish radio magazine, Radio Chavura, discussing Rabbi Manuel and Bess Laderman, of blessed memory, with their children, Rabbi Paul Laderman and Mierle Laderman Ukeles.  Paul joins the program by phone from Jerusalem, Israel.  Mierle was interviewed from her New York office. Rabbi Manuel Laderman was the first rabbi at The Hebrew Educational Alliance and served the shul, the Jewish community and the greater Denver area for 47 years.  Bess Laderman was a patron of the arts, who worked tirelessly on behalf of the Colorado Symphony and other local organizations. Radio Chavura is broadcast each Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. on 990 KRKS AM in Denver.  The program's website can be found at www.Chavura.com. Radio Chavura is co-hosted and produced by Dean and Maxwell Rotbart, a father-son duo.  Sponsors include Pampered Passions Fine Lingerie and Care Wear and Signal Butte Financial Corp. Contact the program at: radiochavura@gmail.com or phone, 1-855-JEWISH-4 (1-855-539-4744) Original Air Date: July 1, 2012Photo: Rabbi Paul Laderman