Colorado judge accepts insanity plea from accused theater gunman

Published on June 4, 2013

Accused Colorado theater gunman James Holmes, who could face execution if convicted of killing 12 moviegoers last summer, entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on Tuesday, and a judge accepted his plea.

Jewish pot activist Mason Tvert hits new high with marijuana legalization vote in Colorado

Published on November 12, 2012

Say what you will about Mason Tvert, the Jewish activist behind the marijuana legalization campaign that passed in Colorado, the man clearly has a sense of humor.

Recipe for marijuana cholent

Published on November 12, 2012

Now that the states of Colorado and Washington have legalized the recreational use and commercial sale of marijuana for its residents 21 years or older, there are all sorts of way to get creative in incorporating the new legal substance with Jewish edibles. Here's a recipe for Happy Chulent that one seasoned "cook" shared with the JTA -- he guarantees it will uplift your Shabbat spirits.

Dark night: The dangers of movie violence

By Danielle Berrin
Published on July 25, 2012

Who will protect us from the NRA?

By Rob Eshman
Published on July 25, 2012

The National Rifle Association (NRA) claims it exists to protect our rights. My question is this: Who will protect us from the NRA?

L.A. camp gets unwanted attention in wake of Colorado shooting

By Ryan Torok
Published on July 24, 2012

Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes’ reported ties to Camp Max Straus have led to unwanted attention for Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles and its camp, its director said.

Despite militarized society, Israel’s strict gun laws keep civilian violence down

Published on July 24, 2012

First-time visitors to Israel might be taken aback to see groups of armed teenagers walking through a city plaza on a weeknight, or surprised to walk into a public bathroom and see an M-16 laying across the sinks as a soldier washes his face.

Bridging the gaps that divide us: Coping with the tragedies in Aurora and Bulgaria

By Rabbi Yonah Bookstein
Published on July 23, 2012

Former Jewish camp staffer worked closely with James Holmes

By JewishJournal.com
Published on July 22, 2012

In the summer of 2008, when he was 20, James Holmes was known as a quiet counselor at Camp Max Straus in Los Angeles County, liked by his campers.

As details have emerged about the background of the now 24-year-old suspected shooter at the midnight massacre at an Aurora, Colo. showing of a Batman sequel on July 20, an unwanted media spotlight has fallen on the 110 acre camp in the Verdugo Mountains run by Jewish Big Brothers and sisters of Los Angeles.

“I’m looking at us all over TMZ,” said one former staff member contacted by The Jewish Journal. “There’s my picture, it’s crazy.”

The Dark Night

By Ilana Angel
Published on July 20, 2012

A meditation on the Bulgaria and Colorado tragedies

Published on July 20, 2012

The month of Av has come upon us in a manner true to historical form. Mishenikhnas Av, m’ma’atin b’simha… When the month of Av begins, we are told, we are instructed to diminish our joy. Sadly, a week of violence and tragedy all over the world has done it for us.

Amid the ravages of wildfires, Colorado Jews band together

Published on July 2, 2012

The Sidmans are among the lucky ones: Their Colorado Springs home is still standing, nearly untouched by the flames that left many of their neighbors' houses in ashes.

Relief funds assisting Colorado fire victims

Published on July 2, 2012

As residents of Colorado Springs return to their homes following widespread wild fires, U.S. Jewish communities are raising money for relief funds.

Colorado Indians, Jews share genetic marker

Published on May 30, 2012

Israeli geneticists have linked a Native American population in Colorado to Jews expelled from Spain during the Inquisition.

Apres le beard: Matisyahu takes the stage in Boulder

Published on December 19, 2011

When Matisyahu, the 32-year-old Chasidic reggae superstar, appeared onstage for the first time since shaving his trademark beard, no one in the audience at the Boulder Theater seemed surprised.

Reb Zalman archives given to Colorado U.

Published on January 3, 2011

The personal papers and other materials of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, a founder of the Jewish Renewal movement, have been given to the University of Colorado. The material, including audio-visual material, have become part of the Colorado University-Boulder Library Archives, according to the Boulder Jewish News, after being in the care of Naropa University, which was working with the Reb Zalman Legacy Project of the Yesod Foundation to preserve, develop and circulate the rabbi's writings and teachings. The Jewish Renewal movement has infused modern Judaism with mystical teachings and contemplative practices influenced by Hasidism. The movement is run by ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal in Philadelphia.

Deals on December getaways

Published on November 19, 2010

It is so good to be a traveler during December. Whether you want a romantic escape, a girlfriends’ getaway or a family vacation, the deals are abundant as many people choose to stick closer to home through the holiday season. My family and I have traditionally hit the road and enjoyed destinations that are packed with value and are not crowded — great places for a quick winter trip.

Faith in Travel

By Amy Klein
Published on July 17, 2003

Vail, Colo., might seem like Siberia compared to the more established Jewish community of Los Angeles, yet here in Lionshead (elevation: 10,350 feet) there's some 75 Jews gathered for Shabbat morning services.