Yom huledet sameach, Israel! 

We are about to throw down a massive (yet wildly impressive) list of 18 things YOU can do to celebrate Israel’s 70th and commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. For Israel’s big day, Israeli’s will be partaking in festivities for over 70 hours in order to celebrate Israel’s success as the “Start-Up Nation” as well as to honor the lives of those we’ve lost throughout Israel’s quest for independence.

1. April 11, 6:30 pm–8:00 pm, Temple Sinai: Yom Hashoah–Holocaust Memorial Service

The Denver Jewish community will observe Yom Hashoah this year with a special service and program where we will share prayers, meditations, and presentations that recall the tragedy of the Holocaust and pay tribute to the survivors.

2. April 14, 9:00 pm, Alamo Drafthouse at Sloan’s Lake: Heading Home–The Tale of Team Israel

The Denver Jewish Film Festival, sponsored by Sturm Family Foundation, is proud to celebrate Israel with the Denver premiere of “Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel.”
A stirring story of sports, patriotism and personal growth, Heading Home charts the underdog journey of Israel’s national baseball team competing for the first time in the World Baseball Classic.

3. April 15, 10:00 am–4:00 pm, Boulder JCC: Colorado Jewish Food Fest 

Come experience how Jewish people do food in the 21st century. There is a lot going on at this year’s fest: DIY Pop-Up, A La Carte Workshops, and of course, lots of food to taste. Tickets are just $5 in advance ($10 at the door) and workshops are individually priced. Come eat your heart out and celebrate Israel and Jewish culture!

4. April 17, 6–7:30 pm, Boulder JCC: Yom Hazikaron: Honoring Israel’s Fallen Soldiers

Attend the IDF Israeli Memorial Day Ceremony commemorating the personal stories of friends and relatives of Colorado residents who fell in Israeli wars and terror attacks. We look forward to sharing this important event with you and your families.

5. Celebrate your Israeli pride by wearing it on your (literal) sleeve!

We found some great Israeli Flag gear on this outstanding website that will help you showcase your support of Israel.

6. April 18, 5:00 pm, Boulder JCC: Yom Ha’atzmaut: Community Celebration

This action-packed evening will include a special ceremony celebrating Israel’s 70th birthday, including a keynote address from Stacy Warden on “How Israeli Technology Changed My Family’s Life.” Falafel, drinks, and desserts will be available for purchase. All ages are welcome!

7.  April 20, 5:30 pm, Temple Emanuel: Shishi Israel

Celebrate Israel at this annual, community-wide Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. Enjoy Shabbat service, dinner, activities for children, and more at this fabulous event.

Celebrate Israel

8. Read The Declaration of The Establishment of The State of Israel

On May 14, 1948, the Jewish People’s Council gathered at the Tel Aviv Museum and declared the establishment of the State of Israel. If you haven’t read the declaration before, be sure to do so. It’s incredibly moving and there’s no better time than Israel’s 70th Birthday to look it over.

9. April 24, 6–7:30 pm, Temple Emanuel: ADL 37th Annual Governor’s Holocaust Remembrance Program

The Anti-Defamation League’s Governor’s Holocaust Remembrance Program is one of the largest in the United States and allows Coloradans of all faiths to come together to honor Holocaust survivors, remember those who perished, educate the community about this horrible crime against humanity and translate those lessons into contemporary action.

10. Mark next year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut on your calendar

Nothing says “celebration” better than “preparation,” right? It’s a stretch–we get it. But! If you are looking to plan out next year’s celebration (by traveling to Israel, perhaps?) be sure to mark May 9, 2019 as Israel’s 71st birthday (and April 29, 2020 as its 72nd…just sayin’).

11. April 28, 7:30–10:00 pm, JCC Denver Wolf Theatre: Theatre Or Presents Rochaleh’s Wedding by Savyon Liebrecht

To celebrate Israel’s 70th anniversary, Theatre Or is presenting a workshop production of Rochaleh’s Wedding. A comedy-drama about a dysfunctional Israeli family, it won best play in Israel in 2010 and this is its first presentation in the United States in any format. It will be preceded by a catered dessert reception an hour before curtain and is co-sponsored by the Hebrew Educational Alliance and the Mizel Arts and Culture Center. Suggested donation of $22, but no one turned away.

12. April 29, 11:00 am–1:00 pm, Temple Sinai: Kugel Cook Off!

We need all kugel makers & tasters to join in on the delicious fun of the Temple Sinai Kugel Cook-off! Sweet or savory, hot or cold–kugels of all kinds will be judged for only a $5 entry fee. If interested in participating in the baking or tasting, contact Grace Back at 303-471-0155 by April 15.

You can also register online here.

Celebrate Israel

13. Serve up some outstanding homemade hummus.

We found this stellar recipe for hummus and our lives have, honestly, never been the same. Whip some up for your family as you celebrate Israel’s birthday. It’s (almost) better than birthday cake!

14. May 1, 6:30 pm–8:30 pm, Temple Emanuel: Bubbe’s Kitchen Series–Learn to Cook Jewish

Have you been craving the know-how to cook Jewish staples? Join us for wine, appetizers, and cooking classes from community experts that will leave you shouting, “knish me, I’m Jewish!”.

15. May 4, 7:30 pm–11:30 pm, Mile High Station: Yom Ha’atzmaut Dance Party

Come celebrate Israel’s birthday and dance the night away with food, drinks, and tons of fun. Ticket price: $25-$30.

16. May 6, 8:30 am–1:00 pm, South High School: Celebrate Israel Walk & Festival

Show your support for the State of Israel on Sunday, May 6 by taking part in a two mile walk through the Wash Park neighborhood. After the walk, come by and take part in the Celebrate Israel Family Festival at South High School. It’s an action-packed day that’s fun for the whole family.

17. Check out this awesome list of “70 Fun Facts for 70 Years”

Published by JewishBoston, this list has some great trivia and information for anyone who appreciates that sort of thing. Here’s our favorite fact: Israel has the world’s highest rate of entrepreneurship among women. Crazy cool!

18. Sing “Happy Birthday” to Israel in Hebrew!

If you don’t know it already (which is absolutely fine!) check out this helpful video and learn how to sing “Happy Birthday” in Hebrew! We’re pretty sure if you sing loud enough, all of Israel will be able to hear it.


We are so thankful for the last 70 years. The J stands with the Israeli people and we wish them health and happiness in this triumphant time of celebration, as well as this period of mourning for those who have lost their life.

Happy Birthday, Israel.