Written by Shlomit Ovadia of JCC Denver
On a chilly Saturday November 2nd evening, over 300 people gathered in the Phillips Social Hall at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center for JCC Denver’s annual TODAH celebration, a night of community, philanthropy, and connection to Jewish life. My partner and I arrived to a full parking lot and were greeted with mocktails, a photo op, and glittering chandeliers overhead. The scene felt like stepping into Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale as we navigated through throngs of guests.
Joyful moments on the dance floor at the Todah!
The main event commenced as grand red curtains parted to reveal a party like no other: LED stilt-walkers teetered above us, a sly magician glided between groups, energetic break dancers hyped the crowd with gravity-defying moves on the disco floor, and interactive activities including a station where we used electronic paint cans to graffiti our own images for an amusing keepsake, decorated the periphery. Rotating images of community moments flashed on a large overhead screen, serving as a reminder of the evening’s true purpose. I was only a few bites into my jackfruit corn taco before we were whisked to the dance floor and grooving to recognizable millennial hits like Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears, plus a few songs beyond my years.
Outside, the heated tent area was alive with giant games, cheers, and laughter. I let “beginner’s luck” get the best of me in an air hockey table game, only to quickly lose the next two rounds. A raucous group of teammates from the JCC Tennis Center added to the competitive energy. The night was filled with many meaningful connections. One woman recognized me from my usual work spot in the lobby, and we finally introduced ourselves. Another guest shared how the JCC was a vital part of their family’s move to Denver, especially through the Early Learning School. One friendly couple said how all three of their children have been attending JCC Ranch Camp for years. A few folks who have been swimming in our outdoor pool for decades made themselves known, too.
An enthusiastic crowd gathers, sharing in the celebration at the Todah!
There was a heartfelt moment when current board chair, Ed Nekritz, whose term concludes at the end of the year, was honored with the JCC Hineni Award presented by incoming chair, Mike Kboudi. A spontaneous hava-nagila group dance erupted shortly thereafter, with both men being lifted into the air with their spouses, in true, Jewish-event style. As the night wound down, an older woman with glitter in her hair approached us, offering sage advice. “Life is short,” she said, pulling us in for a group hug. “You just gotta go for it.”
It was an evening that underscored the heart of the JCC community—celebrating Jewish life, connecting with old friends and new faces, and embracing the joy of shared experiences. Whether it was someone’s first time attending Todah or their third, the effect was the same. We all left feeling part of something bigger, committed to supporting the JCC’s mission and ensuring its enduring impact for generations to come.
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