Inaugural Jewish fest provides fun for all
About 1,500 people from different backgrounds
turn out for food, music, children's activities and pursuits
both spiritual and secular.
By Sean McDonald
Denver Post Staff Writer [May 07, 2007]
After four years in Denver, Shaul Amir is returning home to
Israel next month.
As the Israel director for Denver's Allied Jewish Federation,
Amir says he has worked to bring the "heart of Israel to
Colorado."
Sunday, home was closer already.
The first Denver Jewish Festival brought together 1,500 people
from across the Front Range in a celebration of all that it
means to be Jewish.
"This is thrilling to me," Amir said. "So many
have come together to collaborate through this event."
Dozens of Israeli flags flew high, bands like Rocky
Mountain JewgrassTM
performed onstage, and food - strictly kosher
- was served on the grounds of the Denver Academy of Torah.
A collaborative effort between the Allied Jewish Federation
of Colorado and the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center,
the festival also recognized Israel's 59th birthday in April
and Lag B'Omer, a Jewish holiday.
An easygoing 1-mile walk drew nearly 800 people Sunday morning,
with the festival afterward drawing about 700 more, said Stacy
Rivera of the Allied Jewish Federation.
No money was raised, as the festival was merely a celebration.
"This is an opportunity to educate the Jewish and secular
communities," said Caron Blanke, director of family programs
for the JCC. "A place to connect with people."
More than 30 tents spanned the school's grounds, with booths
ranging from exotic to traditional, spiritual to strictly professional.
One stand - "The Reptile Hunter" - allowed kids
to mingle with two pythons, a blue-tongued skink, an iguana
and two tortoises.
A petting zoo sat in the shadow of a 20-foot climbing wall.
Nearby, artists sold jewelry, and kids flung themselves down
an inflatable slide.
"You can see all aspects of the community here,"
said attendee Craig Walker. "It's a gathering without boundaries,
a day of fun for everyone."
Fred Grover came with his 3-year-old son. Grover said he's
not Jewish - Presbyterian, actually - but lives near the school
and said the festival is a good experience for anyone.
"It's good to see this much culture near your home,"
he said. "Plus, there's nice music and good food."
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