The Jewish Outreach Initiative is

Name: JOI
Address: 8621 East Grand Avenue, Denver, CO, 80237, US
Telephone: (720) 900-4420

a program of Aish of the Rockies

Timeless
Wisdom For
Modern Lives

The destination for Young Jewish Families in Denver to experience the JOI in Judaism in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

JOI Presents Spring Symposium 2025:

FRONTLINE WARRIORS

THE FIGHT AGAINST CAMPUS ANTISEMITISM

an Aish Ha'am Production
with special guest
Shabbos Kestenbaum
Lead Plaintiff Against Harvard University

Learn More

In order to provide more equitable access to our programs, JOI has moved to "set your own price/donation" tickets for all of our programing. This way, you can pay what you think each program is worth to you, taking into consideration how much you can afford or you can choose to pay more to help offset the price for those less fortunate. For reference, events with dinner costs JOI about $40/person.

Hebrew School Reengineered from the Ground up.

Learn More

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OUR

ABOUT

The Jewish Outreach Initiative's mission is to Inspire people to live more thoughtful, spiritual, and impactful lives through Jewish learning and living. We offer programs for Young Jewish Families in the Denver Metro Area

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ABOUT US

JOI promo 2019

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CONTACT

‪(720) 900-4420‬

VISIT

For Jhub address, please contact us at ‪(720) 900-4420‬

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📖 Shvi’i shel Pesach This Week: When trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, God told the Israelites something unexpected: ‘Don’t pray move forward!’ The Midrash teaches us that only when Nachshon ben Aminadav waded into the water up to his nostrils did the sea finally split. Faith isn’t just about prayer it’s about taking that first brave step, even when the way forward seems impossible. God promises to be with us, but we must initiate the journey. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach! 🌊

During the Exodus, when the Jewish people found water at Mara after the splitting of the sea, they couldn’t drink it “because it was bitter.”
The Baal Shem Tov teaches that the verse isn’t saying the water was bitter - the PEOPLE were bitter after their journey.

Are we approaching life with bitterness that colors everything we experience?

#Passover #JewishWisdom #SederInsights

“Baruch Hashem” is a common Jewish expression, frequently abbreviated to “BH” ✡️

#Jewish #JewishWisdom #JewishLearning #BH #baruchhashem

Science confirms what Passover teaches: Gratitude transforms us! Research shows that regular gratitude practice:
Makes you 25% happier
Reduces chronic illness risk by 15%
Lowers stress hormone levels by 23%
When we say “had God not taken us out of Egypt, we’d still be slaves,” we’re acknowledging that without moments to thank God, we lose the ability to experience gratitude.

#Passover #MentalHealth #PassoverGratitude

🙏 This Passover, try asking “Why me?” about the GOOD things in your Exodus story.
we’ll recount the hardships our ancestors faced. But Passover is ultimately about redemption and freedom.
My brother wrote a song called “Why Me” that challenges us: What if we asked that same question about all our blessings?
this week, try shifting your perspective from “Why is this happening to me?” to “Why am I blessed with so much?”

#Passover #seder #gratitude #PassoverBlessings

Festivus from Seinfeld makes us laugh because it’s a holiday created just to air grievances. But it’s the opposite of what Passover teaches us!
As we celebrate Passover this month, notice how easily we slip into negativity as our automatic setting - seeing what’s wrong instead of right. This Passover season, let’s break free from our negativity bias and embrace the gratitude that defines this holiday of freedom.

#Passover #PassoverCelebration #JewishWisdom

Passover Delight: Ultimate Gluten-Free Chewy Cookies!

Just created what might be the BEST gluten-free Passover cookies ever! They’re perfectly chewy with a heavenly texture that doesn’t scream “gluten-free.” The secret? Using full containers of potato starch and brown sugar no measuring needed!

Ingredients:
1.5 cups oil (safflower or nut oil works great - avoid olive oil)
1 package vanilla pudding mix
1 cup white sugar
2 cups (16oz box) brown sugar
3 tbsp vanilla sugar
3 large eggs
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup orange juice
3.5 cups potato starch (one 24oz container)
5 cups almond flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp salt
Chocolate chips/chunks (I mix both for texture variety!)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F
Mix oil, juice, all sugars, pudding mix and eggs until well combined
Add potato starch, almond flour, baking soda and salt (mixing with gloved hands works best!)
Fold in chocolate and nuts
Form soup-spoon sized balls, slightly flatten on parchment paper
Bake 8-12 minutes until BARELY browning (they’ll set while cooling)
Let cool completely before moving

#glutenfree #passover #pesach #homemade #dessert

🤔 At your Seder this week, notice: We question the bitter but accept the sweet without thought.
On Passover, we ask why we’re dipping food in salt water (representing tears), but we never question dipping apples in honey on Rosh Hashanah.
As you sit at your Seder table this year, consider this profound insight about human nature - we question difficult experiences but simply accept good ones.
The salt water makes us pause and ask “why?” But the honey? We just enjoy it.

#Passover #SederInsights #JewishWisdom #SederTraditions

Thank you to all of those who made last weeks event a success! Special thanks to @pamyjink & @kevinjinkerson for all their hard work and dedication!

📖 Parshat Tzav This Week: Before beginning each day’s service, the Kohanim had to first remove yesterday’s ashes from the altar. What a powerful metaphor! Like Professor Milkman’s ‘fresh start effect,’ we don’t need to wait for special occasions to begin anew. Every morning offers us the chance to clear away yesterday’s residue and approach life with renewed purpose. The key to transformation isn’t finding the perfect moment, but recognizing that each day brings its own sacred opportunity. Shabbat Shalom. 🔥

#jewish #torah #personalgrowth

👁️ Passover wisdom: “It’s a beautiful day of freedom, but some still can’t see it.”
A blind man was ignored while begging until someone rewrote his sign to read: “It’s a beautiful day outside, but I can’t see it.”
Suddenly, people gave generously - because they were reminded to be grateful for what they had.
This Passover, as we celebrate our freedom, let’s remember those still struggling. The Haggadah reminds us: “In every generation, we must see ourselves as if WE left Egypt.”
Gratitude makes us more generous, happier, and healthier - the foundation of Passover and Judaism itself.

#Passover #JewishWisdom #PassoverCelebration

Remember the Seinfeld scene where George is furious because he gave Yankees tickets and got a charity donation card?
“I got him tickets. He got me a piece of paper saying he gave my gift to someone else!”
As we celebrate Passover this week, remember that the Hebrew word for gratitude (“modeh”) means to “admit,” acknowledging we don’t deserve what we received.
What undeserved gift are you reflecting on this Passover season? Share below!

#Passover #PassoverGratitude #ModehAni #JewishWisdom

📖 My moment of spiritual clarity happened in silence.

Sharing on the Zero Percent podcast how a synagogue service became her awakening. Sometimes, connection happens when you least expect it.

What unexpected moment changed your spiritual path?

#SpiritualAwakening #PersonalJourney #Transformation

In addition to three pieces of matzo, every Passover Seder also has a special plate for the other symbolic foods that are either eaten, or talked about, over the course of the evening

#passover #jew #seder

When we say our blessing over the matzah, we’re essentially thanking God for the ability to thank God - which sounds strange at first.
But as you celebrate Passover this week, remember this is one of our greatest expressions of freedom. Passover isn’t just about physical liberation - gratitude is how we demonstrate spiritual freedom.

This year at your Seder, notice how gratitude:
Makes us happier
Builds our relationships
Enhances our generosity

What’s one way you’re emphasizing gratitude in your Passover celebration this year? Share below!

#Passover #JewishIdentity #PassoverBlessings

🗓️ Why Passover matters: We mention the Exodus EVERY SINGLE DAY of our lives.
When God introduces Himself at Sinai, He doesn’t say “I created the world” but “I’m the Lord your God who took you out of Egypt.”
As we celebrate Passover this month, remember why we’re so “obsessed” with the Exodus - it’s the foundation of Jewish identity. At its core is a profound lesson about gratitude that shapes our daily prayers and practices.

#Passover #JewishIdentity #TorahWisdom

Nothing Says Passover Like Matzo Ball Soup!

The ultimate comfort food for your Seder table - homemade matzo ball soup that warms the soul and honors tradition.

Ingredients:
Chicken, Onions, Carrots, Zucchini, Parsnip, Fresh dill, Salt, Pepper, Garlic powder, Water
Matzo ball mix (be sure it's Kosher for Passover)

Steps:

1. Place chicken and onions with peels on in a large pot with water and bring to a simmer
2. Skim the surface until clear, removing any foam or impurities
3. Add all vegetables: carrots, zucchini, parsnip, and fresh dill
4. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, a little sugar, and any other desired spices
5. Let simmer on low heat for several hours (ideally overnight - start around 9-10pm and let it cook through morning)
6. Prepare matzo balls according to package directions
Add matzo balls to the soup and serve

This video was shot before Passover, so when making your own, be sure to use ingredients specifically marked “Kosher for Passover” to ensure they meet all holiday requirements.

A beloved Passover classic that brings families together generation after generation. Simple ingredients, timeless taste.

#PassoverRecipes #MatzoBallSoup #KosherForPassover

Did you know the reasons behind these traditions? 👰‍♀️ What is your favorite Jewish wedding tradition? ❤️

#Jewish #Weddings #JewishWedding

We call it “Passover.” God calls it the “Holiday of Matzos.” Why the difference?
When we name the holiday Pesach/Passover, we focus on God’s miracle of passing over our homes during the plague of the firstborn.
But in the Torah, God calls it “Hag HaMatzot” - the Holiday of Matzos.
The difference? We focus on what God did for us, while God focuses on what we did for Him.
As you break matzah at your Seder this week, remember: true Passover gratitude isn’t about entitlement but recognizing undeserved gifts.

#Passover #Matzah #JewishWisdom #PassoverMeaning

Passover is a Jewish festival that happens each spring. It’s a holiday rich in customs, special foods, and traditions. It’s coming up in a few days!

#desserttable #dessertbuffet #blueandwhite #כחוללבן #dessert @aishglobal @sarahlehrfield

#geodecake #cakedecoration #cakedecorating

From powerful speeches to inspiring conversations, yesterday’s event brought people together around unity, identity, and a shared mission. Here’s a look at the energy, passion, and purpose that filled the room with close to 600 people learning about antisemitism on campus and being empowered to make real changes. You can see full album on our Facebook page. Have you voted yet in the WZC election yet? Reach out to learn how! #frontlinewarriors @aishglobal @sarahlehrfield

#EventVibes #CommunityMoments #jewishevents

#AishHaAm #JewishUnity #jewishcommunity

Last night was extraordinary with close to 600 people learning about antisemitism on campus and being empowered to make real changes. You can see full album on our Facebook page. Have you voted yet in the WZC election yet? Reach out to learn how! #frontlinewarriors @aishglobal @sarahlehrfield

#EventVibes #CommunityMoments #jewishevents

Because no great event is complete without great food. From savory bites to sweet treats, the spread at yesterday’s program was nothing short of delicious. Swipe to taste with your eyes!

#EventEats #FoodieMoments #jewishevents

Let’s celebrate our freedom and work to make sure our hostages come home

Comment below! ✡️💕⬇️

#Jewish #Thankful #Gratitude

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The Jewish Outreach Initiative is

a program of Aish of the Rockies

Timeless
Wisdom For
Modern Lives

The destination for Young Jewish Families in Denver to experience the JOI in Judaism in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

JOI Presents Spring Symposium 2025:

FRONTLINE WARRIORS

THE FIGHT AGAINST CAMPUS ANTISEMITISM

an Aish Ha'am Production
with special guest
Shabbos Kestenbaum
Lead Plaintiff Against Harvard University

Featured Events

Hebrew School Reengineered from the Ground up.

MEET
OUR

ABOUT

JOI promo 2019

CONTACT

VISIT

SUBSCRIBE

SOCIAL

Follow us on Instagram

​

The Jewish Outreach Initiative is

a program of Aish of the Rockies

Timeless Wisdom For Modern Lives

The destination for Young Jewish Families in Denver to experience the JOI in Judaism in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

JOI Presents Spring Symposium 2025:

FRONTLINE WARRIORS

THE FIGHT AGAINST CAMPUS ANTISEMITISM

an Aish Ha'am Production with special guest Shabbos Kestenbaum Lead Plaintiff Against Harvard University

Featured Events

Hebrew School Reengineered from the Ground up.

MEET OUR

ABOUT

JOI promo 2019

CONTACT

VISIT

SUBSCRIBE

SOCIAL

​

Follow us on Instagram

Timeless
Wisdom For
Modern Lives

an Aish Ha'am Production
with special guest
Shabbos Kestenbaum
Lead Plaintiff Against Harvard University

MEET
OUR