The Jewish Outreach Initiative

Under the leadership of Rabbi Yaakov Meyer, Founder of Aish of the Rockies, Southeast Denver has experienced tremendous growth over the past three decades.  In 2011, Rabbi Meyer had the foresight to create a unique platform to engage the next generation in meaningful Jewish experiences. The Jewish Outreach Initiative (JOI)was born. 

Until then most outreach opportunities presented themselves in formal traditional synagogue or lecture - type setting. According  to Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield, the director of JOI, “there was a serious need for a paradigm shift in Judaism. Instead of using labels and denominations, which are the very things that divide us, let’s focus on what we have in common.” JOI is that place that celebrates our connection; to ourselves, to our community, and to our Jewish Heritage.

JOI is here, empowering Jews to own their Judaism, to love their Judaism and to bring Judaism to life everyday. Over the past ten years JOI has built an inclusive, non-judgmental community where each person is valued and respected for who they are and where they are on their unique Jewish journey. 

The support of JOI has been overwhelming over the years proving the need for a community where we are not defined by labels but by our commitment to our personal Jewish journey and the Jewish people as expressed in our own unique ways.

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The JHUB

In 2017 JOI began to test a new strategy to widen our reach and depth. We set a goal to make our big programs bigger and at the same time create more intimate opportunities for connection on a more regular basis. We believed that this would allow us to reach even more Jews as well as forge deeper relationships with those most engaged.

To accomplish this goal we opened the JHub in 2018 with the support, vision and guidance of Rabbi Meyer and the Board of Directors of the Southeast Center for Judaism, known as Aish of the Rockies. 

The JHub was created to be a Jewish home-away-from-home, where families can express and explore their heritage in an authentic and personal way, while creating meaningful relationships that foster personal growth.

Our newly purchased and remodeled property, situated directly opposite the sweeping Walles Park allows our outdoor space to expand as far as the eye can see.  Inside the Hub, the great room is designed especially for Shabbat dinners, classes and events, while a more intimate lounge space allows for smaller, less formal get togethers. Complete with a coffee bar, adult spaces and child spaces alike, the new JHub is sure to become the perfect backdrop for creating positive, meaningful relationships through shared experiences.

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Partner With Us 

The JHub is a $750,000 Project. With the skilled and professional leadership of the Aish of the Rockies Finance Committee,  and dedication to the Jewish community, we have nearly completed work on this exciting new endeavor. The time is now. We invite you to take part in this exciting next chapter with us to make our project sustainable and help us meet our goal. 

Dedication opportunities available at all donor levels.

Contact Zev Jacobs, COO & Director of Donor Engagement at zjacobs@aishrockies.org or at 720-775-5914 or Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield at info@joidenver.com .

Thank you for your support and partnership.