06/04/2026
Recent incidents affecting members of the Jewish community in the Yampa Valley have served as an important reminder that antisemitism remains a challenge in communities across the country, including our own. Over the past several weeks, local leaders have responded to incidents involving derogatory comments directed at Jewish students, antisemitic social media activity, and other events that have caused concern among Jewish residents.
This week also marks one year since the terrorist attack at Boulder’s Run for Their Lives gathering, where members of the Jewish community had gathered in solidarity with hostages held in Gaza. The attack killed one member of the Jewish community, injured several others, and left lasting trauma for many individuals and families across Colorado and beyond. For many Jewish community members, the anniversary serves as a painful reminder that antisemitism can have real and devastating consequences.
Community partners, including local schools, law enforcement, and regional organizations, have worked collaboratively to support those affected by recent local incidents and to address concerns as they arise. While these events are troubling, they do not tell the full story of our community.
The Yampa Valley is also a place where neighbors show up for one another, where difficult conversations can lead to greater understanding, and where diversity strengthens the fabric of community life.
This weekend offers meaningful opportunities for residents to demonstrate support for the Jewish community while celebrating the traditions, culture, and values that enrich our region.
On Friday, June 5, at 6:00 p.m., community members are invited to the Strings Tent for Jewish Community Appreciation Night: A Taste of Shabbat with Rabbi Kolby. This free gathering will feature light refreshments and an opportunity to learn about Jewish traditions and the meaning of Shabbat in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Following the event, attendees are encouraged to attend Fiddler on the Roof, the beloved musical that celebrates Jewish family, tradition, resilience, and joy.
On Saturday, June 6, at 6:00 p.m., STAND (Steamboat Team to Disrupt Antisemitism and Discrimination) will host Interfaith Understanding, a special pre-show conversation in the Strings Tent led by Pastor Tim and Rabbi Kolby. The discussion will explore interfaith understanding and antisemitism through a lens of respect, curiosity, and shared community values, followed by a Havdalah celebration. No registration is required, and all are welcome and, again, everyone is invited to attend Fiddler on the Roof at Strings following the gathering.
"One of the most meaningful ways to respond to discrimination is through connection and JOY!" said Rabbi Kolby Morris of Har Mishpacha: the Jewish Congregation of Steamboat. "When we show up for one another, learn from one another, and celebrate the cultures and traditions that make our community vibrant, we help build the kind of Yampa Valley where everyone feels they belong."
Community members are encouraged to attend one or both pre-show events and to join friends and neighbors at Fiddler on the Roof throughout the weekend. In a moment when many members of the Jewish community are carrying both the weight of recent local incidents and the memory of broader acts of antisemitic violence, participation is more than attendance... it is a visible expression of solidarity, friendship, and support.
At its heart, this weekend is about community. It is about learning from one another, celebrating Jewish culture and traditions, and affirming that the Yampa Valley is strongest when all people feel seen, valued, and welcome.
About STAND
STAND (Steamboat Team to Disrupt Antisemitism and Discrimination) works to build a more inclusive Yampa Valley by fostering education, dialogue, collaboration, and action to address antisemitism, discrimination, and bias in all forms.
About Har Mishpacha
Har Mishpacha ("Mountain Family") is the Jewish congregation of Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley. Its mission is to foster a community of belonging that inspires all to embrace their connection to Jewish life, traditions, and values in our unique mountain town. Har Mishpacha's vision is to be a welcoming Mountain Family where everyone can find meaningful Jewish experiences, a supportive community, and spiritual fulfillment while serving as a beacon of light, inspiration, and connection in the Yampa Valley and beyond. Through worship, education, cultural programming, service, and community engagement, Har Mishpacha enriches Jewish life and strengthens relationships throughout the broader community.
