Jewish & Widowed: A New Community Group

A new community-wide initiative, Jewish & Widowed, is the focus of our program this week on Radio Chavura. The group, offering a safe, non-threatening way to begin new friendships, will hold its first event this coming Wednesday, May 8th.  The program is open to Jewish men and women of all ages who have lost a spouse or significant other. Joining us in the 990 KRKS AM studios to discuss the creation of Jewish & Widowed, as well as its goals, are Connie Suson and Lisa Thorner. Connie, programming director at Congregation Rodef Shalom, came up with the concept for a community-supported program to connect Jewish men and women who've lost a spouse or partner.  Connie's own father is a widower. Among those who quickly embraced the concept and shared in its development is Lisa Thorner, programming director at Temple Sinai, who also has a widowed parent. Connie and Lisa stress that Jewish & Widowed is not a dating service, nor is it a forum for a "group cry."  Rather, it's aimed at fostering friendships and fun among individuals who, in time, will direct their own social functions. Our interview with Connie and Lisa will be especially interesting to potential group members; their friends and family; and to other community leaders who will enjoy hearing how Connie, Lisa and others have found common purpose, even though they represent different Jewish congregations, religious affiliations and organizations. Radio Chavura is proud to join these other organizations as co-sponsors of Jewish & Widowed:  Allied Jewish Apartments; BMH-BJ: The Denver Synagogue; B'nai Havurah; Congregation Rodef Shalom; Feldman Mortuary; Hebrew Educational Alliance; JFS at the JCC; Keshet; Shalom Cares; Temple Emanuel; and Temple Sinai.  For more information, contact Connie at 303-399-0035.  Everyone is welcome to kibbutz, kvel and laugh - just not to kvetch (this is an upbeat group)! Photo:  Lisa Thorner, Temple Sinai