Jews of the Wild West

TICKETS

July 28

In celebration of America at 250, the Boulder JCC presents two films illuminating Jewish contributions to our new nation’s history.

Join Boulder Jewish Film Festival founding director Kathryn Bernheimer and guests to view and discuss two festival favorites that shed light on unfamiliar chapters of American history.

“Jews of the Wild West,” which coincides with Colorado’s 150th year as a state, will be shown at 3 pm, with guest speaker Dee Dee Diamond. “The Levys of Monticello,” which offers an unusual take on Thomas Jefferson, screens at 1 pm. 

“Jews of the Wild West” highlights the contributions Jewish Americans made in shaping the Western United States. The story of Jewish pioneers who played a definitive role shaping the expansion of the United States has been largely forgotten. But by 1912, it is estimated that more than 100,000 Jewish immigrants, many fleeing persecution in Europe or simply seeking greater personal and economic freedom, had put down roots in the Wild West, leaving a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape. (Directed by Denver’s Amanda Kinsey. Running time: 83 minutes. 2022)

Guest Speaker: Boulder’s Dee Dee Diamond is the great, great grandniece of Solomon Bibo, one of the pioneers showcased in the film. Dee Dee traces her family’s fascinating journey from Prussia to America back to 1812, when great, great, great-grandfather Lukas Rosenstein first emigrated to escape conscription in Napoleon’s army.