Building a Forever Home for Jewish Life in Boulder
Congregation Bonai Shalom is creating a purpose-built campus next to Milk & Honey Farm on Boulder Jewish Commons. Solar-powered. Kosher kitchen. Designed for the next 100 years.
Artist rendering — Finegold Alexander Architects
One of the Only Growing Conservative Congregations in America
Bonai Shalom is one of the rare Conservative Jewish congregations in the United States — and likely the world — that is actively growing. With 300 member families and 40% growth in Shabbat attendance over five years, this community has defied every trend.
But they've outgrown their current space. High Holiday services require overflow. The Hebrew school has no dedicated classrooms. The next generation of Boulder Jews deserves a permanent, purpose-built home.
Member Families
Shabbat Attendance Growth (5 years)
Youth Enrolled (16% increase this year)
Years of Rabbi Soloway's Leadership
Design Objectives Rooted in Jewish Values
Every design decision reflects the congregation's commitment to creating a space that is both sacred and welcoming.
Timeless & Enduring
Designed to appeal to and last for many generations
Rooted in Place
Born from a rich history and designed for growth
Haimish
Home-like, cozy, and unpretentious
Tikkun Olam
Committed to repairing the world
Humble Beauty
Celebratory but never opulent
Nature Embrace
Embracing climate and Boulder's love of the outdoors
Universally Accessible
A fully accessible facility for all
Engagement
A collaborative process reflecting collective aspirations
Resilient
Built for long-term stability and safety
A Synagogue That Practices What It Preaches
Solar-Powered Sanctuary
Recipient of a Jewish Solar Challenge grant. The new building will generate its own energy, honoring the value of Shomrei Adamah — guardians of the earth.
Kosher Kitchen with Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Our community kitchen will always offer vegetarian and vegan options — reducing carbon footprint while deepening our commitment to tza'ar ba'alei chayim and kashrut.
Adjacent to Milk & Honey Farm
The new campus sits directly next to the Boulder JCC's Milk & Honey Farm — a 2+ acre educational sustainable farm practicing regenerative agriculture, composting, beekeeping, and seasonal food donation.
LEED-Aligned Design
Energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and a commitment to bal tashchit — the prohibition against needless destruction.
Boulder JCC Campus Partnership
Co-located with the LEED-certified Boulder JCC, sharing community and sustainability programming. A model for institutional collaboration.
“This initiative allows us to lessen our environmental impact while ensuring that our actions reflect our deep moral obligation to preserve the world for future generations.”
Designed for Prayer, Learning, and Gathering — Indoors and Out
Over 12,000 square feet of purpose-built space on a 2.5-acre site. High-quality, durable materials including natural stone reminiscent of Jerusalem, warm wood accents, and a design built to last for generations.
Artist rendering of the new Bonai Shalom campus — Finegold Alexander Architects
Sanctuary for Elevation
400+ capacity for High Holidays. Acoustics designed for music and prayer. Outdoor overflow seating with views of the mountains.
Community Social Hall
Flexible spaces from intimate gatherings of 20 to celebrations of 200. Professional kosher kitchen with vegetarian and vegan options.
Beit Midrash & Learning Spaces
Dedicated spaces for study, adult learning, and small group gatherings. Bright, flexible, and inspiring.
Community Court & Gathering
Welcoming indoor spaces with comfortable seating, coffee station, and room for connection before and after services.
6018 Oreg Avenue, Boulder Jewish Commons — Adjacent to Boulder JCC & Milk & Honey Farm
A Sacred Space for Prayer and Celebration
Designed for 400+ during High Holidays, with beautiful stained glass, warm wood finishes, and seamless connection to outdoor overflow seating.
Facing the Ark
View toward the Tree of Life ark, with warm wood ceiling panels and natural light
Colorado Living, Jewish Spirit
Our campus embraces Boulder's outdoor culture with thoughtfully designed spaces for gathering, play, and reflection.
Entry Garden
A welcoming entrance framed by Japanese maples and native plantings.
Nature Play Area
Natural playground elements for children to explore and connect with the outdoors.
Outdoor Gathering Circle
Space for music, conversation, and community connection under Colorado skies.
Garden Pathways
Peaceful walking paths through native Colorado landscaping and wildflowers.
Moon Garden
A contemplative space for reflection with stepping stones and lavender.
High Holiday Overflow
Covered outdoor seating that extends the sanctuary for High Holiday services.
A Day in the Life of the New Building
Walk through the new campus with Rabbi Mark and Jeff Don Levy — from the entry courtyard with its lavender and mountain views, through the community court, sanctuary, and out to the Jewish-themed playground where children never want to leave.
In This Moment, Building Jewish Space Is an Act of Continuity
In a time of rising antisemitism across the country, creating permanent Jewish spaces is more important than ever. The Boulder Jewish community's response has been measured, compassionate, and resilient — providing pastoral care, healing, and renewed commitment. This building project, years in planning, carries deep meaning as an expression of permanence and hope.
Our new campus is a statement of permanence, hope, and unwavering commitment to Jewish continuity in Boulder.
This is not just a building for Boulder. It is infrastructure for Jewish continuity — a model that communities across the country are watching. Safe sanctuaries for Jewish life in cities like Boulder represent a meaningful step forward for contemporary Jewish community.
The Community Has Already Done the Hard Part
Raised to Date (from 200+ donor families)
Remaining to Close
Campaign Complete
Land Acquired on Boulder Jewish Commons
Site Review Filed with City of Boulder
Architectural Design Advanced (Finegold Alexander Architects)
200+ Families Pledged
Final $2M Campaign Close (Q2–Q3 2025)
Groundbreaking (Target: Late 2026)
Campus Opening (Target: 2027–2028)
Land Acquired on Boulder Jewish Commons
Site Review Filed with City of Boulder
Architectural Design Advanced (Finegold Alexander Architects)
200+ Families Pledged
Final $2M Campaign Close (Q2–Q3 2025)
Groundbreaking (Target: Late 2026)
Campus Opening (Target: 2027–2028)
Every Dollar Has a Purpose
The project is designed to open debt-free with long-term maintenance planning.
Your Name on the Future of Jewish Life in Boulder
All naming recognitions follow congregational guidelines and honor donor intent. We work collaboratively to ensure your gift creates meaningful legacy aligned with your values. Additional naming opportunities at various levels will be announced soon.
Strategic Philanthropy at the Intersection of Jewish Continuity and Environmental Leadership
Jewish Continuity & Education
Permanent home for 89 youth (16% growth this year), lifelong learners, Hebrew school, teen engagement. Next-generation infrastructure.
Environmental Innovation
Solar-powered, kosher kitchen with vegetarian/vegan options, farm-adjacent. A replicable model for sustainable Jewish institutional design.
Community Resilience
Safe, welcoming gathering space designed with contemporary security needs while maintaining radical hospitality and openness.
Strategic Partnership
Co-location with Boulder JCC creates programming synergies and a visible Jewish presence. Blueprint for mid-sized Jewish communities nationwide.
Your foundation's investment delivers:
50+ years of institutional capacity, debt-free opening, 2,500+ annual participants, and a nationally replicable campus model.
82% raised through community effort, with construction expected to commence in mid-2026. Foundation investment completes a project with proven momentum, strong governance, and fiduciary responsibility including annual independent audits and quarterly board review.
Boulder Planning Board Unanimously Approved Our Project
On February 17, 2025, the Boulder Planning Board voted unanimously that our plan met all site review criteria.
“This is one of the few applications that I feel joy about.”
“I appreciate the site's compatibility with the surrounding area. This project supports safe and convenient non-automobile travel through new pedestrian connections, crosswalk improvements, and bicycle parking. This represents a logical continuation of an established presence in the area, meeting the growing needs of their community.”
“We don't often get to reference the equity, safety, and community health section of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan in our reviews. I think it is important that we support projects like this that are actively building our social infrastructure here in Boulder. I want to make sure that you know that your work in the Boulder community matters greatly to our larger shared project of living together in place.”
Join Us in Building the Future
Your tax-deductible gift to Congregation Bonai Shalom supports the construction of our new home and ensures Jewish life thrives in Boulder for generations to come.
This will open the New Building Donation form on the main Congregation Bonai Shalom website in a new tab. To continue reading about the project, come back to this tab.
Questions About Giving?
For major gifts, naming opportunities, or to discuss your donation, contact Karli:
Congregation Bonai Shalom is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.