About Judaism Your Way

We believe in extending the warmest of welcomes to all who come. This means that no matter what people bring—different backgrounds, experiences, understandings—we greet them where they are, without seeking conformity. We invite people to feel included for who they are and to extend that inclusion to each other.

We understand the fundamental human need for belonging. We foster belonging by connecting with our neighbors as a community—to understand, empathize, and share experience. We foster belonging by connecting spiritually, with humankind, with nature, with the earth, and ultimately with ourselves. We connect to the profound richness of the Jewish culture and faith, while belonging to the future evolution of Judaism. And we know that Judaism belongs to us all.

Together, we courageously lead the way—creating a world of kindness and compassion. We’re compelled to engage as caring and responsible citizens of the world, joining hands for the common good. We look to Jewish wisdom to enrich our own and each other’s lives with meaning and purpose, grounded in the oneness that connects us all.

Being engaged and connected as part of something whole and sacred—this is our goal. We understand Judaism as a relevant and meaningful path of human evolution. We believe in a Judaism beyond fear, defined by inclusion, acceptance, and love. We’re here to learn from centuries of Jewish teachings and evolve our practice for the future. We’re here to transform the experience of what it means to be Jewish.

Judaism Your Way is founded on the generosity of Abraham and Sarah’s open tent. We believe that generosity means everyone is welcomed and embraced wherever they are on their Jewish journey. We powerfully manifest generosity in everything we do. Our services are inspired by a spirit of giving, starting with free High Holidays. Our relationships are rooted in care, compassion, and connection. And our vision for Judaism is expansive in all that it can be.

Since our inception in 2003 by interfaith couple Don and Susan Sturm, Judaism Your Way has been leading the way in the expansion of the Jewish spectrum and experience, offering a wide range of programs and events to anyone craving that special Jewish connection. Our signature High Holiday services in beautiful outdoor settings began almost immediately, introducing the Colorado community to our maximally inclusive philosophy.

In 2010, we launched the first iteration of our Open Tent Be Mitzvah program, with just 3 students and 1 rabbi. Our dedication and impact were recognized by the esteemed Slingshot: A Resource Guide to Jewish Innovation, with accolades in 2011, 2017, and 2018 for our outstanding efforts in reaching Jewish populations previously disconnected from Jewish life.

Our commitment to innovation led us to be selected for cohort 11 of the prestigious UpStart Venture Accelerator in January 2019, solidifying our position as trailblazers in the Jewish community. That same innovation and nimble spirit allowed us to evolve through the COVID pandemic, shifting our signature High Holiday services and year-round programs to livestreaming and virtual platforms. For the first time, thousands were able to join us from nearly every US state and more than 10 countries – launching Judaism Your Way into a national spotlight and creating a global community.

As more and more people experienced our services, lifecycles, and programs, we kept hearing the same question: “What’s your secret sauce?” In 2021, we formalized our philosophy called The Torah of Inclusion™ and use it as our north star – both in how we craft transformative and joyful experiences and in how we envision the future of Judaism. In 2022, our Board of Directors approved a strategic plan to guide our work through 2025, detailing four distinct goals to maximize our financial sustainability, expand our programmatic reach and impact, elevate our presence, and strengthen internal resources.

The Judaism Your Way community continues to grow and thrive!

Our Open Tent Be Mitzvah program, now serving 100 students each year, was recognized by The Jewish Education Project as a model that is “thriving in action” by putting family at the center, adding value to a family’s life, affirming diverse people and families, elevating cultural identities, and redefining the role of teacher and learner.

We are on track to complete our Mitzvah Your Way endowment campaign by 2025, ensuring Judaism Your Way can meet the needs of our community not only today, but for decades to come.