Connection When It Matters Most

Madison Esses: Finding Belonging through Invitation

For Madison Esses, finding Olami wasn’t just about learning more Judaism. It was about finding connection at a moment when she needed it most. After October 7th, Madison found herself searching. She had grown up Jewish but not particularly observant, attending BMH-BJ with her family mostly on the holidays. In the weeks that followed, she felt a pull toward something deeper, a desire for grounding and meaning during an uncertain time.

That search led her somewhere unexpected: a dessert table at BMH-BJ. Madison was attending an event honoring her grandmother when Sara Wolfe walked over, smiled, and asked,

“Do I know you?”

Madison laughed and said no, and within moments, Sara invited her to come sit with her. What began as a small, almost throwaway interaction quickly turned into something much more meaningful.

Through that simple invitation, Madison found herself welcomed into Shabbat dinners, classes, and conversations that felt warm and genuine. She was introduced to Rabbi Danny Wolfe, whose sermons quickly became something she looked forward to hearing. Madison also began attending Sara’s Saturday classes, discovering a Judaism that felt accessible, thoughtful, and real.

The difference wasn’t just in what was being taught, but in how it was offered. The Wolfes created spaces defined by calm, kindness, and authenticity, where curiosity was encouraged and questions were met with respect. Judaism no longer felt intimidating or distant. It felt inviting, something Madison could engage with honestly and at her own pace.

Over time, Olami became more than a place to learn. It became a community where Madison felt seen and supported. What began as a moment of searching became a sense of belonging, built through connection, compassion, and people who showed up at exactly the right moment. For Madison, Olami became a home.

Aaron Polster: A Broad Tent of Learning

Aaron’s connection to TJE began at a moment when many Jews were searching for something steadier and more grounding. “I really got involved after October 7th,” he shared. “I just needed a more consistent, deeper connection than what we were getting before.” That search led him to Olami and to Rabbi Danny Wolfe, who quickly became a central figure in his Jewish life. “He’s still my go-to,” Aaron said, “my guy.”

What stood out immediately was the breadth of TJE itself. “What I love about TJE is that it keeps things fresh,” he explained. “There are different leaders for different age groups, and so many things going on.” That variety matters, especially in a city where young professional programming can sometimes feel repetitive. “Sometimes those events are rinse and repeat,” Aaron noted. “Here, I like the shakeup. You get people from totally different backgrounds.”

That mix is especially visible on Wednesday nights at Food for Thought, which Aaron describes as

“this massive tent of learning.”

Each room offers something different, and the range of people in attendance is just as wide. “Sometimes I’m hanging out with women in their 80s,” he added. “And I think that’s fun.”

One experience that resonated deeply was learning about the reach of Clean Speech Colorado. While familiar with the local programming, Aaron was struck to learn that Rabbi Raphael Leban’s curriculum had spread far beyond Denver. “There aren’t a lot of organizations that can trailblaze something from scratch and then spread it across states,” he said. “That speaks to the quality of what TJE is doing.”

What keeps Aaron coming back is the sense of growth and evolution. “Every year is different,” he said. “You’re doing everything you can to keep things fresh and exciting for all demographics.” For Aaron, Olami and TJE provide connection without pressure, growth without judgment, and a community that meets people exactly where they are.