Faces of TJE: Aaron Polster
“Judaism is a suitcase. You pack it how you want, and take it where you want.”
For Aaron Polster, the events of October 7, 2023, marked a profound shift—not just globally, but personally.

Before then, Aaron had what many might call a “satisfactory” Jewish life in Denver. He was no stranger to Jewish tradition. He’d gather 30 friends for an annual Passover seder, attend synagogue for the High Holidays, and occasionally host or join a Shabbat dinner. Community was there—but it wasn’t until tragedy struck that Aaron realized something deeper was missing.
“After the October 7 attack, I realized, along with many other Jews, that I needed more meaningful Jewish connections in my day-to-day life,” he says.
Aaron began exploring the landscape of Jewish organizations in Denver, seeking something that felt more grounded—something that could offer spiritual depth, connection, and community in a time of darkness. That search brought him to The Jewish Experience.
“I will always remember how quickly and strongly my connection formed with TJE,” Aaron recalls. “They provide balance—catering to the lives and questions of young Jews today, while honoring the deep roots of Jewish tradition. Their staff and the people they bring in create an experience that resonates with me very deeply. I’m forever grateful for the sanctuary TJE provided during such a troubling time.”
That sense of sanctuary wasn’t just emotional—it was spiritual. It reminded Aaron of the strength that comes not only from community, but from faith.

“My grandfather is a Holocaust survivor,” Aaron says. “Our family’s history is rooted in antisemitism. I never thought I would witness something as heinous as the October 7 attacks in my lifetime. I’ve heard slurs, I’ve been the butt of Jewish jokes, but I didn’t think it would escalate to that level of brutality. It made me realize: we’re not just studying Jewish history—we are part of it.”
This awareness sharpened Aaron’s commitment to living a life of meaning, strength, and resilience rooted in faith. “You have one life,” he says. “And without faith, that life is half empty.”
Aaron draws on Jewish wisdom to guide him both personally and professionally—and one value in particular stands out: consistency.
“Without consistency, you aren’t giving yourself a fair shot at any goal—whether it’s fitness, study, or your career,” he says. “And the same goes for religion. You have to give Judaism a consistent shot, too.”
“Without consistency, you aren’t giving yourself a fair shot at any goal
Aaron encourages other young Jewish professionals to experiment with different ways of connecting to their identity—whether that means a trip to Israel, taking on a mitzvah, or simply committing to weekly Shabbat dinners.
“Judaism is a suitcase. You pack it how you want, and take it where you want,” he says. “There is no one ‘correct’ way to be Jewish. And that’s what makes our tradition so beautiful. Less than 1% of the world is Jewish—it’s a gift to be part of this people. Whether through good middot, a meaningful holiday, or a conversation that opens your heart, find what resonates most deeply for you.”
Aaron’s story is a reminder that Judaism isn’t static—it’s dynamic, lived, and evolving. And in the darkest of times, it can offer not just history or heritage, but a powerful path forward.