FOUNDER'S DAY WEEKEND July 23-26 Congregation Aaron · Trinidad, Colorado. EST. 1883
WEEKEND CELEBRATION HONORS TEMPLE AARON’S FOUNDERS
Celebrations across the state this year mark Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood—and Temple Aaron of Trinidad has witnessed nearly all of that history. In July 2026, Temple Aaron will celebrate 143 years since the foundation of its congregation in 1883, when the founding members of Congregation Aaron began gathering in their homes and shops in Trinidad, Colorado.
On May 19, 2026, the City of Trinidad issued a proclamation recognizing July 23 as "Temple Aaron Founder's Day" in commemoration of the founding of Congregation Aaron on that date in 1883. The temple itself would be constructed 6 years later through the dedicated efforts of its congregation. This summer, Temple Aaron is delighted to honor those founders who created Temple Aaron of Trinidad Colorado as a Jewish spiritual home and gathering place open to all.
Temple Aaron will celebrate this auspicious occasion with a weekend of events beginning Thursday, July 23, and all are invited to attend.
Highlights of the weekend will include:
Thursday, July 23: 6:00 PM: Events will kick off the evening off with Cy Michaels, Mayor of Trinidad, at a reception at Temple Aaron. She will read proclamation approved by the City of Trinidad on May 19, 2026, recognizing July 23 as "Temple Aaron Founder's Day." Also that evening, we’ll debut Temple Aaron’s new Historic Archive and hear talks by DU Beck Archives historians Jordan Bennett and/or Josh Fuhrman.
Friday July 24:
1 – 4 PM: Open House at Temple Aaron; nosh and drinks
6:30 PM: Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Joe Black, Rabbi Emeritus at Temple Emanuel, Denver and nationally recognized musician. Kiddush nosh to follow.
Saturday July 25:
10:30 AM: Shabbat service led by Rabbi Joe Black
NOON: kiddush lunch at Temple Aaron catered by AlMack’s Kitchen (RSVP online for lunch)
Noon – 2:15 PM: Talks and Q&A by DU Beck Archives historians Jordan Bennett and/or Josh Fuhrman, and Roxanne Bailin, a long-time member of Temple Aaron.
2:15 PM: Tour of Temple Aaron Cemetery
8 PM: Trinidad Lounge show with GORA GORA ORKESTAR and special guests Jordan Wax and Zoe Aqua. ($10 cover at the door, CASH ONLY)
Sunday, July 26:
10 AM Bagel Nosh and farewell
Updated details can be found on the Temple Aaron website (www.templeaaron.org) (and registration for the lunch) planned for this very special weekend of community, service, and celebration.
About Temple Aaron of Trinidad, Colorado:
Temple Aaron of Trinidad, Colorado is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Built in 1889 by a congregation that formed in 1883, Temple Aaron is the oldest continually operating Jewish synagogue in the Mountain West. The beautiful sanctuary holds 250 people and features original stained-glass windows and an expansive Estey pipe organ. Today the temple is home to a resurgence of interest and is open for a variety of cultural and religious events. Temple Aaron was designated a National Historic Landmark in December, 2023.
Organizational support for Temple Aaron has come from the State Historical Fund, History Colorado, Colorado Preservation Inc., JewishColorado, the Rose Community Foundation, and the Jewish Federation of New Mexico.
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INFORMATION: Email ac@templeaaron.org
Information is available online at www.templeaaron.org and https://www.facebook.com/temple.aaron.trinidad/
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