Dear friend, As we approach the first anniversary of the opening of the Chabad Jewish Community Center, I am delighted to present you with a comprehensive Summer Guide of our educational offerings and cultural activities. Throughout the past year, it has been truly heartwarming to celebrate with you, learn with you and grow with you in the magnificent premises of Aspen’s Jewish Community Center. We are once again excited to offer a variety of youth programs, Shabbat festivities, adult education courses, holiday celebrations, social events, recreational pastimes, and spiritual enrichment programs. I am confident that you will find our new home to be a very warm, welcoming, cheerful and spirited – not to mention aesthetically appealing – environment in which to explore and celebrate your heritage while feeling part of a dynamic and thriving community. Among the many attractive features of the Chabad Jewish Community Center is that one is not required to be a “member” to participate in any of our programs at any level. Indeed, we welcome folks of all ages and from all walks of life – regardless of background or affiliation – with open arms and an open heart, as we seek to make our center your friendly “home away from home.” I encourage you to become acquainted with the exciting new menu of programs, services, events and activities that will be offered to the community at large during the JCC Aspen’s upcoming summer season. Furthermore, if you have not yet done so, I invite you to stop by and take a tour of the exquisite facility. My invitation to you and yours is not merely an invitation to bring new meaning into your lives, but indeed to be a part of history! Looking forward to greeting you at the JCC in the near future, we remain, Sincerely, Rabbi Mendel & Lieba Mintz Directors
If you would like to schedule a tour of our new facility, please feel free to contact Rabbi Mintz at (970) 544-3770 or via email: rabbi@jccaspen.com
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Rabbi Mendel Mintz
Lieba Mintz
Inga Clayton
Suzanne Horwich
Director
Youth Director
Director of Catering & Conferences
Curator
Rabbi@jccaspen.com
Lieba@jccaspen.com
Inga@jccaspen.com
Suzanne@jccaspen.com
Table of Contents No Child’s Play ............................................................................ 4 Is Peace Possible? .................................................................. 6 When Life Nears Death ........................................................ 8 JLI ........................................................................................................ 10 Confronting Antisemitism on Campus ................. 11 The State of US/Israel Relations ................................. 11 Art Gallery ................................................................................... 12 Ethiopian Jewelry Exhibit .............................................. 14 Washing the Dead: A Debut Novel ........................... 15 Shabbat Dinners ..................................................................... 16 Shabbat Services ................................................................... 17 Shabbat to Go ........................................................................ 17 Anniversary Dinner ................................................................ 18 UJA Summer Event ........................................................... 19
Movie Nights ............................................................................ 20 Camp Gan Israel .................................................................... 22 Game Room ................................................................................ 23 Hebrew School ........................................................................ 24 Hebrew for Adults ............................................................... 24 Mommy & Me ........................................................................... 25 Loaves of Love .................................................................... 26 Eternal Legacy ........................................................................ 27 Space Rental ............................................................................. 28 Mikvah ......................................................................................... 29 Memorial Board ..................................................................... 29 High Holiday Services ..................................................... 30 General Information ........................................................... 31
Chabad Jewish Community Center 435 West Main Street Aspen, CO 81611 Phone: 970-544-3770 Email: info@jccaspen.com Web: jccaspen.com Questions? Comments? Please feel free to contact us at any time. We look forward to being in touch!
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Children in the Holocaust: Creativity & Play
May 1 - July 24, 2015 Open to the Public at no charge
Opening reception Wednesday, July 1st | 6:00pm Exhibit runs through July 24th
With S. Isaac Mekel from Yad Vashem in Israel who will share his thoughts on the exhibit. 4
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Approximately one and a half million of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust were children. The number of children who survived is estimated in the mere thousands. This exhibition opens a window into the world of children during the Shoah. Unlike other Holocaust exhibitions, it does not focus on history, statistics or descriptions of physical violence. Instead, the toys, games, artwork, diaries, and poems displayed here highlight some of the personal stories of the children, providing a glimpse into their lives during the Holocaust. Dolls and teddy bears became integral parts of the lives of the children they belonged to during the war. In many cases, they accompanied them throughout the war and were a primary source of comfort and companionship. For some children, the teddy bears and dolls were the most significant possessions left with them at the end of the war. Even today, as adults, their attachment is so great that they have difficulty separating from them. The exhibition tells the story of survival - the struggle of these children to hold on to life. It describes their attempts to maintain their childhood and youth by creating for themselves a different reality from that which surrounded them. In many cases, it was the children who gave their parents the encouragement and hope to continue their desperate daily fight for survival. Sponsored by Melinda Goldrich – Goldrich Family Foundation
“In embarking upon research for this exhibition, we thought that our findings would be limited to the children’s moments of comfort or consolation. Now we have learned that far more was involved. Fantasy, creativity, and play were the manifestations of a basic instinct for survival, a prerequisite for life in this context. Korczak’s claim “No Child’s Play” has been proven irrefutably correct.” - Yehudit Inbar, Curator JCC Aspen Summer Guide
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Can Israelis and Palestinians agree on anything? Can Israelis and Palestinians coexist? Are they doomed to violence?
The Aspen JCC Summer Conference will take place
Monday, July 13, 2015 from 10:00am - 3:00pm
at the Aspen Jewish Community Center 435 West Main Street - Corner of Main & 4th
Complimentary and open to the Public Buffet Lunch will be served
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CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS Hon. Daniel C. Kurtzer Former U.S. Ambassador to Egypt and Israel
Hon. Dr. Yosef “Yossi� Beilin An Israeli statesman and scholar who has held various ministerial positions including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs under Shimon Peres.
Hon. Dan Meridor Member of the Likud Party who served in the Israeli cabinet as Minister of Justice, Minister of Finance, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intelligence and Atomic Energy
Hon. Yasser Abed Rabbo Secretary General of the Palestine Authority, Head of the Palestinian Peace Coalition - Geneva Initiative. He participated in the team that negotiated the Oslo Accords, the Permanent Status negotiations, Wye River, Camp David, Taba & Washington DC.
Event Sponsorships Available Diamond: $5,000 | Gold: $2,500 Silver: $1,000 | Bronze: $500 All sponsors will be listed on the program.
Register online Web: jccaspen.com Phone: 970-544-3770 Email: info@jccaspen.com
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The importance of this topic is demonstrated every day in the public debate over “Death with Dignity” bills that are being introduced in state legislatures and the increasing number end-of-life controversies that are being covered in the media. This program will focus on the issues we all must face, either for ourselves or a loved one, and will include questions about how society prepares and guides us through the process. Please join our panelists, renowned experts from different disciplines, as we discuss and challenge ideas on the determination of death, end-of-life care and the right to die. For anyone who has an elderly loved one or has to confront questions of end-of-life care, this program will give you the tools and the knowledge to make better, more informed decisions. The Aspen Center for Social Values is dedicated to solving pressing social challenges by exploring the benefits of cross cultural and religious interaction and promoting public discussion.
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featured speakers Dr. Teodoro Forcht Dagi Dr. Teodoro Forcht Dagi is a neurosurgeon and medical ethicist. He is a Distinguished Scholar and Professor at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland, and holds concurrent appointments at the Center for Bioethics at Harvard University and at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada.
Sean Jeung Sean Jeung is a Board Certified Hospice Chaplain. Chaplain Jeung is passionate about helping fellow human beings approach and journey through the end of life with grace and dignity, comfort and peace. She is deeply moved by those left behind when a loved one has died, and works with individuals and groups on reconciliation and recovery after a significant loss.
Rabbi David Shabtai, M.D. Rabbi David Shabtai, M.D., lectures and writes widely on various issues of the interaction of medicine and Jewish law, or Halakhah. He is the author of Defining the Moment: Understanding Brain Death in Halakhah.
Paul Root Wolpe, Ph.D. Paul Root Wolpe, Ph.D. is the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Bioethics, Raymond Schinazi Distinguished Research Professor of Jewish Bioethics, Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Sociology, and the Director of the Center for Ethics at Emory University. Dr. Wolpe is also the Senior Bioethicist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Event Sponsorships Available Diamond: $1,800 Gold: $1,000 Silver: $500 Bronze: $250 All sponsors will be listed on the program.
REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFO jccaspen.com theaspencenter.org ira@theaspencenter.org info@jccaspen.com 970.544.3770
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Wednesday,
Aug 12 • 5:30pm at the Aspen Jewish Community Center 435 West Main Street Corner of Main & 4th Complimentary and open to the public.
A non-Jew’s journey and persistence in the most unlikely of places Chloe Simone Valdary was recently graduated from the University of New Orleans as an international studies major. In her short time on campus, Ms. Valdary has distinguished herself as a passionate defender of Israel, creating the organization Allies of Israel, one of the lone pro-Israel groups at her university. Ms. Valdary is the assistant director of special programs for the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (ISBI) and blogs for Arutz Sheva and in the Current American Political Environment the Times of Israel.
Wednesday, July 29 • 5:30pm at the Aspen Jewish Community Center 435 West Main Street - Corner of Main & 4th
With Speakers Ciff D. May Mark Mellman and Moderated by Jerry Bovino
As we head towards the 2016 elections, this discussion will provide thought provoking analysis of where relations between the US and Israel stand today and what the future may bring.
Join us for a fascinating discussion with two experts from Washington, D.C. who are uniquely qualified to provide insight. This event is complimentary and open to the public.
Sponsorships Available for both events Diamond: $1,800 | Gold: $1,000 Silver: $500 | Bronze: $250 All sponsors will be listed on the program.
REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFO jccaspen.com | 970.544.3770 info@jccaspen.com JCC Aspen Summer Guide 11
Art Gallery A lens To the World by Stuart Brafman Opening Reception Thursday, July 9th, 6pm
Photography connects me to my memorable experiences traveling much of the globe during the last two decades. While exploring remote corners of the developing world, I was drawn to insightful images of the people and the objects of a place. These photographic modes are represented in this exhibit.
MARC BENNETT Summer Exhibition
Opening Reception Thursday, August 4th, 5pm. Show runs through October 10th Sponsored by Aspen Sojourner
A collection of mixed media works by Marc Bennett. An artist and filmmaker, he is committed to art and film as visual languages that can entertain, inspire and educate, as well as be vehicles for positive change and philanthropy.
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Reach for the Stars For your donation, our gift to you...
“The History of the Star of David� provides a beacon of light as it guides us in a long-lasting legacy for the new Aspen Jewish Community Center. In appreciation and recognition of your generous contribution to the center, you will receive, as a gift from us, this inspirational limited edition artwork personally signed and numbered by the artist, Marc Bennett. www.jccaspen.com/StarofDavid
Mission Statement Gallery Curator Suzanne Horwich
As Curator of the JCC Aspen Gallery it is my mission to support and encourage artists in the realization of their potential. I want to illuminate the human experience through the arts. The gallery will host a variety of cultural arts programs through out the year. Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Film,Performance arts and more can be found in our space. Works found in our gallery are from both local, national and international artists. For more information: Suzanne@jccaspen.com -or- (970) 544-3770
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Presentation by Isaac Levy, founder of Yvel Jewelry and the Megemaria Project
Wednesday, July 8 at 5:00pm The contemporary Megemeria Collection is inspired by the personal and collective journey of Israel’s Ethiopian immigrants. Many of the gold-plated silver pieces incorporate inspirational inscriptions in Amharic, the native language of Ethiopia, such as forever, love and hope. The Megemeria Enko Collection (enko means pearl in Amharic) combines radiant pearls with inscriptions of Jewish prayers and verses. Megemeria jewelry is beautiful, unique and also meaningful. Jewelry from the Megemeria Collection will be displayed and available for purchase with all proceeds helping fund the Megemaria social business and school.
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To register or for more information, contact the center: www.jccaspen.com info@jccaspen.com | 970.544.3770
Love and life. Ritual and redemption. Family and forgiveness. Washing the Dead: Michelle Brafman will read from her debut novel, followed by a discussion moderated by Mitzi Rapkin of Aspen Pubic Radio’s “First Draft.” In Washing the Dead, three generations of women confront family secrets and discover the power of sacred Jewish ritual to repair damaged bonds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michelle Brafman grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and now lives in Glen Echo, Maryland with her husband and two children. She is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego and Johns Hopkins University, where she now teaches fiction writing. Her award-winning short stories and essays have appeared in the Washington Post, Slate, Tablet, and elsewhere. Brafman is also a former documentary filmmaker whose film American Lives: Jewish Stories, like her debut novel Washing the Dead, illuminates seldom told stories of the Jewish experience. To register or for more information, contact the center: www.jccaspen.com | info@jccaspen.com | 970.544.3770
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SHABBAT SERVICES Join us for services with Rabbi Mendel Mintz in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Our nonjudgmental philosophy embraces everyone, regardless
of
commitment
or
religious
background. No experience necessary. So whether you’ve been going to Synagogue since you were a kid, or if this is your first time, you can feel right at home!
Friday NightS As start times change on Friday night, please call or email to confirm.
Shabbat morning 10:00am Followed by Kiddush lunch.
Yartzeit On the anniversary of a loved one’s passing, it is customary to light a candle, give charity and recite the Kaddish. For more information or for assistance in reciting the Kaddish and other Yartzeit customs, please email or call the center.
SHABBAT to go Give your family the beauty of Shabbat. You can now purchase Challah, wine and other traditional Shabbat food for your Shabbat dinner at home. Available for purchase every Friday. Orders must be placed by Wednesday. For more information contact our office or visit us online: www.JccAspen.com/Catering JCC Aspen Summer Guide 17
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 7:30pM
v
One Year Anniversary in our New Building
CHABAD JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER Corner of Main and 4th Street
RSVP online at www.jccaspen.com or by calling (970) 544-3770 18 JCC Aspen Summer Guide
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24 days The true story of the ilan halimi affair
Based on a book co-written by Ilan’s mother, Ruth Halimi, Arcady’s cinematic adaptation offers a searing insight into his vicious ordeal, the violent world of the gang of Barbarians, and the harrowing experience of his family waiting and hoping the police would save their son. Monday, July 6 | 8:00pm
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Nicky’s Family Nicky’s Family tells the nearly forgotten story of Nicholas Winton, an Englishman who organized the rescue of 669 Czech and Slovak children just before the outbreak of World War II. Join us as we listen to their stories and celebrate the life of this heroic man. Monday, July 27 | 8:00pm
A Jerusalem U ONline event
beneath the helmet Tuesday, August 11 | 7:00pm
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SUMMER CAMP August 3-13, 2015
For ages 3-8 Monday through Friday 9:00am-3:30pm (early drop off and late pick up available)
Join us for ten fun-packed days of warmth and friendship in a nurturing Jewish environment! Campers will enjoy sports, gymnastics, mad science, cooking, baking, music, dance and more! Give your child the gift of a memorable and meaningful Jewish camp experience. Cost: $65 day (Discount for kids enrolled in our Hebrew School) For more info and to register: www.jccaspen.com
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The Jewish Community Center’s Game Room provides a safe place for kids to hang out with friends — and meet others. The Game Room is fully equipped with the world’s newest and popular video games, arcades, pool table, ping pong, air hockey, X-Box, Wii and a variety of other games. The Game Room gives teens, tweens and kids of all ages a place to hang out and relax, It’s the perfect place to play high-tech and lowtech games. The Game Room is also a great place to host your child’s birthday party, The Game Room is located on the lower level of the Jewish Community Center.
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The Jewish Community Center has an innovative Hebrew school that provides a serious yet enjoyable environment for children to receive a broad knowledge of Judaism in a stimulating and challenging venue. Our students gain an appreciation for the joys, value and traditions of our heritage as they are vividly brought to life by our dedicated teachers whose creativity and dynamism make every lesson a unique learning experience. Annual Tuition: $750 (Scholarships Available) Dates: Duration of the Scholastic Year, Beginning September 2015 Locations: Aspen and Mid-Valley Directed and taught by Lieba Mintz For more info and to register: www.jccaspen.com or call (970) 544-3770
Imagine if your child enjoyed Hebrew School... Imagine a Hebrew School where children don’t want to miss a day... Imagine a child who feels the warmth and spirit of Judaism... Imagine your pride.
Inspiring Jewish Pride and identity
hebrew reading for adults A Six-week Course This time proven course will teach you to read Hebrew in only six weeks. We will be using text books (provided) with powerpoint presentations to get you used to the Hebrew letters and vowels so that you will be fluent in reading in six weeks! Fee: $120 (includes textbooks) 24 JCC Aspen Summer Guide
Please visit our website for dates and times
Join our Mommy & Me group for a fun and learning experience! Led by Lieba Mintz Weekly workshops for mothers and babies from newborn to 4 years of age. Our Mommy & Me program offers a great opportunity to meet other moms, share experiences, discuss child growth and development and of course enjoy songs, games and arts & crafts. A great beginning to your child’s Jewish education. You’ll never want to miss a day!
THREE AGE GROUPS • Newborn - 15 months • 15 months - 3 years • 3 years - 4 years Infants welcome with older siblings Cost: $10 per class (includes snack & crafts) Location: Jewish Community Center
For more info and to register: www.jccaspen.com Lieba@jccaspen.com (970) 544-3770 JCC Aspen Summer Guide 25
BAKE
PRAY
Learn the art of Challah baking, from the making of dough to braiding techniques.
Learn about the beautiful tradition of Hafrashat Challah and pray for those in need.
LOVE Bake two Challahs - Take one home and give one to another to bring more love and blessing to the world!
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Leave an eternal legacy to the Jewish Community Remember Chabad Jewish Community Center of Aspen in your will For more information on Planned Giving, please visit www.jccaspen.com/PlannedGiving or call (970) 544-3770
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JCC ASPEN for your next event Looking for a place to hold your cocktail reception, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding, fundraising dinner, conference or any other celebratory occasion? JCC’s beautiful ballroom and conference center provide the perfect space to host your upcoming function. We can accommodate small groups for outdoor lunches, anniversary dinners and birthday parties
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or large groups for cocktail receptions, fundraisers and corporate gatherings. From appetizers to plated dinners, we offer a wide range of menus that are created for your individual taste and budget. For room rental fees and catering options, contact our Director of Catering & Conferences - Inga Clayton to arrange a meeting or to request more information. 970-544-3770 or inga@jccaspen.com
yartzeit memorial board
The mikvah It has been called the secret of the Jewish survival - a mystical connection to the Garden of Eden. There, a woman enveloped by its living waters and immersed in its sanctity, is transformed to a state of spiritual purity, reaffirming the cycle of life. For thousands of years, Jewish marriages have been strengthened through the holiness of the special Mitzvah of Mikvah. By immersing in a Mikvah – a ritual bath constructed according to the intricate laws detailed in the Torah - a woman taps into the spiritual powers of this ongoing tradition, connecting with Jewish women around the world and throughout history.
This lovely Memorial Board is a way to remember our departed loved ones and to honor them by placing their name on this plaque to be displayed prominently in the lobby of the sanctuary. There will also be a light that will burn bright on the month of Yartzeit (anniversary of passing) and all Yizkor memorial services. This permanent remembrance is something that will give you great comfort for many years to come. Please consider adding your departed loved ones to our memorial wall. Memorial Wall The Memorial wall has 200 spaces to affix a prominent Yartzeit plaque inscribed with your loved ones name for a donation of $1,800.00 each. To order your Yartzeit plaque(s), please contact the center or visit us online. We will need the following information: • English name • Hebrew name (if available) • Date of passing
The Mikvah experience is a woman’s mystical journey to a place where she alone embraces her spirituality and relationship with G-d. The Mikvah’s waters are an embryonic liquid that cleanses refreshes and hydrates the essence of her feminine spirituality that ultimately brings about much peace and blessing to her whole family. Our brand-new state-of-the-art Mikvah / Spa facility is available to all, regardless of level of observance. For more information about our community Mikvah or if you would like to take a private tour of the Mikvah facility please call 970-544-3770 or Email: Mikvah@jccaspen.com Web: jccaspen.com/mikvah
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Torah Cafe Visit TorahCafe.com for Jewish Inspiration. Anytime. Anywhere. Thousands of videos on Jewish topics ranging from Law to Personal Histories and everything in between. www.TorahCafe.com
JNET JNet helps people like you take time out of a busy workweek to explore their Judaism. Tell us about your interests, your familiarity and your availability and we’ll pair you with a volunteer phone-study partner for a journey of inspiring study, stimulating discussion and exhilarating growth. www.JNet.org
National JEwish Retreat Let the power of Jewish thinking enrich your life. Spend five days of learning and discovery with master Torah teachers. Explore new ideas and expand your horizons in an open, embracing environment. www.JRetreat.com
coffee bar Coffee bar daily at the Chabad Jewish Community Center. Come, enjoy, schmooze, relax, read a variety newspapers from the Jewish world‌.
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Chabad Jewish Community Center 435 West Main Street Aspen, CO 81611
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