Barchu Shema SOUL HEART SHEMA BARCHU MIGHT soul heart might SUMMER/FALL 2015 • 5775 Our mission We are an open and inclusive community committed to building relationships and enriching lives in Aspen, the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. We bring Jewish tradition and learning to life in harmony with the natural beauty of our valley. our core values These are the values that inspire us as we pursue our mission. 1. Kesher Kadosh - Sacred Connection Channeling the “small-town” feel of the valley into our spiritual life. Making participation inviting and accessible to all. Cultivating a sense of belonging, where it’s safe to be ourselves and share our stories. 2. Yir’at Kavod - Reverence Expanding our capacity for awe and humility. Cherishing our mountain surroundings. Reflecting deeply on God. Enriching life’s passages through Jewish ritual and music. 3. Chochmah - Wisdom Teaching Judaism for all ages to help guide our lives. Nurturing our children’s Jewish identity and leadership. Engaging with the valley’s wealth of intellectual and cultural offerings. 4. Chesed - Caring Being present for those who are suffering, ill, or in need. Providing the “family” support that many don’t have nearby. 5. Tzedek u’Mishpat - Righteousness & Justice Fostering a commitment to the mitzvot of Tzedakah (obligation of giving) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). Organizing and volunteering to make change for the good of our communities. 6. K’lai Yisrael - The Whole Jewish People Connnecting to the Jewish people around the world. Building relationships between our valley and Israel. 7. Or La-Goyim - A Light to the Nations Living our Jewish Values publicly within our communities for the benefit of all. Promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation. 8. Tikvah - Hope Instilling an ancient faith that our lives matter. Honoring our past by leaving a legacy for future generations in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Meet Alli Menscher The AJC’s New Administrator My name is Alli Menscher. I have been working as an administrator for the Aspen Jewish Congregation since the end of January 2015. Although I grew up in Colorado Springs, I have been schlepping up to Aspen to visit my grandparents since I was born. My father’s family moved to town in 1969, and since that time, there have always been Menschers in Aspen. The valley feels like a second home to me. In May of 2014, I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in the Humanities (the study of history, literature, the fine arts, and philosophy). I planned on taking time off from academia to figure out this whole “life” thing. Luckily, my uncle Steve invited me to stay with him and my grandmother, Lelya, in Aspen for the summer—how could I refuse?! I eagerly accepted, and did some volunteer work for Summer Words and the Ideas Festival. In July, my uncle died of a sudden heart attack, and I planned the funeral with the compassionate help of the AJC. After this tragedy, I chose to stay in Aspen to help my grandmother. I was fortunate enough to find a job relevant to my interests at the Aspen Art Museum. I must admit I quite enjoy the controversy surrounding our contemporary art museum—I find it the perfect symbol for Aspen itself: traditional institutions moving forward and evolving, always seeking to become the best incarnation possible. In this spirit, I was hired by the AJC. I could not ask for a better place Alli and Lee Menscher of employment than this fantastic community that was here for my family in its time of need. I look forward to the work I’m doing, and hope to contribute to making The Aspen Jewish Congregation the best incarnation it can be! Shereen and Sheldon Low leading Friday Shabbat Service 2 A S P E N J E W I S H C O N G R E Board of directors From the Rabbi Carol Blumberg: President Jordan Sarick: Past President Leonard Lansburgh: Vice-President of Development Julie Schlafer: Vice-President Bob Sirkus: Treasurer Daryl Gelender: Secretary Bruce Etkin Stuart Fine Adam Frisch Ross Jacobs Esther Navias Lee Rittvo Susan Raphaelson Michael Sailor Edward Sanditen Nina Saslove Sally Shiekman-Miller Michelle Stiller Julie Wagner staff Rabbi David Segal Cantor Rollin Simmons, Cantor Educator Jaffe Gordon, Administrator Alli Menscher, Administrator Jason Schnissel, Youth Director contact us G A T I O N “Wisdom/ : Teaching Judaism for all ages to help guide our lives.” ~ Aspen Jewish Congregation, Core Values Our mission statement includes a commitment to Jewish learning, for the sake of bringing wisdom to our lives. Through learning, we also locate ourselves within the timeless narrative of our people. Sometimes people ask me, “How much does one have to know to be considered a good Jew?” My answer: “Always a little more than you do now.” I’m excited to launch a new initiative of lifelong learning, starting this fall. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to dig into Jewish text, history, culture, and ideas. It will include a fall semester Introduction to Judaism and a spring semester on Jewish liturgy and Torah study. For those who wish to become comfortable reading Hebrew, we can set you up with an online curriculum called Let’s Learn Hebrew Together, which can take you from beginner to reading proficiently in three months. Each piece of the program will be offered a la carte. For those who want to pursue adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah, we are holding April 16, 2016 for the group ceremony. With this set of classes, plus some additional one-on-one time with me and Cantor Simmons, you’ll be more than prepared to read from the Torah and write a D’var Torah (a teaching based on a Torah portion). As usual, I will also offer a multi-session course this summer, in addition to a few one-time seminars and a scholar-in-residence. Watch for emails and website updates for all the details you’ll need to learn more and register for these offerings. Teaching is one of my main passions. It was through study that I came to a deep and lasting connection to Judaism, and I hope to share that connection – to open that door for others – with these courses. “Were an angel to reveal to me all the mysteries of the Torah, it would please me little, for study is more important than knowledge. Only what man achieves through effort is dear to him.” ~ Elijah Gaon Blessings, Rabbi David Segal 77 Meadowood Drive Aspen, CO 81611 Office: 970.925.8245 Fax: 970.544.1078 office@aspenjewish.org www.aspenjewish.org Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/jewishaspen AJC Blog www.aspenjewish.blogspot.com Does the AJC have your correct information? Has your email, phone number or home address changed? Please help us update our records. Call or email us with any new details. Golshim L’Chaim and Air Force Cadets with Rabbi David, February 2015 A S P E N A J S E P W E I N S J H E W C I S O H N As I write this, spring is in the air, summer is coming soon, and there are so many exciting things ahead. But first, a quick wrap-up… We just finished our Hebrew School year. We heard rave reviews from so many students and parents. The kids had a lot of fun, making beautiful shabbat boxes, acting in skits about Israeli pioneers, and singing enthusiastically in our weekly t’filah. We also piloted a new Hebrew reading program, Let’s Learn Hebrew Side-by-Side, which has been going really well for all seven of our sixth grade students. We look forward to more fun starting up next September. In the meantime, we hope all our kids and their families have a great summer! See next year’s school calendar on page 8. Now that Hebrew School is over, Rabbi David and I are working on our plans for the High Holidays with our brand new machzor. These new books will help our liturgy to be even more accessible and engaging. We are also thrilled to be working with our very first student cantor, Laura Stein, who will be leading our morning family services, as well as playing a role in our evening services, 2nd day Rosh Hashanah service, and Shabbat Shuvah. Laura is From the Cantor Rollin with the 2014-15 Hebrew School children and teachers Golshim L’Chaim and Air Force Cadets, February 2015 C G O R N E G G R E G A T A T I O I O N N 3 a third year cantorial student at Hebrew Union College in New York, and she is looking forward to getting to know our community here in the Valley and spending time with us during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. For me, it is truly an honor to mentor a student cantor—and I know that I will learn a lot from her as well! I have begun planning my fifth annual summer concert. This year’s concert will be called The Man Upstairs? / Questioning God Through Music. We will have new and returning musicians collaborating together to perform songs exalting God and doubting God. Whatever you believe or don’t believe… we hope to make you think! When these talented friends arrive in Aspen each year, I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work with them. I know this year will be a continuation of our journey together through the depths of Jewish music. We also wish a hearty mazel tov to all of our b’nai mitzvah students from this past spring semester! They are an inspiration. It has been such a joy to work with them all: Will Haas, Eliana Durand, Jeremy Leibell, Samuel Navias, Zoe Vozick, Hannah Miller, and coming up in October, Lily and Matty Gillis. I look forward to seeing everyone this summer… We can’t wait for you to arrive! B’shir uv’racha, in song and in blessing, Cantor Rollin Rollin singing Passover songs with the Hebrew school students Tot Shabbat with Sheldon 4 A S P E N A Request From Our President It is hard to believe that by the time you are reading this newsletter, that the first year of my presidency will be coming to an end. Time is flying by, and I wanted to give you an update about what has happened at the Aspen Jewish Congregation over the past year. The Aspen Jewish Congregation has been continuing on our journey of “reinventing ourselves” and growing, not only in numbers, but in so many different ways. I would like to share some of this with you. In my letter to you, as President-Elect, I talked about how the Aspen Jewish Congregation was looking at who makes up our membership base, and how we can be more welcoming to interfaith couples, same sex couples, and welcoming anyone who is interested in becoming part of the Aspen Jewish Congregation. We continue to consider the wishes and desires of our membership as a top priority. We have worked hard at reaching out, in hopes of finding out what our membership really wants. Over Chanukah we had our first Chanukah candle lighting ceremony with the Town of Basalt, which was well attended and a lot of fun. In an effort to meet some of the needs of our membership, we held a wonderful down valley Shabbat in May, followed by a pot luck dinner, because we heard how so many of you wanted more activities down valley. In addition, a top priority for young families has been to have a meaningful children’s service over the High Holidays. So this coming High Holiday season, we have hired an incredible young student Cantor named Laura Stein, who will lead High Holiday services for the young families of the Roaring Fork Valley. In addition, be sure to look for our new High Holiday prayer books generously donated to us by the Schlafer Family. We are listening to anyone and everyone who has offered an idea that we think can be appealing to our membership. Our Hebrew School completed another amazing year (both in downtown Aspen and in Basalt) and we are so proud that 7 of our children had a bar or bat mitzvah this year! Some of our membership prefers not to J E W I S H C O N G R E participate in traditional synagogue activities. So with that in mind, our clergy has continued to provide Slopeside Shabbats, during winter season, for Jews to engage in one of their favorite past times, while at the same time enjoying all of the beautiful nature and scenery which brings us all closer to our real selves. Rabbi David has offered “coffee clotch” times, throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, where members can stop by and have a casual conversation about any topic of interest or concern. Our fundraisers, including our Cantor’s Concert, and Comedy Night have always been ‘Out of the Box” kind of events where people can let loose and really enjoy themselves, while at the same time helping to raise significant money that we need to meet our annual budget! Over the past year, how did we best meet the needs of the Aspen Jewish Co ngregation? In addition to all of the above, we had an incredible President’s BBQ at the Maroon Bells during July 2014, hosted by the Lansburghs. This event was simply intended for the membership to mingle and to just have fun (Stay tuned for our President’s BBQ July 2015, soon to be announced). Our own Rabbi David ran a three session course for Grandparents in families with mixed marriages, resulting in a better understanding of the ways that they can contribute positively to the lives of their grandchildren, and make Judaism a fun part of the family. On a more serious note Rabbi David ran a three session course on Aging and End of Life issues. Both of these classes were extremely well attended and quite thought provoking. Last but not least, the Aspen Jewish Congregation is trying to “Reinvent itself “ by better understanding if our congregation wants to move in the direction of creating our own home somewhere in the valley. At this point in time we are asking, “Where would it be?”, “What would it look like?”, “How much would it cost?”, and “Is this what people really want?”. In contrast, there is a group that is trying to focus their efforts to better understand how our congregation could look in the future, if we G A T I O N did not build our own building, but rather utilize existing structures for specific uses. How could we grow as a synagogue without having traditional walls? Many feel we may be better positioned to reach out to potential congregants by allowing ourselves to remain more flexible in terms of where we hold our events. These thoughtful processes will help us to move forward in the direction that is right for us. I am no longer overwhelmed by how insurmountable these tasks seem to be, because the Aspen Jewish Congregation has many dedicated and talented Board Members, Volunteers, and fine Staff, who are actively working out these issues. In addition, we are now relying upon the expertise of a recently hired professional consultant who will help us to strategically meet our goals. I am now confident that the Aspen Jewish Congregation is well on its way into our next phase of development as we approach our 42nd year! We are well and alive in Aspen and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley!! Come join us on Sunday, June 28, 2015 for our congregation’s Annual Meeting, Bagels and Lox included, of course, at 10:00am, at the Alps (address and reminders will follow). This event is a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the membership, get to meet some of our newest board members who will be officially elected that morning, and to hear from many of our board members, a little something about how their participation on the board has brought us to where we are today! I hope you will join us for this informative and yummy event. On the Sundays following, please join us at Bagels in the Park, for cream cheese and a little schmoozing with your friends and neighbors. Wishing you all a wonderful summer in Aspen 2015! Carol Blumberg, President P.S. Our Aspen Jewish Congregation Newsletter will be delivered to you twice a year by email. For those of you who prefer a printed copy, they will be available at Friday night services, Slopeside Shabbat, Sunday Bagels in the Park, or upon request. A S P E N J E W I S H C O N G R E Meet Our High Holiday Student Cantor: Laura Stein Laura Stein hails from Scarsdale, New York where she grew up at Westchester Reform Temple. Laura discovered for passion for songleading and Jewish education at a young age and was active in NFTY during high school. She attended college at Washington University in St. Louis where she majored in Spanish literature and worked in the St. Louis Jewish community. Travel, Latin American culture and the environment have always been longtime interests of Laura, and she has spent time living in Iceland, Chile and Israel! After her travels and before entering her professional studies, Laura enjoyed two wonderful years as a fulltime educator at Central Synagogue in New York City. Since beginning her cantorial education at Hebrew Union College, Laura has relished the opportunity to expand her knowledge of the cantorial tradition, work in various Jewish communities, and continue to explore travel and social justice. Laura will spend the summer of 2015 working in Peru and can’t wait to speak Spanish again on a regular basis! Laura is especially excited to serve Aspen Jewish Congregation and to return to the same mountains where she learned to ski as a kid. She is so looking forward to spending the High Holidays with families and children and is honored to be welcomed to Aspen for what she hopes will be a time of learning, growth and meaningful prayer! G A T I O N – 2015 – HIGH HOLIDAY Service Schedule Services Held at Harris Hall (unless otherwise noted) Rosh Hashanah Sunday, September 13 Family Service, 5:00pm at Aspen Meadows Evening Service, 7:30pm – First Day – Monday, September 14 Morning Service, 10:00am; Tashlich Service Following Family Service, 10:30am with Student Cantor at Aspen Meadows – Second Day – Tuesday, September 15 Morning Service, 10:00am at Anderson Park, Aspen Meadows e g l a B s PARK in the Starting in July Sundays, 10am - 12pm Wagner Park (across from McDonald’s) For more details go to aspenjewish.org – Yom Kippur – Tuesday, September 22 Kol Nidre Family Service, 5:00pm at Aspen Meadows Evening Service, 7:30 Wednesday, September 23 Morning Service, 10:00am; Yizkor Service Following Family Service, 10:30am with Student Cantor at Aspen Meadows Learning Session, 4:30pm at the Aspen Chapel Concluding Service, 6:00pm Neilah at the Aspen Chapel followed by a Break-Fast Potluck Dinner (kosher style) 5 6 A S P E N the AJc n i o J for our J E W I S H C O N G R E for 0-7 year olds and their families concert Enjoy prayers, stories, singing, playing music, challah, grape juice and more with other young families at 4:30 pm at 77 Meadowood Drive. Tuesday, August 4th A T I O N Condolences 5th annual summer G September 11th October 2nd November 6th December 11th January 8th February 5th March 4th April 8th Samual Navias Tefillin Service Aspen District Theatre, 5-6:30pm GA tickets available at www.aspenshowtix.com, the Wheeler Box Office, or call (970) 920-5770. For Patron and Friends tickets, call the AJC office. We offer our condolences to the families and friends of: Martha Halper Hugh Biller Lorraine Levey Carminda Friedman Herbert Owens Helen Sparks u Welcome Shabbat with us on Friday evenings at 6 p.m. followed by an Oneg. The AJC has Onegs each and every Shabbat and we need your help to continue that tradition. Please consider sponsoring an Oneg. It’s a great way to honor a birthday or a simcha, or to honor the memory of a loved one. Contact our office for more info. Zoe Vozick Tefillin Service, May 2015 Todah Rabah Greeters: Volunteers: January: Bob and Adriane Sirkus, Susan and Ralph Raphaelson, Goldie and Werner Knurr, Carol and Morty Blumberg, Elaine and Jerry Weiss February: Lorrie and Dirk Fleischman, Sally Sakin, Sandy and Mark Rothman, Goldie and Werner Knurr March: Judy and Bob Layton, Adriane and Bob Sirkus, Sue and Ralph Raphaelson, Werner and Goldie Knurr April: Judy and Gary Rubin, Craig and Esther Navias, Goldie and Werner Knurr May: Goldie and Werner Knurr, Lee and Steve Rittvo, Howard and Marcy Gross Goldie Knurr - Shabbat Greeters Coordinator Mel Seid - Friday Shabbat Volunteer Shereen Sarick, Jason Schnissel with the B’nai Mitzvah Students: Will Haas, Samuel Navias, Zoe Vozick, Hannah Miller, Lily and Matty Gillis Shabbat Service Leader Craig Navias, Michael Sailor, and Julie Schlafer – Passover Seder Leaders Esther Navias, Carol Blumberg, Jason Schnissel, Edward Sanditen – Passover Volunteers Michelle Stiller – Wednesday Minyan Coordinator Tim Durand, Ben Genshaft, Derek Miller, Dan Rosenthal, and Shereen Sarick Shir Bliss Band Down Valley Hebrew School Project Fun 2015 A S P E N J E W I S H C O N G R E G A T I O N 7 Mazel Tov to our B’nai Mitzvah Students Hannah Rose Miller. Hannah is currently a 6th grader at Basalt Middle School, where she enjoys school, is consistently on the honor roll and has a nice core group of friends. Hannah is very passionate about anything having to do with soccer and she plays on a Basalt Soccer Club team which is coached by her father. Hannah also enjoys playing tennis, as well as the trumpet. But we think her favorite activity is doing acrobatics on the trampoline in our backyard, where she is content to be for hours! Hannah lives in Emma with her parents, her older sister, one dog, two cats, two goats, three ducks and a bunch of chickens and turkeys. Lily and Matty Gillis. Lily and Matty Gillis are studying hard for their B’nai Mitzvah. All along they have been helping each other, and doing their studies at the same time. Now that it is approaching they read their portions separately while the other person listens and supports. It is great to have a sibling to share the experience with. Both kids play sports year round, along with a demanding school work schedule, never have a dull moment. Both kids are busy with school and sports. Football in the fall for Matty and soccer for Lily. They are both on AVSC team. Lily concentrates on big mountain which is focused on steep pitches and picking an interesting line with a large jump here and there. She is skiing all four mountains but loves Ajax the most. Matty competed in several freestyle competitions and made it to Nationals this year. You can find him in the Snowmass terrain park hitting all the large jumps several days a week. As soon as the snow melts it’s soccer for Lily and lacrosse for Matty. Summer is softball for Lily and dirt biking for Matty. They have been attending Shwayder Camp the last several summers. This year Matty is staying home to hike, bike and camp a bit more. With both of them always moving and taking in everything the Valley has to offer it’s always nice to have a small portion of the day quiet for studying. The Gillis family is looking forward to sharing the experience with a few close friends and family. It is the best excuse to get their cousins out to Colorado. Kiddush Club Youth Group 5th through 8th Grade Kickoff Event August 29th & 30th Camping @ Difficult Campground Sukkot Party September 27th Meet at the Chapel to help build and decorate the Sukkah. Pizza & Ice Cream Sundaes will be our reward. Summer Camp Meet-and-Greet October 9th Camp Informational & Back-to-school Shabbat - Grand Oneg Glenwood Canyon Adventure Park October 18th More information for each event will be sent out via email at least one week before. Hanukkah Party December 6th First Night of Hanukkah Aprés Party - Location TBD Kiddush Club 9/11, 10/2, 11/6 & 12/11 Kiddush Club will continue to be held during our 7th grade B’nai Mitzvah Shabbats. Watch for emails with specifics. 8 A S P E N J E W I S H C O N G Sept 15: Sept 22-23: Rosh Hashanah nd Rosh Hashanah 2 Day (Aspen Meadows) Yom Kippur 6 Sept. 27: Sukkah Building Oct 4: Sukkot Festival/Apple Picking Sept 27-Oct 4: Sukkot Oct 9: Simchat Torah / Back-to School Celebration / Camp Night Dec 6: September 2015 S M T W T 7 1 8 F S 2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12 October 2015 5 6 A T I O N 8/29-8/30 Kickoff Event - Camping @ Difficult Camp Ground 9/27 Sukkot Party – Meet at the Chapel to help build and decorate the Sukkah. 10/18 Glenwood Canyon Adventure Park 12/6 First Night of Chanukah Après Party – location TBD S M T W T 4 G Open to 5th-8th Grade Students (details will be emailed out closer to the event) www.aspenjewish.org / 970-925-8245 Jewish Holidays & Special Events: E YOUTH EVENTS A SPEN J EW ISH C O N G REG ATIO N H EBREW S CHO O L 2015-2016 School Calendar Sept 13-14: R 7 1 8 F S 2 3 9 10 November 2015 S M T W T 1 8 F S 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 December 2015 S M T W T 6 7 1 8 F S 2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 1st night of Chanukah / Dec 11: Jan 25: Mar 23: Apr 22-30: May 5: May 12: Apr 15: June 12: DV Chanukah Celebration Chanukah Celebration @ Shabbat services S M T W T Tu Bishvat Purim Celebration Pesach Yom Ha-Shoah Yom Ha-atzmaut Israeli Independence Day End of School Celebration Shavuot Color Key: Down Valley School Up Valley School Jewish Holiday AJC Special Event No Hebrew School January 2016 F S February 2016 S M T W T F S March 2016 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 April 2016 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 HEBREW SCHOOL LOCATIONS & TIMING 3:45-5:30pm Aspen School: St. Mary’s Church, 533 E. Main Street, Aspen Down Valley School: St. Peter’s Church, 200 Elk Run Drive, Basalt B’NAI MITZVAH SHABBATS Fridays, 6pm Sept 11 Oct 2 Nov 6 Dec 11 Jan 8 Feb 5 Mar 4 Apr 8 CLASS SHABBATS Fridays, 6pm Nov 13 – Grades 2-3 Jan 29 – Grades 4-6 Feb 19 – Grades K-1 Apr 22 – All Grades (end of year celebration) TOT SHABBAT 4:30pm, 77 Meadowood Drive Sept 11 Oct 2 Nov 6 Dec 11 Jan 8 Feb 5 Mar 4 Apr 8 Down Valley Shabbat April 2015 Down Valley Shabbat April 2015
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