ISRAEL ACT NOW

Chabad Jewish Community Center
435 West Main Street ¨ Aspen, Colorado, 81611 ¨ (970) 544-3770 ¨ www.jccaspen.com


Dear Readers,

Last year, the Chabad Jewish Community Center, UJA Aspen Valley and Challenge Aspen, hosted a group of disabled Israeli war veterans for a week of therapeutic, recreational and inspirational activities in our community. The program was one of the most heartwarming and meaningful we have ever undertaken, which is why when my friend, Rabbi Menachem Kutner, Director of Victims of Terror Support Group in Israel, called and asked if we’d be willing to host another group this year, I couldn’t say “yes!” fast enough.

Nancy and Steve, I invite you to join me in performing this most incredible and rewarding mitzvah again this year.

From March 26 - April 3, we will be hosting a group of heroes from Israel, providing them lodging in our center, three meals a day and coordinating a full schedule of programs and activities including a beautiful “Welcoming Reception & Shabbat Experience” with our spirited and hospitable community, and five days of skiing with the dedicated staff and volunteers of Challenge Aspen.

Challenge Aspen makes skiing a possibility for all disabilities. By providing patient direction and assistance, and utilizing adaptive ski equipment, they enable the physically impaired to go beyond their limitations and see all that still exists in their new and challenging lives. Physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally, they enjoy a level of renewed confidence, serenity and exhilaration that few other experiences provide.

We are all citizens of Israel. These are our brothers. The sacrifices they made – the bullets they took, the shrapnel they absorbed, the loss of limb and mobility they suffered – they made on behalf of us all. Giving them back an experience like this is one of the most gratifying actions we, as a community, can take. I hope you will see the value of joining me in this effort.

The cost to us – including airfare, food, accommodations, special care and entertainment – is approximately $4,000 per visitor. Enclosed please find a form outlining various levels of support you can undertake – from $300 to sponsor a visitor for one half day to $4,000 to sponsor a visitor for the entire week. Whichever level you choose, I assure you that the joy you derive from this gift will warm your heart and touch your soul in a very deep and lasting way.

I also hope that you will mark your calendar for the “Welcoming Reception and Shabbat Experience” with our special guests on Friday night, March 27th. Last year, the uplifting singing, sharing and storytelling continued well into the night. You won’t want to miss it.
Looking forward to your partnership and participation in this beautiful endeavor, I remain,

Sincerely,

Rabbi Mendel Mintz
Director - Chabad Jewish Community Center


Rob Leavitt
UJA Aspen Valley Campaign Chair

PS – You can also sign on with your sponsorship on line at www.jccaspen.com. For further information, please feel free to call me at 970-544-3770.