Mendel Mintz

Rabbi Mendel Mintz recently broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art Jewish community center in Aspen. The facility, which will be 35,000 square feet, will offer numerous amenities for Aspen residents, including a new synagogue and banquet hall. Recently, Mendel Mintz spoke with Presentation Solutions about how the new Chabad Community Center will serve youth in the area.

Presentation Solutions: What does a Chabad community center provide to the Jewish community in its local area?

Mendel Mintz: With more than six million Jews in this country, these Jewish community centers are more important than ever. They provide a place for people to gather and share their own stories, as well as learn and attend services and programs.

Presentation Solutions: They also provide a place for youth to hang out…

Mendel Mintz: Yes, that’s true. Our new Chabad Jewish Community Center in Aspen will offer a teen rec center and a preschool. This will not only give kids a place to hang out, but it will give parents a respite if they want to spend time interacting with other adults.

Presentation Solutions: Will you provide educational opportunities to children?

Mendel Mintz: The new facility will have a preschool. We’ll also have increased classroom space for our Hebrew School, which currently has an enrollment of 65.

Presentation Solutions: How often does the Hebrew School meet?

Mendel Mintz: Once each week during the school year. Classes are held after school, beginning at 3:30 p.m. and lasting only an hour and a half.

Presentation Solutions: How much does Hebrew School cost?

Mendel Mintz: $750 for the entire year.

Presentation Solutions: What does a student learn at Hebrew School?

Mendel Mintz: We cover a wide variety of topics, from Hebrew to the Torah to Jewish history. The goal is to make learning fun so children look forward to coming to class.

Presentation Solutions: You also offer special workshops for parents and children. Could you tell us a little about those?

Mendel Mintz: Sure. One of the workshops we’re offering now is the Mommy & Me program, which is geared toward children ages three and under and their mothers. Moms are allowed to interact with each other and children are able to do arts and crafts.

Presentation Solutions: How much does the Mommy & Me program cost?

Mendel Mintz: Only $10 per class and that includes snacks and craft materials.

Rabbi Mendel Mintz leads two services per week in the Chabad Community Center’s synagogue. For more information on Mendel Mintz and the Aspen Chabad Community Center, visit the center’s website at http://www.jccaspen.com.