A Special Evening with Golda Meir

Imagine if you could go back in time and spend an evening with Golda Meir, listening to her incredible story.

Fast forward 35 years to Wednesday, March 11 at 5:30 at a private home in Aspen, and you can - in the person of Joan Wolberg, a professional actress,  who has developed a one-woman show portraying Golda Meir. In character, Joan looks and sounds like Golda complete with gestures,  facial expressions, and Golda's wit and wisdom.

Delighting audiences with her compelling portrayal, Joan has traveled throughout the country for the past decade, weaving a tapestry of drama and history into an educational, entertaining and inspirational tale.

One of the democratic world's first head of state, Golda came to the United States during the darkest times for the young Jewish nation, but left with a financial foundation that would help the Israelis best the Arabs who wished Israel destroyed.

Pomegranate Division Events

This first meeting of 2009 marks an important milestone. With 10 active members -and more women interested in joining - Aspen Valley Pomegranates have a minimum of $18,000 each year to direct toward worthwhile programs.

Pomegranate Co-Chair Rachel Hahn encourages all members to "attend this very important gathering to make our crucial decisions."

Among the projects under consideration:

* Children's playground at the new community of Beer Milka in the Negev Desert (UJA Aspen Valley is considering making Beer Milka a Sister City) 

* Gamla - a new program in the city of Lod that provides elementary school at-risk Ethiopian children with social and academic support.(developed by the Joint Distribution Committee - JDC) JDC Representative Jennifer Kraft will attend the meeting to present further details.

* Youth Futures - a partnership with local municipalities, business sector donors and volunteer mentors for youngsters in the Negev and Galilee to ensure that each child reach his or her scholastic, social and personal  potential.(developed by Jewish Agency for Israel -JAFI)

In This Issue:

Disabled Israeli Soldiers returning to Aspen Valley

For the second straight year, disabled Israeli soldiers are coming to Aspen in late March to learn to ski.

For a week in March of 2008, 10 disabled Israeli soldiers and victims of terror came to the Valley to enjoy the beautiful mountains thanks to a special partnership of Challenge Aspen and Chabad Aspen with major support from UJA Aspen Valley. This joint effort is being repeated in 2009.

Please consider supporting  to this very special effort to bring  joy to people who have undergone traumatic and disabling events in their life. You can have a very special relationship with one of these soldiers with your $4000 sponsorship and spend time on and off the slopes with a deserving young man or woman.

Jewish Community Calendar

* Neshama Center Bnai Mitzvah This program is based on private tutoring and is individualized to each family. Please call Dalia or Itzhak to schedule your Bar/Bat Mitzvah date and tutoring sessions: 970.925.2389 or dalia@neshamacenter
aspen.org

* Aspen Jewish Congregation-Rabbi Mark Belgrad, who is a finalist for the rabbinic position available here at the AJC, will be coming (along with his wife Susan) for his second visit to the AJC on January 8th-11th.  A great weekend is planned with lots of wonderful events.  If you are interested in meeting with Rabbi Belgrad in a smaller group setting or individually, please contact Alyssa at pitziepie@aol.com to arrange a time! For further info on AJC, please call Faith at 970.925.8245 or info@aspenjewish.com for more information

* Chabad Aspen - Women's Inner Circle - Monday, January 26 -  Kosher cooking with master chef. Combine kosher and cooking as you delve into the meaning behind kosher and create a 3 course feast together. Please call Lieba at 970.544.3770 or by email lieba@jccaspen.com

*Jew Crew - the Valley's new Youth Group For more information, contact Director Danny Aronson at jew_crew_director
_danny@yahoo.com or 970.379.4453

Jewish Summer Camp Scholarships

As in years past UJA Aspen Valley will again offer scholarships for Jewish Summer Camp. the deadline for all applications is January 15, 2009. All applications are to go through one of the three local congregation. All accredited Jewish Summer Camps are eligible.

See the Jewish Community Calendar above for contact information.

The number of available scholarshipis limited. Preference will be given to children who have not yet attended Jewish Summer Camp or received a UJA Scholarship.