Rabbi Mendel Mintz leads services at the Chabad Jewish Community Center in Aspen, Colorado, where he also serves as executive director. While the Chabad Community Center is currently undergoing a rebuilding process, Rabbi Mendel Mintz stresses that Aspen residents can still enjoy the great education and social opportunities as always. Whether you’re new to the Aspen area or have lived in the area for a while, Mendel Mintz invites you to the activities of the Chabad Community Center, where all members of the Jewish community are welcome. Below, he answers some questions about the local Aspen area.

Q: I live in the Aspen area. Are there restaurants that can cater to my kosher eating needs?

Mendel Mintz: Kosher food is available in the area. There are also kosher sections in some of the area grocery stores. We keep an up-to-date list on our website: http://www.jccaspen.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/943932/jewish/Kosher-Food.htm

Please contact the office with help with kosher food at 970.544.3770.

Q: How do I learn more about kosher food?

Mendel Mintz: We have a comprehensive guide, called Kosher: A Guide to Eating Jewishly, on our website as well.

Q: How do I meet other Jews who live in the Aspen area?

Mendel Mintz: We have a large community of Jews at Chabad Jewish Community Center. You don’t have to be a member to attend one of our events or classes.

Q: When can I attend services?

Mendel Mintz: We offer Shabbat services for beginners Friday nights at 6 p.m. and regular Shabbat services on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. On Saturday mornings, we offer a Kiddush buffet lunch immediately following services.

Q: What if I would like to say Kaddish?

Mendel Mintz: I can help you with that, please contact the center.

Q: Are services held at the Chabad Jewish Community Center?

Mendel Mintz: Yes, services are at the Jewish Community Center, 435 West Main Street.

Q: Are there any Jewish festivals or other events in the Aspen area?

Mendel Mintz: We have an annual Chanukah Festival as well as a vareity of lectures, seminars and programs for children and adults. For more information about any other events we may have coming up, visit our website: www.jccaspen.com.

Through the Chabad Community Center, Rabbi Mendel Mintz seeks to provide an open environment for Jews, regardless of beliefs and background. Mendel Mintz hopes to create a non-judgmental environment for Jews to learn and meet others in order to celebrate the Jewish faith.