The Spirit of Thanksgiving

Our local NPR station, Aspen Public Radio, did an interview with me and Gregg Anderson about Thanksgiving and our interfaith activities. There's also a mention of Aaron Kintu Moses (see previous post here) who visited us last week from the Abayudaya Jewish community of Uganda. This interview will air tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day) at 6:00 PM MST, but you can listen online at this link.

Thanks to Carolyne Heldman at APR for dedicating this episode of CrossCurrents to this topic!

Happy Thanksgiving - a day to remember all the blessings in our lives.

Aaron Kintu Moses - Jews of Uganda

This Monday, November 14, we'll welcome Aaron Kintu Moses to Aspen. He comes to us on a US speaking tour from the Abayudaya Jewish community of Uganda, thanks in part to the help of the organization Kulanu, and most especially thanks to David Uhlfelder and his family for making it happen (as part of David's bar mitzvah project).

Aaron Kintu Moses is the director of education for the Abayudaya community of Uganda, a position he has held since 2003. Aaron also served as the community’s acting spiritual leader while his brother, Gershom Sizomu, completed rabbinical training at the Ziegler Rabbinical School in Los Angeles.

As education director, Aaron functions as principal of the Hadassah Primary School in Nabugoye, and oversees the Semei Kakungulu High School and the Abayudaya vocational education program.  He is a key member of the community's executive committee, and he plays a leading role in welcoming visitors and volunteers to the community.

Aaron’s active involvement as a leader of the Abayudaya began at age 19 after Idi Amin was overthrown in 1979 and freedom of worship was restored in Uganda.  Aaron’s brother, J.J., inspired his siblings and other members of the family to begin a multi-faceted revitalization of the community and their Jewish practice.  From 1980 to 1988, Aaron was secretary of the Young Jewish Community they created.

There are two public opportunities to gather with Moses and learn about his community and the school he leads, where Jewish, Christian, and Muslim children learn together. We hope you'll join us for one or both!

(both take place at the Aspen Chapel, Monday 11/14)


9:30 AM: Interfaith/Intergenerational Breakfast
Come hear stories and songs from Aaron's community in Uganda, and get to know him in an informal setting.  Stay for the 10:30 AM pre-school class, where Aaron will share music and activities with our pre-school kids (and adults who want to stay!).

5:30 PM: Presentation and Reception
Aaron will speak about his community and his school's mission. He will share a slideshow as well as stories and songs. (He is a singer and guitarist.)

In addition, we hope you'll join us Sunday, November 13 at 5:30 pm for our annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and potluck dinner. It will take place at the chapel and explore the theme of Global Gratitude. Also, we'll share some letters from the Abayudaya children about what they're thankful for.

For more about Aaron Kintu Moses and the Abayudaya of Uganda, see the videos and links below!

Contact Rabbi David with questions

920-2536 / rabbi@aspenjewish.org

• American Jewish Life story on Aaron and the Abayudaya

• Video about the Abayudaya schools


• More info about Kulanu

Beautiful singing of Hebrew prayer Hineh Mah Tov, Abayudaya-style