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A Reform Jewish Synagogue in Anchorage Alaska
7525 E. Northern Lights Blvd Anchorage, AK 99504
Phone:(907) 338-1836 Fax:(907) 337-4013 sholomalaska@gmail.com

Welcome to the largest Jewish Congregation in Alaska. All visitors who wish to worship with us are welcome. Though our Congregation is very committed to Reform Judaism, people from diverse Jewish backgrounds have found our liturgy appealing. Our facilities are beautifully located in a natural setting which enhances the worship experience. Please feel welcome to attend.
With sufficient notice transportation can usually be arranged if needed.

A message from Rabbi Abram Goodstein

Dear Members and Friends of Congregation Beth Sholom. It is with a heavy heart that I announce, on behalf of the board, that we are cancelling all of our Jewish related events and services for the near future. We are not reacting to specific cases of COVID-19, but it is important to us to be proactive with preventive measures.
Coming to this decision has been one of my greatest struggles. As a Rabbi I believe in the power of Community. I believe that as Jews we come together to celebrate, worship, gather, and mourn with each other. This is the foundation of Jewish community and the most meaningful expression of living a Jewish life. However, it is clear that social distancing is one of the few effective measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Our health and our lives should always be a priority.

In Judaism, valuing life is a primary concern. The act of Pikuach Nefesh, saving a life, should always take precedent over any mitzvot. Especially and specifically when it comes to Shabbat. So, in order to safeguard the health and lives of our valued members and friends of Congregation Beth Sholom we will be cancelling Shabbat services, religious school, all Jewish activities and events, and our community second day Passover Seder. We have yet to decide whether we will be canceling Shining Lights, but we will keep you updated.
In these trying times it is critical that we continue to check in on each other and support each other, especially those made vulnerable by COVID-19. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to me or any board member and we will do whatever we can to assist them.
Even though we will be physically distant from each other, we are working on new technological ways to connect. I will be providing shortened services via Youtube live and Facebook Live. I will update you soon on how to access these streaming services, my hope is to provide something as soon as tonight by 7:30 pm at this URL www.facebook.com/BethSholomAlaska Thank you so much for your understanding and I wish all who need it a Mi-Sheiberach.

B’Sholom

Rabbi Abram Goodstein

If you are in need of assistance please reach out to our Rabbi, Rabbi Avram.
Phone: 907-338-1800
Email: ravavram907@gmail.com

If you would like to volunteer to help those in need please contact Elizabeth Ellis-Steinzeig.
Email: sille@gci.net

Fill out my online form.

Do Not Stand Idly By: A Jewish Community
Pledge to Save Lives

CBS Board of Trustees Statement on Israel & Anti-Semitism

Congregation Beth Sholom has joined 8664 individuals and organizations in the following pledge to battle homophobic bullying:

"As members of a tradition that sees each person as created in the divine image, we respond with anguish and outrage at the spate of suicides brought on by homophobic bullying and intolerance. We hereby commit to ending homophobic bullying or harassment of any kind in our synagogues, schools, organizations, and communities. As a signatory, I pledge to speak out when I witness anyone being demeaned for their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. I commit myself to do whatever I can to ensure that each and every person in my community is treated with dignity and respect."

SIGN THE PLEDGE NOW!

For more information go to: Keshet Online

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, former president of the Union for Reform Judaism, recently pointed out inReform Judaism Magazine, the need for “a civil conversation about Israel” among North American Jews. Rabbi Yoffie warned that “Israel—the very subject that once brought Jews of divergent perspectives together as a community—has now become a catalyst for divisiveness.”

Mindful of both Rabbi Yoffie’s warning about divisiveness and the need for a “civil conversation,” the Board of Trustees of Congregation Beth Sholom declares these principles:

1. We support Israel's right to exist and to defend itself against terrorism. All nations have the right to self-defense, a principle asserted September 18, 2014 to a joint session of the Congress of the United States, by the President of the Ukraine, who cited Israel as an example of a nation exercising its right to defend its territorial integrity.

2. We agree with Rabbi Yoffie’s wise distinction between “unconditional support” from “uncritical support,” when he explained: “Zionism brought Israel into existence and bestowed upon Jews everywhere a role in determining the character of the Jewish state.” We believe that those who agree, automatically, with every decision of the State of Israel may do a disservice to the people of Israel – a people whose vigorous debates and engagements with public policy issues are now, always have been, and should always remain, vigorous and robust.

3. We have witnessed with sadness, but also with resolve, a rise in anti-Semitism, particularly in Europe. It is clear that Israel’s enemies are employing anti-Semitic language as part of their attacks upon Israel as a nation. We all must challenge any and all expressions of anti-Semitism. History teaches that to be silent is to risk allowing those with extreme and hateful views to erode the laws that protect the rights of Jews and non-Jews alike. In that spirit, we oppose also expressions, by actions or words, of hatred against people of other faiths, and we pledge to challenge those expressions wherever and whenever they are encountered.