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
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.
With sufficient notice transportation can usually be arranged if needed.
A message from Rabbi Abram Goodstein
For the month of February, we have just entered the Jewish month of Shevat. Shevat is most famous for having the holiday Tu B’shevat fall in it. Tu B’Shevat literally means the 15th of Shevat and is the Jewish new year for the trees. It’s kind of like a Jewish Arbor Day. It’s always been a struggle to celebrate such a spring time holiday in the middle of winter in Alaska. So in response to this struggle we host a special seder inspired by the flavors and scents of early spring. In this way our Tu B’shevat seder acts as an oasis of spring while we are still deep in winter.
B'Shalom Rabbi Abram Goodstein
For the month of February, we have just entered the Jewish month of Shevat. Shevat is most famous for having the holiday Tu B’shevat fall in it. Tu B’Shevat literally means the 15th of Shevat and is the Jewish new year for the trees. It’s kind of like a Jewish Arbor Day. It’s always been a struggle to celebrate such a spring time holiday in the middle of winter in Alaska. So in response to this struggle we host a special seder inspired by the flavors and scents of early spring. In this way our Tu B’shevat seder acts as an oasis of spring while we are still deep in winter.
B'Shalom Rabbi Abram Goodstein
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Do Not Stand Idly By: A Jewish Community
Pledge to Save Lives |
CBS Board of Trustees Statement on Israel & Anti-Semitism
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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. |