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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 Email: Sholomalaska@aol.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.

Please Join us at this years Shining Lights Award banquet honoring
Tom and Ruth Nighswander

Rabbi's Message

Dear friends,

We begin our new year with hopes, and perhaps anxieties mixed in a bit, with anticipation for a year of harmony. Beth Sholom is built on a foundation of caring for each other as well as the greater community. We know that our individual efforts to practice the traditions that give our lives meaning and purpose do indeed grow and extend beyond us to others.

May this year bring us even closer to the goals of Jewish life...all the facets of tikkun olam, the healing of our world in peace and balance.

L'shana tova,

Rabbi Michael Oblath

CONGREGATION BETH SHOLOM TIKKUN OLOM (REPAIR THE WORLD) CAUSES
Because we believe it is important for our congregation and our community to be involved in community and world causes that will help improve the lives of others, no matter what religion or belief, we would like to publicize issues we believe important to help "Repair the World"

We as Jew's are reminded that we were once strangers, in other's people's land. Many of our Grandparents fled from other countries due to war or tyranny or prejudice. The Syrian refugee crisis is growing by the numbers, and some times we think a little bit doesn't help, but it does. Many nations have helped the Jewish community throughout history, and we are no different than the Syrian's seeking aid right now. As Rabbi Wenger said during Yom Kippur today "these individuals are people who had jobs; doctors, teachers, bankers, children, college students, and so on" They fled because they were being persecuted, just like my great grandparents did. So I'll encourage you to donate, if you can, and yes, even a small donation counts. These are good people, who had it all taken from them, without them having a say. Please donate, here is the link. Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief

/dues.htmlThis calendar will be kept as current as possible, so please consider signing up for theGoogle calendar to have the most current information at your finger tips. Just click on the Google calendar icon in the lower right hand corner to subscribe to any of the CBS Calendars. Doing this will also allow you to access this calendar through your smart phone or with text message reminders sent to you for specific events.

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.