The Hebrew phrase Tikkun Olam translates into English as "repair of the world." The Shining Lights Award recognizes Alaskans who exemplify the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam. In addition to highlighting the good works of our honorees, the award banquet inspires others to give back to their community as well.
Proceeds from the event support Congregation Beth Sholom's non-denominational initiatives and partnerships to achieve Tikkun Olam in our community. We strive to lend a voice to the marginalized, provide resources to those in need, offer quality educational opportunities for all, and open our facility to the greater community.
Proceeds from the event support Congregation Beth Sholom's non-denominational initiatives and partnerships to achieve Tikkun Olam in our community. We strive to lend a voice to the marginalized, provide resources to those in need, offer quality educational opportunities for all, and open our facility to the greater community.
Community Outreach
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Mitzvah Mall: Our signature winter holiday event, the Mitzvah Mall, is an annual gift fair which provides one-stop charitable giving for donors from across the community. Mitzvah Mall also encourages Congregation Beth Sholom’s school-age children to become informed, empathetic givers. They learn about the participating organizations and donate their “Mitzvah Bucks” on charities of their choice. Since its inception 12 years ago, the Mitzvah Mall has raised over $165,000 for over 50 local non-profits and charities. |
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Shabbat Speakers: Once a month, Congregation Beth Sholom invites guest speakers from the community to speak at our services. Topics span from adventure travel to homelessness, immigration, the opioid crisis, local education issues and the environment. We continue to seek opportunities to learn about and address the needs of our community.
Quality Education and Childcare
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For over 30 years, Congregation Beth Sholom’s preschool, after-school program, and Camp Sholom have provided quality education and a nurturing environment for students of all backgrounds.
This award winning program is open to all, embracing and celebrating a multitude of cultures. At present, 80% of children served in this quality program are from outside the congregation’s membership. We are working to create a scholarship fund for families in need, including immigrant children and displaced families. Thanks to the support of the Rasmuson Foundation and the 2016 Shining Lights Fund-a-Project, we expanded the facility and increased our staff and training to support the ever-growing need for quality early childhood and afterschool education in Alaska. |
Partnerships
In addition to our own initiatives, CBS partners with other organizations on numerous community projects. We sponsor food and clothing drives, assist with Thanksgiving Blessings, and open our facility as a community gathering place for local schools, non-profits, and other groups.
Congregation Beth Sholom’s L’Dor V’Dor project (from generation to generation) is our long-term vision to serve elders experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. In partnership with the Foraker Group, Rasmuson Foundation, and others, we completed the first phase of a feasibility study. An interagency committee has formed to determine how best to implement the results of this study.
CBS has been a long-time member of the Interfaith Council of Anchorage, composed of diverse faith communities whose mission is to respond to human need through cooperative effort, dialogue and education. Congregation Beth Sholom has used the Anne Frank fund to combat bullying in schools, and has collaborated with the Anti-Defamation League program, No Place for Hate.
Congregation Beth Sholom’s L’Dor V’Dor project (from generation to generation) is our long-term vision to serve elders experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. In partnership with the Foraker Group, Rasmuson Foundation, and others, we completed the first phase of a feasibility study. An interagency committee has formed to determine how best to implement the results of this study.
CBS has been a long-time member of the Interfaith Council of Anchorage, composed of diverse faith communities whose mission is to respond to human need through cooperative effort, dialogue and education. Congregation Beth Sholom has used the Anne Frank fund to combat bullying in schools, and has collaborated with the Anti-Defamation League program, No Place for Hate.
