Tikkun Olam: "Repair of the World"
The Shining Lights Award recognizes Alaskans who demonstrate the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, a commitment to improve the world we live in. In addition to highlighting our honorees for their good works, proceeds from the event support Congregation Beth Sholom's non-denominational programs.
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Congregation Beth Sholom celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2018. In our long history there has been one constant: our commitment to making the world better. We have strived toward this goal by lending a voice to those who are marginalized, by giving support to families touched by tragedy or illness, by providing food and clothing to individuals and families in need, by offering scholarships to students and by opening up our facility for use by the greater community. We advocate, educate and take action because we know it is our responsibility.
Our Mitzvah Mall event, our participation in various local charitable works and initiatives, our annual food and clothing drives, our outspoken advocacy on issues of social justice, and our Joy Greisen JEC Preschool and School Age program all exemplify how we strive to bring about Tikkun Olam in our community. |
At our annual Mitzvah Mall, the public is invited to donate to their favorite non-profits as holiday "gift cards." To date, well over $100,000 has been raised for 50+ non-profits, working to support initiatives that benefit all Alaskans. Furthermore, this annual giving event provides a platform to teach our students the importance of philanthropy. |
L'Dor Va'Dor - Generation to Generation
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In addition to ongoing community service programs, we continue work on two ambitious projects which would intertwine in a very meaningful way. Together we call these projects L'Dor Va'Dor - Generation to Generation.
The first element of L'Dor Va'Dor includes the work of our Joy Greisen JEC. Thanks to the support of our synagogue leadership, the Rasmuson Foundation, and the Shining Lights Fund-a-Project, we recently added two new classrooms, expanded our playground, and increased our staff and training to support the ever-growing need for quality Early Childhood and Afterschool Education in Alaska. The second component of L'Dor Va'Dor is our work toward serving the senior population of Alaska. As conceptualized, the project will result in a housing facility will serve the needs of 24 seniors experiencing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia. A unique aspect of this project will include regular intergenerational programming between our students and the seniors served. |
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Todah Rabah - Many Thanks
We thank our many community partners ~ Todah Rabah!
Rev. Michael and Nancy Burke, The Thomas Center, Amanda Lofgren and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Rasmuson Foundation, The Foraker Group, The Interfaith Council of Anchorage, Cook Inlet Housing, Ann Bruner from the Burrell Law Group, the Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center, Pat Athey and Hemlock Scientific LLC, Martha Schoenthal, Steve Fishback, Chris Kowalczewsi, Laurie Wolf, John Powers, Steve Peters, Dean and Gwenn Polick, HDL LLC, Sustainable Solutions LLC, Chi Partners, Kumin Associates, Earthscape LLC, Thread, and all the donors who made these projects possible.
Rev. Michael and Nancy Burke, The Thomas Center, Amanda Lofgren and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Rasmuson Foundation, The Foraker Group, The Interfaith Council of Anchorage, Cook Inlet Housing, Ann Bruner from the Burrell Law Group, the Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center, Pat Athey and Hemlock Scientific LLC, Martha Schoenthal, Steve Fishback, Chris Kowalczewsi, Laurie Wolf, John Powers, Steve Peters, Dean and Gwenn Polick, HDL LLC, Sustainable Solutions LLC, Chi Partners, Kumin Associates, Earthscape LLC, Thread, and all the donors who made these projects possible.