What is Judaism?
Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. Judaism is an over 3,000 year old monotheistic religion, and the first major monotheistic religion. Judaism is the tenth largest religion in the world, with around fifteen million followers. The Jewish people are incredibly widespread and diverse, following ancient and modern movements across the globe.
At Congregation Beth Sholom, and by extension, the Joy Greisen Jewish Education Center, we learn and teach Reform Judaism. When you come into our space, a place of welcoming and inclusiveness, you should know you are also entering our synagogue, our place of community and worship.
Congregation Beth Sholom began as a place for children and families. Up until 1958, the only Jewish services in Alaska were held by military chaplains on what is now JBER. CBS was started as a place for Jewish families to practice their faith with other Jewish families. Now, CBS seats 400 people, holds annual holiday events, and hosts the JEC.
Our sanctuary is home to our Ark and Torah scrolls. Our sanctuary is also home to pieces of art made by and donated by our congregates, including two lovely handmade quilts, and two stained glass windows. The congregation is currently lead by Rabbi Abram Goodstein.
At Congregation Beth Sholom, and by extension, the Joy Greisen Jewish Education Center, we learn and teach Reform Judaism. When you come into our space, a place of welcoming and inclusiveness, you should know you are also entering our synagogue, our place of community and worship.
Congregation Beth Sholom began as a place for children and families. Up until 1958, the only Jewish services in Alaska were held by military chaplains on what is now JBER. CBS was started as a place for Jewish families to practice their faith with other Jewish families. Now, CBS seats 400 people, holds annual holiday events, and hosts the JEC.
Our sanctuary is home to our Ark and Torah scrolls. Our sanctuary is also home to pieces of art made by and donated by our congregates, including two lovely handmade quilts, and two stained glass windows. The congregation is currently lead by Rabbi Abram Goodstein.
A Virtual Tour of The Sanctuary
Jewish Holidays
At the JEC, we celebrate Jewish holidays. Every week, we greet the Sabbath. Every autumn we rejoice in the coming of Rosh Hashanah, reflect during Yom Kippur. Every winter we celebrate the festival of lights. Every spring we embrace the changing seasons with Tu B'Shevat. Summer brings Shavuot and the bounty of nature.
Shabbat
Shabbat, or Shabbos, is the Jewish Sabbath. On Friday evenings, we celebrate the end of the week, and the coming of our day of rest on Saturday. We welcome Shabbat with the lighting of the Shabbat candles, blessings over the Kiddush cup, and over the Challah, the braided bread traditionally eaten on Shabbat and other Jewish holidays.
Shabbat begins on Friday evening at sundown, and lasts until sundown on Saturday. Shabbat is considered to be the best time for religious study and discussion, for spending time in the community and with family, and for resting. Work is forbidden during Shabbat. Traditionally this includes 39 "melakhoth," or types of work, which include various labors associated with farming, sewing, and building, and "kindling a fire." Among strict adherents of Jewish law, "kindling a fire" is extended to activities that involve the use of electricity, such as turning on lights, or driving a car. The celebration of the end of Shabbat is called Havdalah, literally meaning "separation."
Shabbat begins on Friday evening at sundown, and lasts until sundown on Saturday. Shabbat is considered to be the best time for religious study and discussion, for spending time in the community and with family, and for resting. Work is forbidden during Shabbat. Traditionally this includes 39 "melakhoth," or types of work, which include various labors associated with farming, sewing, and building, and "kindling a fire." Among strict adherents of Jewish law, "kindling a fire" is extended to activities that involve the use of electricity, such as turning on lights, or driving a car. The celebration of the end of Shabbat is called Havdalah, literally meaning "separation."
Contact us
Joy Greisen Jewish Education Center
7525 East Northern Lights Boulevard Anchorage, Alaska 99504 |