Our world cries out for healing. We may lose sight of a basic observation: often it is the smaller scale, local changes, that lead to the greatest meaning in our lives. Bigotry, prejudice, the need to heal the many ills of human life, the fear of The Other ... all exist. But the efforts to bring healing and compassion to each of us, personally, form the foundation of a strong society, a healed and healthy community of respect and understanding.
As the oldest and largest Jewish congregation in Alaska, Congregation Beth Sholom initiates and supports one of the most primary missions of Judaism in our community and the world, the practice of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world).
Our Shining Lights Award honors those that practice commitment to the Anchorage and greater Alaska communities through Tikkun Olam. This year, Beth Sholom is honoring Steve Lindbeck and Patty Ginsburg for their community leadership, inspiring philanthropy, social action, compassion for human health and growth, and also their adventurous love of life. Their lives are exemplary of the pursuit of the blessings of Tikkun Olam. We will recognize Steve's and Patty's commitments on April 23, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Hotel Captain Cook.
Steve and Patty have, together, over 60 years of experience and activity within our communities. Skills in journalism, public affairs, and public relations make them great communicators. They use their skills to enhance the programs that they support, promoting creativity, cooperation, health and healing. Individually, and together, they are shining lights for their career accomplishments.
Steve, currently president and general manager of Alaska Public Media, has served as UAA vice chancellor for advancement, associate editor of the Anchorage Daily News, and executive director of the Alaska Humanities Forum. His extensive volunteer service includes Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Anchorage, United Way of Anchorage, the World Affairs Council, plus the Anchorage Museum Association.
Patty is the chair-elect of the Mountain Pacific board, American Lung Association. She is well known for her commitment to building awareness of causes such as the cure for lung cancer, and supporting others that are affected by depression, lung cancer, and food disorders. In 2014, Patty formed "Team Patty" and completed her first 100-mile bike ride, the Clean Air Challenge.
Steve and Patty are avid bikers and runners. Together they have raised tens of thousands of dollars for their shared causes. In support of the American Lung Association, Steve biked across the country, and raised over $30,000. And, as co-captains, they raised over $20,000 for the Clean Air Challenge. They are committed to leading physically active lives, promoting good health and supporting critical causes for human healing and well-being. They do indeed energize the community through action.
Patty and Steve exemplify, in their lives, the approach to our existence that teaches the goals, desires and work necessary to heal the world. They bring to our communities their energy and skills, their understanding that Tikkun Olam can only be achieved through compassion for others and the hard work involved in the task.
Funds raised from the Shining Lights banquet support the Congregation's activities that promote diversity and respect in our community. In particular:
• The Joy Greisen After-School Program, Pre-School Program, and the Camp Sholom winter, spring and summer programs. Nearly 35 percent of the students receive some sort of needs-based subsidy. Currently 20 percent of the participants are Jewish and 80 percent are non-Jewish.
• Mitzvah Mall. CBS sponsors this annual winter holiday bazaar that connects local nonprofit agencies with potential donors. Attendees donate money to their favorite nonprofits, the donations serving as holiday gifts to friends and family.
• Thanksgiving Blessing. CBS partners with St. Patrick's Church and Muldoon Community Assembly to provide Thanksgiving dinners for East Anchorage neighbors in need.
• Interfaith Council of Anchorage. CBS has been active within the Interfaith Council for many years, starting with its growth from a Christian to a multi-faith organization in the 1980s.
• Our Anne Frank Remembrance Fund supports programs that promote awareness of modern-day genocide, encourage cultural diversity and memorialize those affected by the atrocities of World War II.
Michael Oblath is the rabbi at Congregation Beth Sholom in Anchorage.
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