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Our response to life is a window into the type of people we are. Jewish tradition teaches that the world is not irreparably broken, just in desperate need of compassionate repair and healing. We are taught to stay connected with others, not to withdraw from the community … to improve our society, to educate ourselves and others, to heal, to teach and to learn. These efforts strengthen the foundation of a community, creating a society of respect and understanding.
As the oldest and largest Jewish congregation in Alaska, Congregation Beth Sholom initiates and supports a primary goal of Judaism in our community and the world, the practice of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world).
Our Shining Lights Award honors those who practice commitment to Anchorage and Alaska communities through Tikkun Olam. This year, Beth Sholom is honoring Fran Ulmer for her dedication to education, creating future generations of community leadership in Alaska, inspiring culture, social action and compassion for human growth. Her life is exemplary of the pursuit of the blessings of Tikkun Olam. We will recognize Fran's commitments and contributions beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage.
Fran's legacy of public service spans over 40 years and is still going strong. Her achievements reflect a commitment to community, a strong work ethic, and first-hand appreciation for the state's unique people and resources. As a leader in public policy, planning and education, Fran inspires us all:
• Director of Policy Development and Planning. Fran established the coastal management program, coordinating state, federal and local groups to provide coastal communities their voice in regional development.
• Mayor and state representative. In 1983, Fran was elected mayor of Juneau, following with four terms as a state representative. She served as the House minority leader during her final term.
• Lieutenant governor. In 1994, Fran became the state's first female lieutenant governor, transforming our voting system and modernizing services through telecommunications.
• Professor and chancellor. In the early 2000s, Fran focused on education, completing a fellowship at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. She began a new phase of her career at the University of Alaska as a public policy professor, director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research, and finally as chancellor.
• Policy adviser. Fran was appointed to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling, and in 2011 she was appointed by President Obama as chair of the US Arctic Research Commission. She currently serves on the boards of the Nature Conservancy, National Parks Conservation Association and First National Bank Alaska.
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Fran models the goals, desires and work necessary to heal the world. She demonstrates a lifelong commitment to the next generation of Alaska leaders, advocating for quality education for all, fair legislation, engaged communities and a strong economy. She brings us her energy and skills. Her life is a constant reminder that Tikkun Olam is achieved through compassion for others, the hard work that is involved and an acute awareness of the gifts with which we are blessed.
Funds raised from the Shining Lights banquet support the congregation's activities that promote diversity and respect in our community. In particular:
• Our current Elder Care project. Our effort to help fill the dire need for memory care facilities within our community and state. We are in the beginning stages, moving steadily forward, and have received strong and appreciated support throughout the state and beyond.
• The Joy Greisen After-School Program, Pre-School Program and the Camp Sholom 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, having grown in physical and quantitative size to over 120 students with the assistance of Shining Lights' participants.
• Mitzvah Mall. CBS sponsors this annual winter holiday bazaar, connecting local nonprofit agencies with potential donors. Attendees donate to their favorite nonprofits, the donations noted as holiday gifts honoring friends and family.
• Interfaith Council of Anchorage. CBS has been active within the Interfaith Council for many years, starting with its growth from a Christian to a multifaith 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 rabbi at Congregation Beth Sholom in Anchorage. More information on the Shining Lights Award and Thursday's banquet is available online at www.shininglightsaward.com.
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