Opinions

Practicing commitment to the Alaska community – and reaching beyond it

Our response to life reveals who we are. Jewish tradition teaches that the world is in desperate need of compassionate repair. We are taught to connect with others, not to withdraw from the community … to educate ourselves and others, and to heal. Thus, we hope to build a society of respect and understanding.

As the oldest and largest Jewish congregation in Alaska, Congregation Beth Sholom initiates and supports one of the primary missions of Judaism in the world, the practice of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world).

Our Shining Lights Award honors those that practice commitment to Anchorage and the greater Alaska communities through Tikkun Olam. This year, we recognize Tom and Ruth Nighswander for their dedication to education, social action and compassion for human growth. They are truly shining lights. We will honor Tom and Ruth's commitments on April 26, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Hotel Captain Cook.

With a long career with the Public Health Service, Tom established clinics, placing health aides in remote villages. He expanded access through the Alaska Telehealth Advisory Commission, enabling patients and professionals to consult electronically throughout Alaska, and he was awarded the Alaska Academy of Family Medicine's Physician of the Year award in 2016.

Tom is currently professor and regional dean of the WWAMI program, guiding scores of Alaskan students through medical training. He chaired committees addressing issues from alcohol abuse to cancer research. He served on the Executive Boards of Commonwealth North, United Way, among others, and received the Barbara Berger Award and the Alaska Meritorious Health Service Award for his public health service.

[Related: An Anchorage couple worked decades to help African villagers. Other Alaskans decided to help, too.]

Following her service with the Peace Corp, Ruth obtained a master's in education, and a nursing degree from Alaska Methodist University. As such, Ruth served the Anchorage School District for 30 years as school nurse. She created innovative and beneficial programs, and in 2001, the Alaska School Nurses Association voted Ruth Alaska's School Nurse of the Year.

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Colleagues describe her glowingly: leader, motivator, imaginative, and they value her ability to connect effectively with others. She was named a YWCA Woman of Achievement and awarded the Anchorage Hospice Award of National/Global Community Service.

Ruth and Tom enjoy being youth counselors at St. Mary's Episcopal Church and, in fact, for their volunteer efforts in Anchorage, were awarded the American College of Physicians' Volunteerism Award for 2013.

They are deeply dedicated to Malawi. In 1984, Tom worked on the National Health Plan, while Ruth taught at Kamuzu College of Nursing. In 2000, as a result of the AIDs epidemic, they helped establish the Malawi Children's Village, providing basic needs and education for some 3000 orphans.

Subsequently, six Anchorage schools have adopted Malawi schools, APU and West High organized trips to assist, while others added infrastructure and educational support. Exchanges were created, offering educational and transformative experiences for participants.

Ruth and Tom exemplify the dedication 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 and the hard work involved in the task.

Funds raised from the Shining Lights banquet support the Congregation's activities promoting diversity and respect in our community:

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 more than 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 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 rabbi at Congregation Beth Sholom in Anchorage.  

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