Contributed by Rabbi Mendy Greenberg
Thousands of Alaskans look forward to the annual State Fair in Palmer, and now they have one more great reason to attend! The Jewish Cultural Booth, presented by the Alaska Jewish Campus & Museum and the Mat-Su Jewish Center, will bring an incredible and hands-on cultural experience for all fair-goers. Find the Jewish Cultural Booth across from the main office, right inside the Red Gate.
The booth will feature a fully stocked beautiful Judaica gift shop, with incredible artwork by Alaskan artist Jonna Van Zyle, and delicious Challah bread! The booth will also host daily children’s story and related hands-on activity time centered around themes of giving and community. These workshops will take place at 4 pm. Join the community can drive for the local food pantry, craft a Shofar (ram’s horn used in the Jewish New Year), try some experiments, or learn the secrets for a perfect Challah bread for Sabbath. The demonstrations are guaranteed to be full of unforgettable learning experiences.
Guests to the booth will enjoy a complimentary peek at the current exhibits viewing at the Alaska Jewish Historical Museum, including the popular “On the Wings of Eagles: Alaska’s Contribution to Operation Magic Carpet” exhibition detailing Alaska Airline’s refugee rescue mission in Yemen. Other mini-exhibits on display will be: “Refuge in the Last Frontier: The Evolution of the Alaska Development Plan”, regarding the attempt and failure of the United States government to put into action an immigration policy that would have allowed Jews trying to escape Nazi Germany to settle in Alaska during the late 1930’s and early 1940’s, and “Bayles. David. Koslosky. Gottstein. Green. Loussac: Jewish Movers and Shakers in Early Anchorage” about the early Jewish pioneers and founding members of the city of Anchorage.
Whether you choose to visit for the yummy Challah, the museum exhibit, one of the story hours, or to browse the beautiful shop, it will surely be a highlight of your state fair experience.
If you would like more information about our exciting booth, please contact Rabbi Mendy Greenberg at (907) 350-1787 or email at rabbi@matsujewishcenter.org.
