SHABBOS INFORMATION
Where should I spend Shabbos?
Anchorage is a key stop for both cruises and land tours--and it's also home to Alaska's only orthodox shul.
If you're spending more than one Shabbos in Alaska, or don't mind being away from a shul, spend one Shabbos in Anchorage and the other at a lodge that offers hiking and other non-driving nature experiences.
Understanding the Time difference
Shabbos doesn't start until late Friday evening in summer, and it doesn’t get over until the early morning hours Sunday. Therefore you can’t book a red eye or cruise that departs Saturday night. You have to leave after 2am Sunday morning.
So what does this mean for travel planning? It means you can plan a full day of activities on Friday, even a trip to nearby towns such as Whittier, Seward, or Talkeetna, and still be back to Anchorage before Shabbos begins.
For example, on June 21, the longest day of the year, the sun sets at 11:40 in Anchorage. The earliest you can begin Shabbos is 9:40pm and the latest is 11:22pm (18 minutes before sunset). On the flip side, because you can’t get on your computer or begin your week Saturday night, you’ll feel like Shabbos is two days long. It's not only relaxing, but a great opportunity to meet the local Jewish community.
Feel free to explore the campus during the day.
If you have at least five in your group, Rabbi Greenberg can arrange a presentation on Jewish Life in Alaska
Candle lighting
Summer candle-lighting times in Anchorage occur 9-11 p.m.
Alaska is quite large and other cities candle lighting times could be drastically different.
Find candle-lighting times for Alaska by calling Rabbi Mordechai Premock in New York at 718-851-1314. Or by Pressing on the Link Below
Shabbos seudos
Friday Night Seudah
$75 per person. Children under 12 years of age are $50. It is served either at the Chabad Campus located at 1117 East 35th Avenue or at the Rabbi’s home located at 1210 E. 26th Ave., Corner of LaTouche, off Northern Lights and Seward Highway; 9 blocks from the shul. For directions, please call their campus office at 907-279-1200 Friday morning to confirm the location of Friday Night Seudah.
Shabbos Day Seudah
$60 per person served at the shul immediately following services in conjunction with the community Shabbos luncheon. Children under 12 years of age are $45.
Prepaid reservations for Shabb meals are required. Payments can be made by Check, PayPal, Visa or MasterCard.
(Shalosh seudos) Shabbos third meal is not offered by the Center.
If you would like to register for meals, please fill out the online registration form below and fax it to (907) 279-7890 or email it to admin.assist@alaskajewishcampus.org
Shabbos Activities in Anchorage
- Anchorage Hiking and Wildlife watching. The wooded Chester Creek Trail makes for an hour-or-less walk between downtown and the . You'll breathe fresh air, enjoy the beautiful river scenery and perhaps spot beavers or even a moose.
- Anchorage Museum. You could easily spend hours at this multi-galleried museum of history, art, culture and photography. Plus, at the corner of 7th and A, it's just a five-minute walk from downtown hotels. Call to arrange payment in advance (907-343-4326).
- Ship Creek Salmon. Walk another 5 to 10 minutes upstream and you'll spot them jumping the falls.
Shabbos friendly Hotels
There are two good hotel alternatives to choose from: either a downtown hotel or one near the shul.
(Note: Most Alaskan hotels use electronic keys, but staffers are typically friendly and will accommodate you on Shabbos.)
Near Downtown:
The Residence inn is only a 2-minute walk from the shul:
- Conveniently located for Shabbat services, dining and getting acquainted with the community.
- Easy walking distance to the Natural Pantry supermarket, which features kosher food and dairy products.
- Rooms come with a kitchen.
- The staff is well-versed in serving orthodox Jewish guests.
SpringHilll Suites (a 10-minute walk).
Downtown Hotels:
The most convenient downtown hotel to the shul is the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. The Ramada Anchorage Downtown is economical and also well-located.
They are a pleasant, 50-minute walk from the shul, along a beautiful wooded trail.
- The upside: Easy access to a bevy of non-driving downtown activities.
- The downside: You're too far from the shul to return to your hotel between Shabbos services and meals