Annual Events

Welcome rabbi BBQ – Get to know our new (or returning) summer rabbi or cantor! Join us at the synagogue for a meet and greet, and enjoy salmon burgers, Hebrew National hot dogs, and sides and desserts contributed by community members while you mingle with old and new friends at this potluck party.

Jews in Canoes followed by potluck – Every year, members and friends gather on the Chena River for a day of fun and community. Bring your own canoe and life vest, or let the organizers know and we will try to coordinate equipment for you. The simple day float starts at Graehl Landing and ends at Pioneer Park or Chena River Wayside, where we enjoy a potluck meal.

High holiday services – A visiting rabbi puts together a full schedule of services, classes, and related events for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Our community gathers for tashlich at Pike’s Landing. We also have a Yom Kippur break-fast potluck at a gathering spot in town.

Passover seder – Join a second-night seder, organized by the community. If you don’t have a seder to attend on the first night, contact the office and we will find you one to join!

Miracle of Lights fundraiser – Each year at Chanuka we gather to celebrate at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. This memorable event is a fundraiser in partnership with a local organization—half the proceeds go to the organization, and half to our synagogue. We serve latkes made by community volunteers, as well as a full buffet-style meal. We retell the story of Chanuka, light the candles, and say the blessings. There is live music, a silent auction, and a few guest speakers. Members often invite guests to this event, which is open to the public.

Click here to purchase tickets for this year’s fundraiser.

Purim, Sukkot, Simchat Torah – The Or Hatzafon community celebrates major holidays at the synagogue, often in conjunction with the Sunday school students. Recent celebrations included a Lag b’Omer barbecue, a community reading of a silly Purim play, songs, dancing, and a display of our Torah for Simchat Torah, and building a Sukkah in which we might eat, shake the lulav and etrog, and maybe even sleep if weather permits. Celebrating Sukkot in a sukkah is always an experience in Fairbanks, since it’s usually well below freezing by that time!

Camp Ki Tov – Our week-long summer day camp for kids includes tefilah and Jewish learning, as well as sports activities and crafts. It runs 9 am – 4 pm, usually in early July.

Film festival – The 2024 Farthest North Jewish Film Festival has the following lineup: