Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad Launches Critical $500,000 Campaign: Triple Your Impact Today
Contributed by Rabbi Mendy Greenberg
Ten years ago, my wife Chaya and I moved to the Mat-Su Valley with a mission inspired by a blessing from the global spiritual leader, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson: "Make Alaska warm." That spark grew into the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad, a home built on the belief that kindness can brighten the world.
Today, we are asking you, our cherished partners, to help us secure the future of Jewish life and dramatically expand our community outreach through a high-impact fundraising campaign.
Securing Our Future: What Your Support Funds
The successful completion of this campaign will fund three foundational projects, transforming the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad's presence in the Valley:
1. A New Home and The ARK Sharing Center
This funding will contribute toward the creation of a multi-generational campus that will house the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad, our Preschool, and The ARK Sharing Center. The ARK is envisioned as a free, open-access hub featuring an interactive children's museum, a café, and a giving kitchen for the entire Valley.
2. The Mikvah
Our long-awaited Mikvah—a ritual bath central to Jewish family life—has already broken ground and is currently in the early stages of construction, with an anticipated opening in Spring 2026. The Mikvah is also privileged to receive a grant from KEREN HACHOMESH, the fund established by the Rebbe in honor of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, of righteous memory.
3. Jumpstart 2026 (Operational Stability)
This component ensures the operational sustainability of the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad's existing services, guaranteeing that the "heartbeat" of Jewish life—including all holiday events, Chanukah displays, adult education, Shabbat dinners, and community support—continues smoothly for years to come.
The Human Connection: Why This Matters
The need for our work is deeply personal, illustrated by the connections we have forged in this amazing community.
The 90-Year Journey: I remember meeting Fred, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor at the Veterans Home in Palmer. When I helped him put on Tefillin (phylacteries), Fred wept, stating, "My parents would be so happy to see me."
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Effect
The Center's commitment to the holistic health of the Mat-Su Valley community is powerfully expressed through its widely-regarded podcast, "The Liberating Effect," co-hosted by Michelle Overstreet, CEO of My House, and myself. This popular resource has garnered positive community feedback for its dedicated focus. The podcast uses profound, living wisdom derived from the letters of the Rebbe, compiled in the book 'Letters for Life,' to address contemporary challenges.
This wisdom actively impacts and influences many in the Valley with specific tools and inspiration to live a more emotionally healthy life. This approach is highly liked for its relevant, actionable guidance and positive contribution to community well-being.
A Bar Mitzvah, Just in Time: In Big Lake, terminally ill David O'Malley-Keyes had never had a Bar Mitzvah. When visiting rabbis helped him put on Tefillin for the first time, he found solace, putting them on daily in his final weeks.
Our $500,000 Goal: Triple Your Impact
Over the last decade, you have partnered with us in everything from Friday night dinners to Chanukah displays and vital community support initiatives. Now, we must raise this critical final amount to solidify a permanent, open, and welcoming home for everyone.
We have set a focused goal of $500,000. This ambitious target is within reach thanks to a special challenge: generous matching donors have already committed to funding two-thirds of the total amount. We are now inviting you, the public, to raise the remaining one-third in a short, critical time window.
We are utilizing a powerful Triple Match mechanism, meaning every dollar you donate is instantly matched by $2 from our generous donors.
• If you donate $100, your gift instantly shows a $300 impact on the donation screen.
• If you donate $1,000, your gift instantly shows a $3,000 impact.
The Call to Action: Donate Now, Triple Your Impact
We extend profound gratitude to all our generous matching donors who have made this triple match possible: Rabbi Mendel & Nechama Lichtenstein, Mr. George & Pamela Rohr, Friends of Alaska Jewish Campus, Anonymous, Chessed Alaska, Dr. Monte & Jerilyn Burtch, Steve & Karen Mahoy, Dr. Matthew & Jenna Strohmeyer, Zach & Erin Ortiz, Paul & Kim Holmberg, Yisrael Ben Chaya Ruchel & Sara Tzivia Bas Gittel Weissenfeld, Hillary Saffran, Steve & Olga Zelener, Gabe & Kristallyn Gorman, Eva Cohnen-Brown, Dr. Bruck Clift & Nick Braman, Cathy Cottle, Pam Stahl, and Rabbi Menachem & Mussy Altein.
To support the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad and ensure your donation has a triple impact, please visit Jewishmatsu.org and watch your gift grow instantly on the fundraising screen.