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Welcome to Beth Israel Congregation

The home for Jewish Life in Waterville, Maine.

Upcoming Events

  • Kabbalat Shabbat Services
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, Mar 31
    Waterville
    Mar 31, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Waterville, 291 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Welcome in Shabbat with the Beth Israel community! Please sign up if you know you plan to attend services: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MIzP2c8ect21wr0YCc5ChIioHhZfa0h4y1XMxaieS8o/edit?usp=sharing
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  • Shabbat Morning Services
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Apr 01
    Waterville
    Apr 01, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Waterville, 291 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Join us together for Saturday morning services, followed by an oneg. Please sign up if you plan to attend -- if we do not have a minyan signed up, services may be canceled. Use this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MIzP2c8ect21wr0YCc5ChIioHhZfa0h4y1XMxaieS8o/edit?usp=sharing
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  • Second Seder (Passover/Pesach)
    Thu, Apr 06
    Parker Reed Room, Colby College
    Apr 06, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Parker Reed Room, Colby College, 4000 Mayflower Hill Dr, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Beth Israel's community seder is open to all -- though RSVPs and payment are required. This year, because of construction, we will be holding the seder at Colby College. Check the weekly email/monthly newsletter for more info, or email maweiss@colby.edu!
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  • Kabbalat Shabbat Dairy Potluck and Services
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, Apr 21
    Waterville
    Apr 21, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Waterville, 291 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Welcome in Shabbat with the Beth Israel community! Please bring a vegetarian dish to share. Please sign up to let us know if you plan to come: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MIzP2c8ect21wr0YCc5ChIioHhZfa0h4y1XMxaieS8o/edit?usp=sharing
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Our Story

The congregation was established over 100 years ago and descendants of the original members have preserved the memories and traditions of our founding families.  While rich in history, our current congregation lists many who have come to us from other states bringing with them their own religious and cultural experiences.  

 

A significant portion of our members are inter-faith couples who are committed to a meaningful religious life for their families.  We provide a variety of programs including a religious school for children, adult education classes, lectures, community suppers and brunches, and other social events.

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A Message From Our Rabbi

My name is Rabbi Rachel Isaacs and it is my distinct pleasure to serve Beth Israel Congregation. After serving as the Legacy Heritage Rabbinic Fellow for Beth Israel, I am now serving as the rabbi of this holy community. Additionally, I  serve as the Dorothy "Bibby" Levine Alfond Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies and the Director of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College.

 

I was raised in a Conservative congregation in New Jersey and attended Wellesley College where I was a Hillel Co-President. As an undergraduate student, I also studied abroad at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Be'er Sheva, Israel.  After graduation, I studied in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and then began rabbinical school as a Wexner Graduate Fellow.

 

I have a passion for serious Jewish learning. I am committed to making Judaism relevant and accessible for Jewish individuals and families of all makeups and backgrounds.  

 

As a native of the Jersey Shore, there is little that I love more than skeeball, frozen custard, and the waves.  As a Jew, there is little I relish more than hosting people for Shabbat meals.  I look forward to having you at my family's Shabbos table!

“For my house shall be called a House of Prayer for all peoples."

Isaiah 56:7

Contact Us

291 Main St, Waterville, P.O. Box 1882, Waterville, ME 04901

207-872-7551

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