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Hanukkah Sentinel
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Torah prep
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Welcome to Beth Israel Congregation

The home for Jewish Life in Waterville, Maine.

Upcoming Events

  • Home Hospitality Shabbat
    Home Hospitality Shabbat
    Fri, Dec 08
    Waterville
    Dec 08, 2023, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Waterville, 291 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Dec 08, 2023, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Waterville, 291 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Join together with Colby Hillel for services, and, if you sign up ahead of time, host students for Shabbat dinner together! For more information, email Mel Weiss at maweiss@colby.edu.
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  • Shabbat Hike at Quarry Road
    Shabbat Hike at Quarry Road
    Sat, Dec 09
    Waterville
    Dec 09, 2023, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    Waterville, Quarry Rd, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Dec 09, 2023, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    Waterville, Quarry Rd, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Join together with others from the Beth Israel community for a short prayer walk at Quarry Road -- dress warmly! We'll meet in the first parking lot.
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  • Hanukkah party!
    Hanukkah party!
    Sun, Dec 10
    Waterville
    Dec 10, 2023, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Waterville, 291 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Dec 10, 2023, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Waterville, 291 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Bring your friends, your family, your neighbors -- it's the Beth Israel Hanukkah party! Get ready for food, fun, music, games, and more. If you're interested in volunteering, email Mel Weiss at maweiss@colby.edu. Time subject to change -- check the monthly newsletter for final information!
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  • Kabbalat Shabbat Services
    Kabbalat Shabbat Services
    Fri, Dec 15
    Waterville
    Dec 15, 2023, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Waterville, 291 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Dec 15, 2023, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Waterville, 291 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Join together with members to the Beth Israel community to welcome in Shabbat together. This service does not have a potluck.
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  • Shabbat Morning Services and Bat Mitzvah of Ruth Leopold
    Shabbat Morning Services and Bat Mitzvah of Ruth Leopold
    Sat, Dec 16
    Waterville
    Dec 16, 2023, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Waterville, 291 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Dec 16, 2023, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Waterville, 291 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
    Join the Beth Israel community to celebrate Ruth Leopold as she comes to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah!
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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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