Welcome to Beth Israel Congregation

The home for Jewish Life in Waterville, Maine.

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.

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 at Colby College, serve as the Hillel rabbi, and the Director of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life.

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 commited 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