Welcome to Beth Israel Congregation

The home for Jewish Life in Waterville, Maine.

Upcoming Events

Tu Bishvat Community Celebration
Wed, Jan 27
Zoom Event
Jan 27, 5:45 PM
Zoom Event
Celebrate Trees!
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The Digital Preservation of Jewish History: An Introduction to Diarna
Sun, Jan 31
Zoom Event
Jan 31, 10:00 AM – 1:05 PM
Zoom Event
Learn about Jewish Communities of the Middle East and North Africa
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Kabbalah & Contemporary Life with Rabbi Or Rose
Wed, Feb 03
Zoom class -- details in the weekly email
Feb 03, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Zoom class -- details in the weekly email
First of Three
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Professor Nancy Sinkoff: From Left to Right: Writing the Life of Holocaust Historian Lucy S. Dawidowicz
Mon, Feb 08
Zoom event -- details in weekly email
Feb 08, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Zoom event -- details in weekly email
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Kabbalah & Contemporary Life with Rabbi Or Rose
Wed, Feb 10
Zoom class -- details in the weekly email
Feb 10, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Zoom class -- details in the weekly email
Second of Three
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Kabbalah & Contemporary Life with Rabbi Or Rose
Wed, Feb 17
Zoom class -- details in the weekly email
Feb 17, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Zoom class -- details in the weekly email
Third of Three
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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 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