Since its founding in 1985 by a small group of individuals looking for a Reform alternative to the existing Portland synagogues, Congregation Bet Ha’am has steadily grown and flourished. We have always been known for the unique spirit and warmth that mark our activities, particularly our worship. Now with more than 360 member households, the Congregation has become a central institution in the Southern Maine Jewish community. 

Our Hebrew name, “Bet Ha’am,” means “House of the People,” and we are particularly proud that we are a welcoming community for a diverse group of families and individuals.  From the beginning, Bet Ha’am’s emphasis has been to help its members connect – or re-connect – to Judaism by providing an open, caring and energetic community.  Many of our member families include non-Jewish spouses, and the childhood experiences of our adult Jewish members range from Orthodox to non-observant.  We have a large and growing number of Jews by Choice and are recognized for our outreach to gay and lesbian Jews.

We offer a range of opportunities for worship, learning, celebration and social action.  Our links to Israel include several congregational trips, including those in July 2004 and February 2006.  Rabbi Alice Goldfinger brought her spirited approach to worship to Congregation Bet Ha’am in 2000, and she has built upon the Congregation’s tradition of participatory, musical services.  A strong advocate of lifelong Jewish learning, she teaches adult education courses as well as confirmation and other classes in the Religious School.

We have been blessed with four excellent Rabbis - their relationships with the congregation remain warm and strong even after they depart.

Our first Rabbi, David Sandmel (1985-1990), was the catalyst for the congregation's early growth.  He infused the synagogue with music and helped insure that Bet Ha'am would welcome all, with opportunities for Jews to rediscover their heritage and with room for participation by non-Jewish family members.

Our second Rabbi, Billy Berkowitz (1990-1994), worked to keep Bet Ha'am open and friendly. He brought a willingness to mix traditional ritual with new worship ideas, and his creative and thoughtful sermons were particularly appreciated.  He developed a closeness with our teens, strengthening and emphasizing the path to confirmation, while highlighting as well the importance of adult education.

Our third Rabbi, Paul Cohen (1994-2000), energetically guided the congregation through another significant period of growth and accomplishment, keeping us focused on the balance between study and deeds that is at the core of Jewish theology.  Under his leadership, social action and adult education programs thrived.  Rabbi Cohen continued Bet Ha’am’s tradition of flexibility in instigating, and responding to, new worship ideas, and his involvement in the larger Jewish community enhanced Bet Ha'am while strengthening ties among institutions. 

Rabbi Alice Dubinsky, our spiritual leader since 2000, brings to Bet Ha’am a personal enthusiasm for worship, and she has inspired many congregants with her lively and creative approaches to prayer.  She has built upon the Congregation’s tradition of participatory, musical services and has encouraged lay leadership in all aspects of worship.   Rabbi Dubinsky is also a strong advocate of lifelong Jewish learning and has stimulated new adult education offerings, including weekend retreats with scholars-in-residence and more opportunities for adult Hebrew literacy.