Congregation Bet Ha’am is a welcoming Reform Jewish community providing vision,
voice, and opportunity for connecting to, practicing, and sustaining Judaism.
Bet Ha’am, House of the People, respects and celebrates the divine spark in each individual.
Bet Ha’am, House of the People, respects and celebrates the divine spark in each individual.
Who We Are
Worship
Worship
Our Rabbi
Rabbi Jared Saks
Religious School
Religious School
Our Board
What We Do
Adult Education
Holidays and Events
Get Involved
Facility Rental
Bet Ha'am Calendar
Selichot Service at Temple Beth El
September 21, 2019 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Saturday, September 21
8:00 pm at Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Avenue, Portland
Selichot is spiritual preparation for the High Holidays. This will be a collaborative worship service created and co-led by Rabbi Braun, Rabbi Sruli Dresdner and Rebbitzen Lisa Mayer of Temple Shalom in Auburn and Jane Sloven and Joseph Py from Congregation Bet Ha'am. All are welcome to join in prayer, niggunim, guided meditation, and song.
High Holy Days Grounds Clean-Up with the Garden Committee
September 22, 2019 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
You want to look your best for the High Holy Days--and so do our plants!
Please help us help them! On Sunday, September 22, 9:00 AM-noon, join us as we weed, prune, mow, edge, sweep, brush, and burnish our gardens so that they can help create the spiritual atmosphere that we love as we worship.
Join us for the whole time or just for a bit. Refreshments will be provided. We have the tools, but please bring your gardening gloves. Community service hours given for students. If you have questions, please email garden@bethaam.org.
Get the grounds looking glorious for the holidays!
Youth Group Activity for Grades 8-12 - Preble St Advocacy Workshop
September 23, 2019 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
University of Southern Maine, 96 Falmouth St, Portland, ME 04103, USA
University of Southern Maine, Portland
Payson Smith, Room 206
96 Falmouth Street, Portland, ME 04103
About the event:
Learn the basics of the Preble Street advocacy philosophy; explore the complexity of advocacy work in the United States, the history behind systemic injustice and poverty, and how advocacy can lead to change. After the lecture, we'll eat get some pizza delivered to USM and hang out and talk about what we learned.
Please RSVP to: youthadvisor@bethaam.org by 9/20.
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
September 24, 2019 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Congregation Bet Ha’am is partnering with the Wayside Food Program at a new dinner site for elders and families living in the homeless shelter. On the fourth Tuesday of each month from 4:00-6:30 PM, Bet Ha'am volunteers will work with Wayside volunteers to set up, serve, and clean up. No cooking is required! Children who are 11 or older and accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome. Please join us at the Salvation Army, 297 Cumberland Avenue, in Portland on Tuesday, September 24. You don't have to commit to every month. You are welcome any time!
If you're able to help or have questions, contact the Bet Ha'am office. Please bring a cap or hat. Hope to see you there!
Bet Ha'am Provides Monthly Meal at Friendship House
September 25, 2019 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
The Bet Ha'am community has provided a monthly meal to the residents of Friendship House for many years. Friendship House (390 Lincoln Street, South Portland) was built 30 years ago as a residence for men (and, initially, women) who were coming out of a rehab program and needed transitional housing before they could move into their own houses.
Each month, Faith Moritz and Solange Kellermann coordinate a meal, asking 10-12 people to cook for about 8-10 (or more, if they are so inclined). There is a theme for each month, but no one has to adhere to it too closely. Food can be dropped off anytime during the day, as long as it's there by 5:30, when dinner is served.
The residents love the food we make, and are deeply grateful for the support. Please join us in continuing this wonderful tradition by contacting the Bet Ha'am office if you are interested in contributing towards our next meal on Wednesday, September 25.
No Evening School for Grades 7-10 (Erev Rosh Hashanah)
September 29, 2019 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Tashlich (Time approximate after the Worship Service)
September 30, 2019 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Youth Group Activity for Grades 8-12 - Bowling at EZ Day
October 5, 2019 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
725 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
Come join Bet Ha'am's youth group at their annual bowling event! We will have a rolling good time! Please RSVP to: youthadvisor@bethaam.org by 10/2.
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
October 6, 2019 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Break the Fast Potluck (Time approximate after Neilah)
October 9, 2019 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat with Congregational Potluck Dinner and Israeli Dancing
October 11, 2019 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat with congregational potluck dinner and Israeli dancing
5:30 PM Potluck Dinner
We will light the Shabbat candles, then recite blessings over wine and challah.
Please bring mains and sides (nut-free, please) for the congregational potluck dinner that will follow
6:00 PM Israeli Dancing
Join us as we welcome Barbara Merson. She will teach and lead us in dance.
We will also have a tikkun olam project available.
6:45 PM Kaddish Minyan
Sukkot Potluck Dinner (in sukkah)
October 13, 2019 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Weather permitting, we will hold our potluck dinner and worship service outside in the sukkah. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
No Evening School for Grades 8-10 (Erev Sukkot)
October 13, 2019 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Sukkot Service (in Sukkah)
October 13, 2019 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Weather permitting, we will hold our potluck dinner and worship service outside in the sukkah. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Community Giving Day at Bet Ha'am
October 20, 2019 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
81 Westbrook St, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
Community Giving Day, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Kindness matters! Join our friends from Temple Beth El, Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services, and PJ Library as we gather to learn from and do activities with local organizations that help people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity. The event is open to everyone! Please bring supplies (or drop them at Sam's office by 9:00 AM) to help us create birthday bags: cake mix, frosting, paper products, candles, and similar items that will fit into a tote bag that will be donated.
Youth Event - Climate Change Film and Discussion for Grades 8-12 at St. Ansgar Church
October 20, 2019 2:45 PM - 5:30 PM
515 Woodford St, Portland, ME 04103, USA
We will join the The Cathedral of St. Luke, St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, and the State Street Church in their interfaith climate film series. We will view the film Tomorrow will be shown on October 20 at 2:45 PM at St. Ansgar. After the film, we will join a community conversation on what various faith traditions have to say about care for our environment.
Please RSVP to: youthadvisor@bethaam.org by 10/16.
Erev Simchat Torah and Consecration
October 20, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Adults and children of all ages are invited to join the Casco Bay Tummlers for a fun and joyful evening, October 20, 6:00-8:00 PM. We will unroll the Torah, finish reading the last verses of Deuteronomy and start reading the first verses of Genesis. We will dance with the Torah and welcome children who are new to the religious school (Grade 1 and older).
Any students who have not participated in a consecration ceremony in the past are invited to join the Consecration Ceremony on Simchat Torah evening.
Please bring a potluck dessert (for example, fruit, baked goods, cheese and crackers) to share at the oneg following our Simchat Torah and Consecration Celebration.
We will hold our Atzeret-Simchat Torah service on October 21 at 10:30 AM.
Atzeret-Simchat Torah Service and Yizkor with Potluck Kiddush
October 21, 2019 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Family Promise Volunteer Training at Congregation Bet Ha'am
October 27, 2019 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Contemplative Worship Service
November 8, 2019 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Please Join us from 5:30 to 6:30 PM as Jane Sloven, Sharon Newman, and Joseph Py lead us in welcoming Shabbat.
We intentionally leave behind the world of doing and the world of work to enter the peace that Shabbat offers. We slow down, sing beautiful prayers, settle into the spaciousness of silence, and appreciate the company of community.
Shabbat Family Service
November 8, 2019 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
All are welcome to join Congregation Bet Ha'am for pizza and our monthly Family Shabbat service. Pizza dinner (by donation) begins at 5:30 PM. The service begins at 6:00 PM. Please stay after the service for a festive Oneg.
Challah at Standard Baking
November 10, 2019 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Standard Baking Co, 75 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Alison Prey of Standard Baking–a two-time finalist for Best Bakery from the James Beard Foundation–will teach us how to bake challah. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from one of the greatest bread makers in the US. All ages are welcome.
Cost: $20 per person
Max number of people: 15
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
November 17, 2019 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Psalms with Rabbi Goldfinger
November 21, 2019 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Adult Ed Room
For millennia, Jews have recited Tehillim (Psalms) in response to joy, stress, ennui—and every other feeling that reflects human experience and emotion. In this class, we will look closely at three Psalms and read comparative literature on three themes: fear, alienation, and hope. We will explore how the Psalms may give us—as they have given others—inspiration, courage, and a sense of God’s presence in our daily lives.
Shabbat Service with Book Talk
November 22, 2019 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Susan Kaplan Carlton, author of In the Neighborhood of True, will join us for Shabbat and a book talk. Carlton's novel centers on sixteen-year-old Ruth Robb, who hides her Jewish identity when she moves from New York City to Atlanta, so that she can fit into her school's social scene. Jodi Picoult, NYT bestselling author, says, "The story may be set in the past, but it couldn’t be a more timely reminder that courage comes not from fitting in but from purposefully standing out."
Psalms with Rabbi Goldfinger
December 5, 2019 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Adult Ed Room
For millennia, Jews have recited Tehillim (Psalms) in response to joy, stress, ennui—and every other feeling that reflects human experience and emotion. In this class, we will look closely at three Psalms and read comparative literature on three themes: fear, alienation, and hope. We will explore how the Psalms may give us—as they have given others—inspiration, courage, and a sense of God’s presence in our daily lives.
Grade 7 Mall Trip to Shop for Chanukah Lights (TBD)
December 8, 2019 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Psalms with Rabbi Goldfinger
December 12, 2019 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Adult Ed Room
For millennia, Jews have recited Tehillim (Psalms) in response to joy, stress, ennui—and every other feeling that reflects human experience and emotion. In this class, we will look closely at three Psalms and read comparative literature on three themes: fear, alienation, and hope. We will explore how the Psalms may give us—as they have given others—inspiration, courage, and a sense of God’s presence in our daily lives.
Contemplative Worship
December 13, 2019 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Please Join us from 5:30 to 6:30 PM as Jane Sloven, Sharon Newman, and Joseph Py lead us in welcoming Shabbat.
We intentionally leave behind the world of doing and the world of work to enter the peace that Shabbat offers. We slow down, sing beautiful prayers, settle into the spaciousness of silence, and appreciate the company of community.
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
December 15, 2019 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Light Up the Night Family Chanukah Service
December 27, 2019 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Please join us for our Chanukah Celebration!
Light Up the Night at Congregation Bet Ha'am.
All are welcome including Tot families!
5:30 PM Pizza Dinner
6:00 PM Shabbat service with community candle lighting. All are welcome!
Bring your own menorah and 7 candles.
Stay for a delicious Oneg with homemade potato latkes.
For the young and young at heart, there will be dreidel games, and more!
There is no cost for dinner, but donations are welcome.
Contemplative Worship
January 10, 2020 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Please Join us from 5:30 to 6:30 PM as Jane Sloven, Sharon Newman, and Joseph Py lead us in welcoming Shabbat.
We intentionally leave behind the world of doing and the world of work to enter the peace that Shabbat offers. We slow down, sing beautiful prayers, settle into the spaciousness of silence, and appreciate the company of community.
Shabbat Family Service
January 10, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
All are welcome to join Congregation Bet Ha'am for pizza and our monthly Family Shabbat service. Pizza dinner (by donation) begins at 5:30 PM. The service begins at 6:00 PM. Please stay after the service for a festive Oneg.
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
January 12, 2020 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
LL Bean Snowshoeing class
January 26, 2020 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
L.L. Bean will host a Bet Ha'am-only class on the one Sunday when there is definitely no Patriots game. The 2-hour class includes a hot chocolate break. No experience is necessary and there are no age requirements. It's one of the most fun classes anyone could take.
Cost: $20 per person
Max number of people: 14
(We can set up a second instructor/group and make it a 28-person class if we have enough interest).
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
February 2, 2020 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Contemplative Worship
February 14, 2020 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Please Join us from 5:30 to 6:30 PM as Jane Sloven, Sharon Newman, and Joseph Py lead us in welcoming Shabbat.
We intentionally leave behind the world of doing and the world of work to enter the peace that Shabbat offers. We slow down, sing beautiful prayers, settle into the spaciousness of silence, and appreciate the company of community.
Shabbat Family Service
February 14, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
All are welcome to join Congregation Bet Ha'am for pizza and our monthly Family Shabbat service. Pizza dinner (by donation) begins at 5:30 PM. The service begins at 6:00 PM. Please stay after the service for a festive Oneg.
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
March 1, 2020 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Contemplative Worship
March 13, 2020 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Please Join us from 5:30 to 6:30 PM as Jane Sloven, Sharon Newman, and Joseph Py lead us in welcoming Shabbat.
We intentionally leave behind the world of doing and the world of work to enter the peace that Shabbat offers. We slow down, sing beautiful prayers, settle into the spaciousness of silence, and appreciate the company of community.
Shabbat Family Service
March 13, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
All are welcome to join Congregation Bet Ha'am for pizza and our monthly Family Shabbat service. Pizza dinner (by donation) begins at 5:30 PM. The service begins at 6:00 PM. Please stay after the service for a festive Oneg.
Grades 7-9 Mock Seder at Temple Beth El (Time TBD)
April 5, 2020 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
April 5, 2020 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Contemplative Worship
April 10, 2020 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Please Join us from 5:30 to 6:30 PM as Jane Sloven, Sharon Newman, and Joseph Py lead us in welcoming Shabbat.
We intentionally leave behind the world of doing and the world of work to enter the peace that Shabbat offers. We slow down, sing beautiful prayers, settle into the spaciousness of silence, and appreciate the company of community.
Shabbat Family Service
April 10, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
All are welcome to join Congregation Bet Ha'am for dinner and our monthly Family Shabbat service. A Passover friendly dinner begins at 5:30 PM. The service begins at 6:00 PM. Please stay after the service for a festive Oneg.
Last Day of Passover Service with Yizkor and Passover Potluck Kiddush
April 15, 2020 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Grade 7 at Community Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration (Time TBD)
May 3, 2020 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Contemplative Worship
May 8, 2020 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Please Join us from 5:30 to 6:30 PM as Jane Sloven, Sharon Newman, and Joseph Py lead us in welcoming Shabbat.
We intentionally leave behind the world of doing and the world of work to enter the peace that Shabbat offers. We slow down, sing beautiful prayers, settle into the spaciousness of silence, and appreciate the company of community.
Shabbat Family Service and Teacher Recognition
May 8, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
All are welcome to join Congregation Bet Ha'am for pizza and our monthly Family Shabbat service. Pizza dinner (by donation) begins at 5:30 PM. The service begins at 6:00 PM. Please stay after the service for a festive Oneg.
Grades 1-6 Class, Closing Ceremony, and Ice Cream Social
May 17, 2020 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Kindergarten Class, Closing Ceremony, and Ice Cream Social
May 17, 2020 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
May 17, 2020 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Shavuot Morning Service with Yizkor and Dairy Potluck Kiddush
May 29, 2020 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Shabbat Family Service
June 12, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
All are welcome to join Congregation Bet Ha'am for pizza and our monthly Family Shabbat service. Pizza dinner (by donation) begins at 5:30 PM. The service begins at 6:00 PM. Please stay after the service for a festive Oneg.
Shabbat Family Service
September 11, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
All are welcome to join Congregation Bet Ha'am for pizza and our monthly Family Shabbat service. Pizza dinner (by donation) begins at 5:30 PM. The service begins at 6:00 PM. Please stay after the service for a festive Oneg.
Shabbat Family Service
October 9, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
All are welcome to join Congregation Bet Ha'am for pizza and our monthly Family Shabbat service. Pizza dinner (by donation) begins at 5:30 PM. The service begins at 6:00 PM. Please stay after the service for a festive Oneg.