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
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Bet Ha'am Calendar
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
August 27, 2019 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
297 Cumberland Ave, Portland, ME 04101, USA
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, August 27. You don't have to commit to every month. You are welcome any time!
If you're able to help or have questions, contact Eleanor Goldberg (egoldbe1@maine.rr.com). Please bring a cap or hat. Hope to see you there!
Welcome Back Breakfast and Book Fair
September 8, 2019 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Please join us at 8:30 AM on the first day of school, September 8, for a welcome back breakfast. This year, our breakfast will also feature a book fair: Please browse the cart of books we have and take one or two home with you. In exchange, we hope you will bring a can of food, to start our High Holy Day food drive early, or make a donation to tzedakah (charitable giving).
Shabbat Family Service
September 13, 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.
Tonight! We are pleased to welcome Cantor Sheila Nesis to our family service. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cantor Nesis served Temple Israel of New York City beginning in 2007. Most recently, she was the senior cantor at Temple Sinai of Denver, Colorado. Cantor Nesis and her family are thrilled to call Portland, Maine, their new home. For more information about Cantor Nesis, and to hear some of her recordings, please visit her website: https://www.sheilanesis.com/.
Cantor Nesis is excited to welcome shabbat by playing guitar and leading our families in song. Please join us at 5:30 PM for a pizza dinner (donations welcome). The service begins at 6:00 PM.
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
September 15, 2019 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
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!
High Holy Days Grounds Clean-Up with the Garden Committee
September 22, 2019 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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 Eleanor Goldberg (egoldbe1@maine.rr.com). 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
No Evening School for Grades 8-10 (Erev Sukkot)
October 13, 2019 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
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.
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.
Erev Simchat Torah and Consecration
October 20, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Adults and children of all ages are invited to join Bet Ha'am and the Casco Bay Tummlers for a fun and joyful evening. We will unroll the Torah, finish reading the last verses of the book of Deuteronomy and start reading the first verses at the beginning 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 were not consecrated in the past are invited to join the Consecration Ceremony on Simchat Torah evening.
Please bring a potluck dessert (fruit, baked goods, cheese & crackers) to share at the Oneg following our Simchat Torah and Consecration Celebration!
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.
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
November 17, 2019 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Grade 7 Mall Trip to Shop for Chanukah Lights (TBD)
December 8, 2019 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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
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.
Kindergarten Class, Closing Ceremony, and Ice Cream Social
May 17, 2020 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Grades 1-6 Class, Closing Ceremony, and Ice Cream Social
May 17, 2020 9:00 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.