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.

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.

You are invited to join community online song circle, co-facilitated by congregants Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel. The first meeting will be Monday, April 27, 7:00-8:00 p.m. This is an experiment in supporting each other through song. All voices and levels of experience welcome. The purpose is to build community, practice Jewish music, and offer each other support in these times.

33rd day of counting the Omer

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism invites you to join Every Voice, Every Vote, the Reform Jewish Movement’s 2020 civic engagement campaign, a nonpartisan effort to strengthen our democracy by encouraging everyone to participate in the U.S. election and ensuring that Reform Jewish values are represented in the public square. This campaign has three areas of focus:

1. Mobilizing voters: With outreach in congregations and communities, the goal is 100 percent voter participation. 
2. Combatting voter suppression: By working in coalition, the goal is to achieve universal voter access and encourage universal participation. 
3. Engaging student voters: Work with youth leaders to significantly increase the number of young voters.

 
The campaign launches with a Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 8:00 PM.

Rabbi Saks will be attending the Virtual Town Hall and hopes to engage as many members of our congregation as possible in this important work of tikkun olam, repairing the world. Will you join him?

You can register for Virtual Town Hall here. You can learn more about the campaign at www.rac.org/cec.

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 home. 

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. 

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

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, May 26. 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!

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Erev Shavuot and Confirmation 6:00 PM
Our 10th grade class co-leads this service celebrating the giving of Torah, their Jewish identities, and the affirmation of their commitment to the Jewish community. Click here to get the Zoom link to join the service.

Movement-Wide Shavuot Tikkun Leil
Thursday, May 28, 8:00 PM-12:00 AM
On behalf of the CCAR and Reform Movement partners, CCAR is pleased to offer you several opportunities to share in Shavuot celebrations, free teaching resources, and more ways to connect and celebrate during this time.
You and your community are invited to come together with the Reform Movement on Thursday, May 28, for Tikkun Leil Shavuot--an evening of learning, music, prayer, and poetry. Together, we will delve into the beauty, complexity, and joy of Torah. Bring your community, family, and friends, for one, two, three, or all four hours.

• Shavuot Conversation, hosted by HUC-JIR: Join HUC-JIR professors Rachel Adler and Joseph Skloot for a Shavuot conversation on individual responsibility and obligation in modern Jewish thought. 8:00 PM-9:00 PM
• Preparing to Ascend: Poetry on the Themes of Shavuot, hosted by the CCAR: Hara Person and poets Jessica Greenbaum and Judy Katz will share readings and poems on the topic of Shavuot. 9:00 PM-10:00 PM ET 
• Ahavat Olam: Love, Torah, and Great Music, hosted by the ACC: Together with Cantor David Berger of KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation in Chicago, we'll dig into some classical rabbinic sources, contemporary reflections, and sample pieces of the amazing music that bring this love song to life. 10:00 PM-11:00 PM ET
• A Discussion on Personal Jewish Stories, hosted by the URJ: Join Leora Kaye (URJ Director of Program) and Esther Lederman (URJ Director of Congregational Innovation) for a conversation on personal Jewish stories. We'll hear from others in the Reform Movement about their Jewish journeys, challenges, and adventures, ultimately reminding us that Judaism is as much about where you have been as it is about where you can still go. 11:00 PM-12:00 AM ET

For registration and more information, click here.

College Sendoff Shabbat Service on Zoom
At this Shabbat service, we will send off our high school seniors, several who remain involved in our program as teachers, with a blessing and big mazal tov.

A Storied Affair has been Bet Ha’am’s major fundraiser and gala these past few years, bringing together congregants and friends for an evening of storytelling and delicious food. This year, we are instead hosting a virtual experience for the same evening: A Different Story. 

What will A Different Story look like?

• We will invite familiar and beloved writers to engage and entertain us with short works of fiction or poetry.
• We will meet, as is usual during these times, on a virtual platform.
• We will have a raffle! Our Adventure of a Lifetime trip can be redeemed whenever you feel ready to travel. Raffle tickets may be purchased in advance and will go on sale in early May. Trip options will be described when the tickets go on sale.

Please save the date: May 30 at 8:00 PM.

This year, raising funds for our congregation will be more important than ever. We hope that everyone who can will make even a small donation to support Congregation Bet Ha’am and A Different Story.

Chicken-Raising Zoom Group
Do you raise chickens or have interest in raising chickens? Join us as we discuss our flocks and future flocks! Thursday, June 4, 7:00 PM.
Please register here for the meeting. Please contact Sam Spinrad with questions.

B'Yachad | Together
Come relax and talk virtually with your Bet Ha'am community before Friday Shabbat services! Simply dine and/or share a glass of wine together? Share your newest knitting creation, a few pictures of your garden or last vacation, or the latest book you've read? Our virtual Zoom "social hall" will be open on June 5 from 6:30-7:15 PM for you to stop by and chat. Help us decide how we would like to enjoy some time together. Register here. Please contact congregant Wendy Hayes with questions.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

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.

Please join us for our Annual Meeting of the Congregation on June 16 at 6:30 PM. This an opportunity for you to hear from lay leadership, to learn about what is going on in your congregation. Don’t worry: there will be no reading of committee reports or requests for money. You will get information about our finances, elect new board members, and have an opportunity to ask questions. We will be presenting our third annual Jane Snerson Distinguished Service Award, for exemplary volunteer service to the congregation. The recipient is integral to our organization and has worked countless hours for many years. But this person works primarily behind the scenes and does not seek attention. Come find out who this treasured member is!

Watch for an email the week before the meeting which will include:

• How to register and be counted. We need a quorum of congregants in order for the election to be valid, so please register and attend.
• The slate of nominees to the board.
• Instructions for voting and asking questions.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

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, June 23. 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!

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

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, July 28. 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!

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

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 25. 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!

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

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.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Day of Atonement

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

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.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Please join us for our Chanukah Celebration!
Light Up the Night at Congregation Bet Ha'am.

5:30 PM Pizza Dinner
6:00 PM Shabbat service with community candle lighting. All are welcome!
Bring your own menorah and 3 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.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

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.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

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.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

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.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.

Join congregants and co-facilitators Marin Magat and Melissa Montefel to listen, sing, or lead songs in our next online community song circle.

We will sing familiar Jewish songs and learn new songs that inspire and support us. All voices and levels of experience welcome.

Have you been catching up on all the shows you've missed? If the answer is yes, please join congregants Melissa Montefel and Wendy Hayes, co-facilitators, for a discussion group about Jewish-themed shows. It would be wonderful to gather those interested for fun, talk, and insights.