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
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What We Do
Adult Education
Holidays and Events
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Bet Ha'am Calendar
Learners' Shabbat Service
January 4, 2020 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Did you know that you're only supposed to bow at the beginning and end of the Avot v'Imahot, the first blessing of the Amidah, and not at the end of each of the blessings?
Were you aware that the closing words of V'Shamru are shavat vayinafash, not Shabbat vayinafash, and that a change in these words changes the meaning?
Have you ever noticed that the Bar'chu is a call and response, where the service leader invites the congregation into prayer and the congregation responds, and that it's important to listen to the first line without joining in?
If any of this is news to you or if you'd like to learn more about the nuances of Jewish worship, how we move, and why we say what we say, join us for our Learners' Shabbat Service this Saturday at 10:00 AM, where Rabbi Saks will provide instruction and information to make your worship more meaningful.
Junior Youth Group Snow Tubing in Windham (Grades 4-6)
January 5, 2020 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Contemplative Worship
January 10, 2020 10:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Please Join us from 5:30 to 6:30 PM as Jane Sloven 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 11:00 PM - 12:30 AM
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.
Sparkle Havdalah: A Drag Queen Story Hour at JCA
January 11, 2020 10:30 PM - 12:00 AM
1342 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102, USA
SparkleHavdalah: a Drag Queen Story Hour
Saturday,January 11th – 5:30-7:00 PM
JCA - 1342Congress Street, Portland
Co-sponsoredby Congregation Bet Ha’am, Temple Beth El and PJ Library
Sparkle Havdalah: A Drag QueenStory Hour, will be held this year on Saturday, January 11, 5:30-7:00 PM at theJewish Community Alliance. Wear your sparkly best, or just come as you are, andjoin us as we say goodbye to Shabbat and celebrate what makes us each uniqueand special. We will enjoy a potluck dinner (dairy/vegetarian; no meat please),a story, crafts, music, a costume parade, and we will celebrate havdalah (theservice that marks the end of Shabbat). This event is free and family-friendly;all are welcome. Let your light shine at this wonderful event, which we aresponsoring along with the JCA, PJ Library, and Temple Beth El.
A Message from Rabbi Saks aboutSparkle Havdalah:
What is adrag queen story hour, you might be asking, and what's Jewish about it?
DragQueen Story Hour was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions in SanFrancisco; it teaches children to celebrate the message of inclusion andself-acceptance. Being proud of who you are isn't just relegated to the summerdays of Pride in June, but should be a part of every day of the year. (Not tomention that the sun sets much earlier in January, allowing this event to bemore accessible for more families!)
Havdalah means"separation," but it also means "distinction." It is atraditional way to distinguish between Shabbat and the rest of the week, andour Sparkle Havdalah and Drag Queen Story Hour will also celebrate what isunique or distinct about each of us. We begin Shabbat with two candles, twoseparate wicks. We end Shabbat, at Havdalah, with a braided candle, all of thewicks, and all of our different lights, intertwined.
The firstSparkle Havdalah and Drag Queen Story Hour was created by the Lander-GrinspoonAcademy in Northampton, Massachusetts. Sure, there are big LGBTQIA communitiesin larger metropolitan areas, but kids everywhere need to know that there'ssomething unique about each of us that makes us a valuable part of the worldnot just one day, not just one week, but every single day all year long.
Martin Buber teaches, as itappears in the Reform prayer book, Mishkan T'filah,"My God, I thank You for my life, body, and soul; for my name, my gender,my way of thinking and speaking. Help me realize that I am something new,someone who never existed before, someone original and unique in the world. Forif there had ever been someone like me, there would have been no need for me toexist.
Bet Ha'am Teens (Grades 8-12) Attend Maine Red Claws Game
January 12, 2020 12:00 AM - 3:00 AM
239 Park Ave, Portland, ME 04102, USA
Comecheer on your Maine Red Claws!
RSVPto Andrea Levinsky at youthadvisor@bethaam.org by 1/4!
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
January 12, 2020 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Bet Ha'am Provides Monthly Meal at Friendship House
January 15, 2020 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM
390 Lincoln St, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
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.
Axe Throwing
January 26, 2020 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Axe-throwing is a wonderful new social sport with deep Maine roots. Professional instructors will spend the first 20 minutes teaching us the rules of various games, and how to properly hold and throw a tomahawk. Then we'll all channel our inner lumberjacks. It's basically like darts, but more exciting and more Maine-y.
Registration is required! Registration is limited to 20 people. $36/person. Participants must be 13 years old or older; people under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
The Axe Pit. 333 Clark's Pond Parkway, South Portland. Please arrive by 1:15 PM
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
January 28, 2020 9:00 PM - 11:30 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, January 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!
Bet Ha'am Teens (Grades 8-12) Go to Ottos and Indoor Bocce
February 1, 2020 10:30 PM - 12:30 AM
OTTO, 125 John Roberts Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
Ottosat 125 John Roberts Road Suite 1 South Portland
Comeeat pizza and play indoor bocce!
RSVPto Andrea Levinsky at youthadvisor@bethaam.org by 1/29!
Book Talk with Rabbi Saks - Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
February 2, 2020 2:45 PM - 4:15 PM
RabbiSaks led an amazing book discussion of White Fragility: Why It's SoHard for White People to Talk about Racism, with fifteen people attending.If you'd like to join the next discussion, you can start to get ready now! Wewill talk about Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy. (If you order from Amazon, please designate the Bet Ha'am Smileaccount.)
The drop-in discussion groupwill be February 2,9:45-11:15 AM.
Cancelled - Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
February 2, 2020 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Bet Ha'am Provides Monthly Meal at Friendship House
February 12, 2020 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM
390 Lincoln St, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
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.
Challah Baking
February 13, 2020 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Come join Bet Ha'am as we learn challah baking from Standard Baking Company--a finalist for America's Most Outstanding Baker from the James Beard Foundation in both 2018 and 2019. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn tips from one the most acclaimed bakeries on the East Coast in an intimate setting. Spots will go quickly; sign up today.
Registration is required and is limited to 14 people. Cost is $18/person. All ages are welcome, but people under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Priority registration for members of Bet Ha'am through January 28. 75 Commercial St, Portland.
Shabbat Family Service
February 14, 2020 11:00 PM - 12:30 AM
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.
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
February 25, 2020 9:00 PM - 11:30 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, February 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!
K'Sharim: Connections
March 1, 2020 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Social Hall
If you love Bet Ha’am but feel like you don’t really have close relationships here (or just want more close relationships), this gathering is for you! Adult members—come have some loosely facilitated discussion to really get to know each other, and do some fun baking and crafts together (or just keep talking). No prerequisites except a desire to feel more connected at Bet Ha’am.
We will meet in the Bet Ha'am social hall.
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
March 1, 2020 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Shabbat Family Service
March 13, 2020 10:00 PM - 11:30 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.
Bet Ha'am Provides Monthly Meal at Friendship House
March 18, 2020 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
390 Lincoln St, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
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.
HIAS' National Refugee Shabbat
March 20, 2020 11:30 PM - 1:00 AM
HIAS’ National Refugee Shabbat
Join us as we participate in the HIAS National Refugee Shabbat. HAIS tells us, "More than 70 million people worldwide have fled their homes due to persecution and violence; we are now witnesses to one of the largest humanitarian crises in human history. And yet the current U.S. administration is imposing limits on the ability of asylum seekers to find safety in our country; it is also cutting humanitarian aid.
"Building on the momentum of the inaugural National Refugee Shabbat, in which nearly 300 congregations across the United States and abroad participated, this National Refugee Shabbat will be an opportunity to once again raise awareness in our communities, to recognize the work that has been done, and to reaffirm our commitment to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers."
Snowshoeing
March 22, 2020 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Snowshoeing is a fun way to embrace winter, get a low-impact workout, and enjoy Maine's stunningly beautiful woods. At L.L. Bean, trained professionals can help students of all ages and abilities (especially first-timers!) learn this wonderful sport by providing the equipment, hands-on instruction, and lots of hot chocolate. Old or young, athlete or homebody, this activity is for everyone.
Registration is required! $26/person for equipment, instruction, and hot chocolate. All ages are welcome, but people under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration is limited to 14. Registration will close once the class is filled; a second section may be added if there is enough interest. Priority registration for Bet Ha'am members ends February 14.
15 Farm View Dr., New Gloucester ME 04260
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
March 24, 2020 8:00 PM - 10:30 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, March 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!
Grades 7-9 Mock Seder at Temple Beth El (Time TBD)
April 5, 2020 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
April 5, 2020 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Rosalyne S. and Sumner T. Bernstein Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Marc Dollinger, PhD
April 3, 2020 - April 6, 2020
Rosalyne S. and Sumner T. Bernstein Memorial Scholar-In-Residence.
Please join us for a weekend of learning with Marc Dollinger, PhD, Richard and Rhoda Goldman Chair of Social Responsibility at San Francisco State University and author of Black Power, Jewish Politics: Reinventing the Alliance in the 1960s. He will explore social and racial justice with us.
Shabbat Family Service
April 10, 2020 10:00 PM - 11:30 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 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Bet Ha'am Provides Monthly Meal at Friendship House
April 15, 2020 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
390 Lincoln St, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
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.
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
April 28, 2020 8:00 PM - 10:30 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, April 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!
Grade 7 at Community Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration (Time TBD)
May 3, 2020 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Shabbat Family Service and Teacher Recognition
May 8, 2020 10:00 PM - 11:30 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 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Grades 1-6 Class, Closing Ceremony, and Ice Cream Social
May 17, 2020 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Grades 11-12 Community High School Program with Avis Smith
May 17, 2020 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM
Bet Ha'am Provides Monthly Meal at Friendship House
May 20, 2020 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
390 Lincoln St, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
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.
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
May 26, 2020 8:00 PM - 10:30 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, 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!
Shavuot Morning Service with Yizkor and Dairy Potluck Kiddush
May 29, 2020 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Shabbat Family Service
June 12, 2020 10:00 PM - 11:30 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.
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
June 23, 2020 8:00 PM - 10:30 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, 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!
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
July 28, 2020 8:00 PM - 10:30 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, 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!
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
August 25, 2020 8:00 PM - 10:30 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, 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!
Shabbat Family Service
September 11, 2020 10:00 PM - 11:30 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.
Atzeret-Simchat Torah, Yizkor, and Shabbat Morning Service
October 10, 2020 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Shabbat Family Service
November 13, 2020 11:00 PM - 12:30 AM
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.
Light Up the Night Family Chanukah Service
December 11, 2020 11:00 PM - 12:30 AM
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.
Shabbat Family Service
January 8, 2021 11:00 PM - 12:30 AM
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.