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.
Like so many other synagogues, Congregation Bet Ha’am is frequently assessing how we will offer services and programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. We currently know the following:
- Friday night Shabbat services will be held on Facebook Live, rather than in person. Please click here at the service time to join us. You do not need to log into Facebook. Read more about Shabbat services here.
- Saturday morning worship will similarly be held on Facebook Live, rather than in person. Please click here at 10:30 a.m. to join us. You do not need to log into Facebook.
- Religious school classes will meet online, rather than in person. If your children are enrolled, please watch your email for details.
- Our Bernstein Scholar-In-Residence Weekend has been postponed to a date to be determined in the fall.
- We will not hold our Second Night Passover Seder this year. Please contact our office if you are interested in a virtual seder.
- We will wait a few weeks to decide about A Storied Affair.
Who We Are
What We Do
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Holidays and Events
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Bet Ha'am Calendar
Shabbat Family Service--LIVE STREAMED at https://www.facebook.com/BetHaam/
March 13, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Board Meeting ONLINE
March 17, 2020 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Please email Rachel for the login
Bet Ha'am Provides Monthly Meal at Friendship House
March 18, 2020 4:30 PM - 5:30 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 on FACEBOOK LIVE
March 20, 2020 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Bet Ha'am joins HIAS’ National Refugee Shabbat: https://www.facebook.com/BetHaam/
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."
Congregant Lauren Dietlin has shared that her sister-in-law has created music for the event; this recording is by Lauren's sister.
Shabbat Morning Service on FACEBOOK LIVE
March 21, 2020 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
March 24, 2020 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, 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!
Cantor Nesis leads Melodies for Seder
April 1, 2020 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Facebook
Melodies for our Seder, with Cantor Sheila Nesis", Wednesday April 1, 11.30am-12.00pm EST: Join Cantor Sheila Nesis and your Bet Ha'am community for a Facebook Live song session on Passover songs. We will review the classics like "Dayenu" and "Mah Nishtana", sing some fun tunes like "Go Down Moses", and share some other traditionally sung melodies. Sing along, practice what you know, learn something new! This will be a Facebook Live session on Cantor Sheila Nesis's Facebook Page; email the office for the URL.
Shabbat Together - A State-Wide Shabbat Service
April 3, 2020 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
ShabbatTogether
Many rabbis, one Maine community! We have a unique opportunity to create a beautiful and supportive Shabbat together. On Friday, April 3 at 5 p.m., a group of Maine rabbis will come together virtually to welcome Shabbat. Each rabbi will lead a different part of the Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv services and will add their own reflections. Please join us by Zoom! Mark your calendars and plan to make the most of this unusual time with friends, family, and community from all across the state.
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
Canceled - Rosalyne S. and Sumner T. Bernstein Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Marc Dollinger, PhD
April 3, 2020 - April 5, 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.
Second Night Congregational Seder
April 9, 2020 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Please contact the office for login details.
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
Bet Ha'am Provides Monthly Meal at Friendship House
April 15, 2020 4:30 PM - 5:30 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 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, 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 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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
Bet Ha'am Provides Monthly Meal at Friendship House
May 20, 2020 4:30 PM - 5:30 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 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, 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 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.
Bet Ha'am at Wayside - Salvation Army
June 23, 2020 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, 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 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, 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 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, 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 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.
Atzeret-Simchat Torah, Yizkor, and Shabbat Morning Service
October 10, 2020 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Shabbat Family Service
November 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.
Light Up the Night Family Chanukah Service
December 11, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
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 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
February 12, 2021 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
March 12, 2021 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.