Congregation Etz Chaim

Since its founding in 1985 by a small group of individuals looking for a Reform alternative to the existing Portland synagogues, Congregation Bet Ha'am has steadily grown and flourished. We have always been known for the unique spirit and warmth that mark our activities, particularly our worship. Now with more than 360 member households, the Congregation has become a central institution in the Southern Maine Jewish community. Our Hebrew name, Bet Ha'am, means House of the People, and we are particularly proud that we are a welcoming community for a diverse group of families and individuals. From the beginning, Bet Ha'am's emphasis has been to help its members connect or re-connect to Judaism by providing an open, caring and energetic community. Many of our member families include non-Jewish spouses, and the childhood experiences of our adult Jewish members range from Orthodox to non-observant. We have a large and growing number of Jews by Choice and are recognized for our outreach to gay and lesbian Jews. We offer a range of opportunities for, celebration and social action. Our links to Israel include several congregational trips, including those in July 2004 and brought her spirited approach to worship to Congregation Bet Ha'am in 2000, and she has built upon the Congregation's tradition of participatory, musical services. A strong advocate of lifelong Jewish learning, she teaches adult education courses as well as confirmation and other classes in the Religious School. Many families are drawn to our Religious School, which serves more than 205 students from pre-school to tenth grade. Our School Director, Orly Biggie, has been with the Congregation for more than ten years. Certified as a Reform Jewish Educator by the National Association of Temple Educators, Orly manages our large staff of volunteer teachers more than 40 of them. Bet Ha'am's commitment to social action has always been an important part of our identity. Congregants regularly devote time and resources to a variety of causes, including the Wayside Soup Kitchen, and Habitat for Humanity. Our bar and bat mitzvah students include a mitzvah project as part of their preparation for coming of age, and all Religious School students participate weekly in tzedakah charitable giving. As a member of the Union for Reform Judaism ( URJ ), the umbrella organization for more than 900 Reform congregations across the country, we have access to a wealth of resources in all areas of synagogue life.