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Southern Maine Seders and Passover Programs 2022
Happy Pesach everyone! Time to clean house, stock up on matzah, rid yourself of pesky chametz, and rehearse your Da-Dayenu‘s. As we prepare for Passover, here are 13 great Passover Events to help you celebrate with your community here in Southern Maine. CHOCOLATE SEDER Presented by Etz Chaim, Biddeford Thursday, April 7th | 5:30 –…
Read MoreSouthern Maine Purim Parties 2022
With many Purim Parties happening in-person again this year, we hope you are excited to get dressed up, grogg your groggers, and nosh some Hamantaschen! Here are 10 great ways to safely celebrate Purim with your community here in Maine. HAMANTASCHEN SALE Presented by Chabad of Maine – Pick up at Chabad, 11 Pomeroy Street,…
Read MoreCrisis in Ukraine – You can make a difference
The strength of our community has been tested over the past several years, but we continue to be resolute in our commitment to building a better, safer, more just world. Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, we know many of you are looking for ways to help make a difference. The Jewish…
Read MoreMoving Forward After Colleyville
Once again, our community is reeling from an attack on a synagogue, the latest in a series of antisemitic attacks and incidents that have continued to proliferate over the past several years. Like you, I am grateful that those taken hostage this weekend are safe and unharmed physically. I am also struck by the mental…
Read MoreThe HIAS resettlement program in Maine has begun!
We were so pleased to welcome the JCA’s first Afghan refugee family through HIAS late last night, just before the snow. We are grateful that they are safe and warm here in Maine, and that we have the opportunity to be here for them in the days and weeks to come. We know that many of you are…
Read MoreSiobhan Whalen to join JCA as Refugee Resettlement Manager
The JCA is pleased to announce that Siobhan Whalen will be joining us as Refugee Resettlement Manager in early January 2022! Siobhan is passionate about social, economic, and racial justice, and works to ensure that every newcomer to our community has access to the resources they need to thrive. In her most recent role as…
Read MoreJoe Bornstein Winter Warmth Drive 2021 Results Are In
The 2nd annual Joe Bornstein Winter Warmth Drive wrapped up earlier this week and we are so proud to announce that we have met our goal of purchasing 750 pairs of winter boots for Maine kids! The boots are being distributed to 14 Portland-area schools and are going directly to students identified as being in need of…
Read MoreHanukkah Happenings 2021
Happy (almost) Hanukkah everyone! With events happening online, outdoors, and indoors (with some extra precautions), there are so many wonderful ways to celebrate together here in Southern Maine. Here are 14 Hanukkah Happenings to help keep your annual traditions full of life and full of light! For Hanukkah crafts, recipes, music and activities, check out…
Read MoreKJFS LAUNCHES 2ND ANNUAL JOE BORNSTEIN WINTER WARMTH DRIVE
Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services aims to honor Joe Bornstein’s legacy by providing winter boots to over 750 area students in need this winter For Immediate Release November 8, 2021 – Portland, ME The 2nd Annual Joe Bornstein Winter Warmth Drive begins today and will run through Dec 7th, 2021! Warm winter boots are a…
Read MoreJCA COVID POLICY UPDATE 11.1.21
PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION & MASKING REQUIREMENT Our commitment to community, and to the safety and well-being of our members, visitors and staff, frames everything we do. We are inspired by the Jewish value of pikuach nefesh (saving of a life) and our tradition that the preservation of human life takes precedence over other practices.…
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