2024 Community Study

Driven by cutting-edge methodology, social science researchers at Brandeis University's Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies have generated a current-day portrait of characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors reflected by the wide spectrum of Jewish-identifying individuals in Maine. The results are illuminating and will help chart the path toward creating the most inclusive, vibrant, and welcoming Jewish community possible.

We invite you to join the community in embarking upon a journey of learning, reflection, connection, and transformation.

We are inviting clergy, professional staff, and lay leaders from our Jewish organizations statewide to a series of presentations/discussions to learn about the results of the community study and then work with us on planning the next steps communally based on the findings.

To learn about the study results, we’ve set up several sessions for community leaders with Dr. Matt Boxer, the lead researcher for our study. Matt will join us via Zoom for a presentation on June 10th at 7 pm. Matt will also be doing an in-person public presentation at the Maine Conference for Jewish Life in Waterville on Sunday, June 15th, at 9:15 am. This event is open to anyone interested in learning more about the community study results.

Following these initial presentations, we will have two follow-up sessions to process the results and discuss the next steps. The first follow-up session will be in person at the JCA on Monday, June 16th from 11:30-1:00. Lunch will be provided. The second follow-up session will be on Tuesday, June 17th at 7:00 pm on Zoom. This session will be mediated by Rabbi Erica Asch, and is intended primarily for non-Portland area leaders. The session will be capped at 25 people so that everyone can comfortably see each other on screen and to ensure everyone can participate. 

We look forward to sharing the journey toward a stronger, better connected, and more dynamic Jewish community ahead.