Jewish Life at the JCA

Jewish life at the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in connection. We celebrate the beauty of Jewish tradition while embracing the many ways people express and experience their Jewish identity today.


Whether through holiday gatherings, cultural programs, study and discussion, or community service, the JCA is a place where Jewish life is nurtured and shared.

View the JCA Community Calendar Submit an Event for the Community Calendar Sign-up For Our Newsletters

Celebrating Together

The JCA brings people together for major Jewish holidays and festivals, offering opportunities to mark sacred times with meaning and joy. From High Holiday experiences to festive Passover seders, Purim parties, Hanukkah celebrations, and community Shabbat dinners, we create moments of belonging that honor tradition and welcome all.

Learning & Growing

Lifelong learning is at the heart of Jewish life. At the JCA, you’ll find classes, lectures, and discussion groups that open up Jewish texts, history, and thought, while also exploring how Jewish wisdom speaks to contemporary life. We invite everyone—from those with deep knowledge to those just beginning their exploration—to learn together in an open and inclusive spirit.

Community & Connection

Jewish life thrives in community. The JCA offers ways for people at every stage of life to connect with peers, build friendships, and share in Jewish experiences. Jewish life is also celebrated through music, film, literature, and the arts. The JCA presents cultural programs and special events that highlight Jewish creativity and storytelling, inviting the wider community to engage with Jewish perspectives and voices.

Living Our Values

Jewish life at the JCA extends beyond ritual and celebration into acts of service, justice, and care for one another. Through volunteer opportunities and partnerships, we put Jewish values into practice, working to make our community and world more compassionate and just.

Jewish life at the JCA is for everyone - rooted in tradition, alive with creativity, and open to all who wish to connect. We invite you to explore, learn, celebrate, and grow with us.

There's something for everyone! At the JCA, you will find a variety of programs and special events. All are welcome. People of all cultures, faiths, genders, ages, and sexual orientations are welcome at Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine programs.

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Commemorative Events

Yom Hashoah

Yom Hazikaron

Yom Ha'atzmaut

Yom Kippur

Clubs & Groups

Crafternoon

Mah Jongg

Rimon

Wise Ventures 55+ Social Group

Young Jewish Professionals (YJP)

Arts & Culture

Author Engagement Series

Jewish Education

Lunch & Learn Events

Monthly Klezmer Jams

Musical Performances

Youth Programming

Fitness & Sports

Yoga

Pickleball



Everyone is welcome to play Pickleball at the JCA—you don’t need to be a member or Jewish to join the fun!


  • Open Play: Most Sundays. $5 for JCA members, $10 for non-members (per 2-hour session).
  • Coached Play: $20 per 2-hour session (when coaches are available).

We use the Spond app to manage registration and court availability. Download the app, create a free account, and use code FDNGX to join the JCA Pickleball group..


Want to Learn More About Programs at the JCA?


Contact Ilana Gilg, Program Director


Join us! We invite you to participate in our programs and events. If you have any specific needs or questions about how we can make your experience more meaningful and accessible, please reach out to us at jca@mainejewish.org. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

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