Shabbat Shalom: Stand As One – The Future of Jewish Life Depends on Us

As we light the Shabbat candles this evening, let us reflect on the words of Hillel: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"

This timeless teaching speaks directly to this moment. Jewish life stands at a crossroads. Antisemitism is at an all-time high in the U.S., with incidents up 36% last year alone. These challenges call on us to come together as a community – As One – to protect, sustain, and strengthen Jewish life here in Maine and beyond.

This Shabbat, as we pause to connect with family, community, and tradition, we are reminded that our collective future depends on action. Through the JCA’s 2024 Annual Campaign, we ensure that our:

children grow up with access to Jewish education.
seniors experience dignity and connection.
entire community has vibrant, safe spaces to gather, celebrate, and thrive.

The Campaign supports transformative programs, including resettling refugees with HIAS, operating Maine’s largest diaper bank, and fostering connections through groups like Young Jewish Professionals and Wise Ventures.

This vital work is powered by people like you. If you care about Jewish safety, tradition, and the future of our community, now is the time to act. Not Jewish? Stand with your Jewish friends and neighbors in solidarity. Your support is a profound statement that you value their wellbeing, dignity, and safety.

On this Shabbat, let us remember that together, we are stronger. Together, we are resilient. Together, we can build a future of hope, strength, and unity – As One.

Shabbat Shalom.

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JCA Committees

May 30, 2025

The JCA's Jewish Community Relations Council, Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services, and Program Committees are recruiting new members to support the J’s staff in planning, reviewing, and volunteering for events. We are seeking to diversify our committees and would welcome your input and experience. Jewish Community Relations Council Committee: Our newly reconstituted Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) will be focused around a series of working groups: an antisemitism working group to assist in developing plans to proactively address antisemitism statewide, as well as respond to incidents when they happen; an intercultural working group to support outreach to other faith and cultural groups in our area for community-building and dialogue; a social action working group to work in conjunction with KJFS on community social action in line with our values; and, an Israel working group to support Israel-related education and programming If you are interested in participating in these working groups, please email our JCRC Director, Zach Schwartz Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services Committee: Our newly reconstituted Klahr Jewish Family Services (KJFS) committee is also looking for new members. With our refugee work decreasing due to changes in immigration policies, KJFS will be building out new programs to serve our community. This is a chance to get in on the ground floor for planning the next steps to support and care for those in need. If you are interested in joining the KJFS committee, please email our KJFS Director, Margaret Mailander . Program Committee: The Program Committee is recruiting new members to support the JCA’s Program Director in planning, reviewing, and volunteering for events in arts, culture, and well-being. We are seeking to further diversify our committee and are keen to have representation from: the Israeli community; the twenty-something community; the LGBTQ+ community, the Young Jewish Professionals social group, and men (not mutually exclusive!). We would also love to have someone with a marketing background join us. For more information, please contact Program Committee Chair Janet Marstine .

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