Southern Maine High Holiday Services Guide 2021/5782
Where to sign up? Do I need Zoom again this year? High Holiday services in Southern Maine are mostly happening online or outdoors this year, so a little advanced planning is needed. To make things a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list* of where you can go to sign up for services and to find resources for the New Year. Shana Tova from the JCA!
* Did we miss any services or links? Email JCA Marketing Director Trevor Geiger at tgeiger(at)mainejewish.org
Congregation Bet Ha’am
Since its founding in 1985, Bet Ha’am has committed to being a house of worship where all feel welcome. We invite you to join us for any Bet Ha’am service or event, including High Holy Day worship. There is no charge to join us and no tickets. We hope that you–Jewish or non-Jewish, Mainer or guest visiting from away–will join us at this time of community celebration.
This year, our High Holy Day services will be a hybrid of in-person and Zoom. Attendance will be limited to service leaders and those who have already committed to accepting an honor. We hope you’ll join us via Zoom! We will send service links one or two days before services to people who are registered.
https://www.bethaam.org/worship/high-holy-days/
Beth Israel Congregation (Bath)
The story of Beth Israel Congregation rests on the energy and dedication of a few Maine Jews and their welcome in Bath by the non-Jewish community in 1886. Today, we are an active congregation serving midcoast Maine and beyond. Please join us; all are welcome!
Registration required for all inside in-person events. For more information contact info@bethisraelbath.org
https://www.bethisraelbath.org/high-holy-days-5782
Congregation Beth Israel (OOB)
49 East Grand Avenue, Old Orchard Beach is one of the oldest synagogues in Maine.
High Holiday services at the Beach, including kiddush following morning services. No fees, No cost.
We exist solely on the generous donations of those willing to give. We are honored to have services led by esteemed Rabbi Lawrence Zierler. What could be better than Tashlich by the Atlantic Ocean? Come and join us by the sea for traditional services. Free parking, passes provided. Call 207-934-2973 for more info.
B’nai Portland
B’nai Portland will again be hosting Zoom Rosh Ha’Shanah, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur Services this fall.
We’d hoped that Covid distance protocols would be behind us by now, we were so close. Unfortunately, there is a resurgence so we felt this year should again be virtual.
https://www.bnaiportland.com/connecting/calendar/
Please Register Here for a Zoom Link
Chabad of Maine
11 Pomeroy Street, Portland, ME
Celebrate the High Holidays among friends and connect with your inner self. No signup necessary. No payment required for a place to pray for the High Holidays. A kippah and prayer book will be provided for you. Services will be interspersed with explanations and page guidance. In short, you will feel at home.
https://www.chabadofmaine.com/templates/section_cdo/aid/5215302/jewish/High-Holidays.htm
Congregation Etz Chaim (Biddeford)
You may attend High Holiday Services in any of these 3 ways:
1.) In the main sanctuary. You must be fully vaccinated, wear a mask and maintain a safe physical distance from others at all times.
- We are expecting less than 30 people at any given service.
- Security will be provided by the Biddeford Police Department.
- **If you plan to attend in person, please email: strassler@roadrunner.com with # people and service(s) you would like to attend.
2.) Zoom:
etzchaimme.org/zoom-high-holiday-services/
3.) Facebook:
etzchaimme.org/facebook-high-holiday-services/
If for any reason we decide not to have services in the sanctuary, you will receive another email before Rosh Hashanah begins on the evening of Monday, September 6th.
Please contact Cantor Beth Strassler at mail@etzchaimme.org or 207-967-5833 to receive the ZOOM link and/or to make arrangements for borrowing a prayer book.
Etz Chaim Synagogue (Portland)
Conducted by Rabbi Gary Berenson and Cantor Sheila Nesis – All services will be conducted live in our sanctuary AND Broadcast on YouTube
Please remain at home if you are not vaccinated or are feeling ill! Masks will be required inside the building. Please practice social distancing whenever possible inside the building.
Shaarey Tphiloh
We plan to hold services indoors with masks required for all with the exception of the vaccinated prayer leaders, Torah readers and shofar sounders during their active portions of the service. All are welcome at services free of charge, but we ask that anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms please refrain from joining the congregation until they feel better and have no symptoms. We are pleased to announce that rabbinic student Micah Cowan and Eitan Kahn will be our chazzanim this year.
Temple Beth El – High Holidays Website
Due to recent developments with the rate of transmission of COVID-19, along with recommendations from medical professionals, Temple Beth El has made the difficult decision to cancel the public indoor option for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services this year. To ensure a minyan while drastically limiting capacity, indoor participation will be limited to those who have already accepted an honor for this year’s services, as well as their immediate family members.
All services will be available via livestream on Youtube. And select outdoor option are available. To learn more and to register to attend TBE Services, Please explore the new TBE High Holidays website (link below)
https://www.tbemaine.org/high-holidays
Visit our High Holidays Hub from PJ Library Southern Maine!
Craft ideas, recipes, music, videos, and more to help your family celebrate the High Holidays together or apart!