What Does it Mean to Be Free

duda • April 16, 2025

What Does It Mean to Be Free? 
Shabbat Chol HaMoed Pesach 5785 

Written by: Ashley Inbar, Chief Development Officer 


Each year on Passover, we retell the story of our people’s journey from oppression to liberation. We remember the narrow places—Mitzrayim—and rejoice in the expansiveness that comes with freedom. But what does it mean to be free? Is it merely the absence of bondage, or something deeper—the ability to live proudly, visibly, and in community? 


Three years ago, I turned to my coworker Sam Cohen with a simple question: “Wanna start a Young Jewish Professionals group?” And because Sam is Sam, he enthusiastically and immediately said yes. Neither of us could have ever imagined that one small idea would turn into a thriving community of more than 120 people. This year, YJP held a second-night Seder and it was so more than a gathering. It was a declaration of Jewish joy, resilience, and unity. And it was made all the more powerful by the presence of Maine Governor Janet Mills, who engaged in meaningful conversation with every person at the table—and yes, complimented my matzah ball soup. 


But her presence carried a far greater weight than any bowl of soup. 


Just hours earlier, news broke that someone had set fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home after his family hosted a first-night Seder and went to sleep. In a moment when Jews across the country were feeling vulnerable simply for gathering together, Governor Mills showed up. She sat at our table, shared in our rituals, and reminded us that we are not alone. Her presence was a profound act of solidarity—one we will not soon forget. 


And it wasn’t the first time she’s shown up. 


Back in December, in the midst of a snowstorm, Governor Mills joined our community once again—this time for an intimate and urgent conversation about the rise of antisemitism in Maine and around the world. That evening, she spoke clearly and publicly about her unwavering opposition to BDS resolutions and her commitment to standing with the Jewish community. Her words—and her willingness to be in the room, to listen, and to lead—offered comfort and strength in a season of fear and uncertainty. 


This is what freedom looks like today: showing up for each other. Gathering together even when it’s hard. Being joyfully, unapologetically Jewish in the face of fear. 


To Governor Mills—we are deeply grateful. And to every member of this small but mighty community who chooses to show up, year after year, meal after meal, moment after moment—we see you. We thank you. And we are stronger because of you. 


So, what does it mean to be free? 
It means having the courage to keep building, keep gathering, and keep lighting the way forward—for ourselves, and for each other. 


Shabbat Shalom. Chag Sameach. Am Yisrael Chai. 

Ashley 

Guided by Jewish Values, Committed to One Another

January 30, 2026
Guided by Jewish Values, Committed to One Another The JCA reaffirms our unwavering support for every member of the community. Guided by the core Jewish value of pikuach nefesh - the preservation of life - and a deep respect for human rights, we remain committed to being welcoming and safe for everyone. This value states that life is a gift from G-d that must be protected. Every aspect of human life is sacred - physically, mentally, and emotionally - regardless of religion or race. Our tradition teaches us the immense weight of this responsibility. The Torah speaks passionately about our obligation to build a society that is just. The call to actively pursue justice, צדק צדק תרדף - tzedek tzedek tirdof - (Devarim 16:20), is presented as a central and fundamental component of Jewish life. Our tradition is clear: Jews must work for a world in which all people can live in dignity. In alignment with these values, we stand in solidarity with our immigrant community, who deserve to live free of fear, oppression, and discrimination. We believe in the inherent dignity of every individual. We remain dedicated to serving you and upholding the values that define us. B'yachad - together, Stefanie Levenson & Rachael Alfond Acting Co-Directors

No-Cost Security Support for Maine's Jewish Community - Communal Security Initiative at Combined Jewish Philanthropies

January 27, 2026
Maine’s Jewish communal organizations have access to no-cost security support through Combined Jewish Philanthropies’ (Greater Boston’s Jewish Federation) Communal Security Initiative (CSI) and its partnership with Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA). A product of CSI’s expanded service area, these additional resources can strengthen overall safety for our community. As a hub for Jewish life in the region, JCA has hosted CSI trainings and been a key partner in the provision of security grants and relationship development with rabbis, board members, and educators. Paired with CSI Regional Security Advisor Mark Atlee’s extensive law enforcement and community engagement experience, JCA’s connections with federal, state, and local law enforcement have been streamlined to ensure easier access to shared resources. Through 2027, CSI’s services are available to organizations within JCA’s catchment area at no cost through the Jewish Federation of North America’s LiveSecure grant program. CSI focuses on four mutually reinforcing communal security pillars known as PACT: P hysical security infrastructure, A ccess to CJP-provided and federal physical security grants, security consultations, and incident response support, C yber threat preparedness and response, and T raining to help partners balance being open and welcoming with creating a safe and secure environment. Our grants and services are designed to empower our partners’ improvement of life-safety decision-making and investments. We take pride in the time we’ve spent establishing connections and better understanding Jewish communities and congregations across Maine, as well as the relationships we’ve built with law enforcement officials. Together, we can support a thriving Jewish community and strengthen our network to respond to community organizations’ needs, both proactively and in times of uncertainty or crisis. To access support and explore training offerings, visit https://ma.cjp.org/communal-security-initiative .

Statement from the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine on Today’s Ceasefire Agreement

October 10, 2025
The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine joins Jewish communities around the world in welcoming news of a ceasefire agreement that will bring all the remaining hostages home and move toward an end to the war. While this is cautiously being referred to as a “first phase,” it is the most optimistic development since the war began. For two long years, our hearts have ached as we watched this war. We have seen firsthand the pain and grief it has brought to our own community, and the extraordinary resilience and compassion of Jewish people around the world. Hamas’ terrorist attacks on 10/7 started a conflict that swallowed the entire region in blood and fire. Today, we pray, we finally begin to move forward towards lasting peace for all. We especially send our love and prayers to the families of the captives. May G-d comfort the families of the bereaved and support the healing of the wounded. We will remain devoted in our mission to support Maine’s Jewish community. We will continue our steadfast support for our brothers and sisters in Israel. And we will continue to pray for a future in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in safety, hope, and peace. Statement From Israel's President Isaac Herzog: “This is a morning of historic and momentous news. I give my full support for the agreement reached in Egypt. I express my thanks to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the negotiating team, the mediators, and all those involved in this vital effort…This agreement will bring moments of indescribable relief to the dear families who have not slept for 733 days. This agreement offers a chance to mend, to heal, and to open a new horizon of hope for our region. This is a time to honor the heroes among us: our sons and daughters who fought bravely to bring the hostages home; the bereaved families; the wounded in body and spirit; and all who have paid an unbearable price for this historic and vital moment.” What to Know: Israel and Hamas have agreed to a comprehensive end-of-war and hostage release deal, which is set to be signed in Egypt on Thursday afternoon. Israel’s security cabinet is meeting to vote on the prisoner release and a number of other aspects of the agreement, which are expected to pass. Following the government vote, the agreement will go into effect, halting all fighting and triggering the beginning of the 72-hour period during which all hostages must be released. All hostages—both living and deceased—are to be released within 72 hours of the signing. It is understood that the 20 living hostages will return home to Israel by Monday at the latest (and possibly as early as Saturday). Hamas has agreed to release the hostages without the humiliating ceremonies it held with many of the previously released Israelis. Hamas has cautioned that it may take additional time to locate and return the 28 bodies of those hostages who are no longer alive. There is speculation that the location of eight or nine of those bodies is not currently known to Hamas. The deal also includes the full disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza, including the destruction of tunnels, weapons factories, and military infrastructure under international supervision. There will also be amnesty for Hamas fighters who lay down arms or can be given safe passage to third countries. Under the agreement, Israel will maintain temporary security control of a security envelope until Gaza is declared “free of terror.” Later today, IDF forces will begin withdrawing from numerous Gazan population centers, but for now will continue to hold about half of the territory. The deal will also include the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences (mainly for murdering Israelis) and at least 1,700 who were detained since October 7, among them women and minors. Israeli officials have indicated that the deal does not include members of Hamas’s Nukhba Force who took part in the October 7, 2023, massacre, nor the most prominent commanders described as “symbols of terrorist organizations,” such as Marwan Barghouti. As soon as the deal begins, there will be immediate and large humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza, including the restoration of water, electricity, hospital support, and a US- and UN-backed economic development plan. Oseh Shalom: A Jewish Prayer for Peace עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵֽינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן Oseh shalom bimromav hu ya'aseh shalom aleinu v'al kol Yisra’eil v'imru Amen May the one who creates peace on high bring peace to us and to all Israel. And let us say: Amen.
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