Congregation Etz Chaim

05/23/2026

05/20/2026

The CEC Women's Book Club will meet on Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 PM on Zoom to discuss Unearthed: A Lost Actress, a Forbidden Book, and a Search for LIfe in the Shadow of the Holocaust by Meryl Frank. Contact information is in the comments below; please reach out if you'd like to join us.

05/16/2026

More Than Manischewitz: Discover the Wines of Israel

Raise a glass and experience Israel like never before at Congregation Etz Chaim’s upcoming wine tasting event, More Than Manischewitz!

On Sunday, June 28, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., join us in person for a captivating journey through one of the world’s most ancient and innovative wine regions.

Discover a curated selection of wines from the lush Golan Heights to the pioneering desert vineyards of the Negev. Prepare for an evening of sophisticated flavors and vibrant tales as we toast to the wines of Israel with Rabbi Yisroel Bernath.

Rabbi Yisroel Bernath serves as the spiritual director of Chabad NDG and Jewish chaplain at Concordia University in Montreal. Beyond his work as a speaker, podcaster, and relationship coach widely known as “The Love Rabbi,” Rabbi Bernath has become well known in the kosher wine world as a sommelier, wine writer, and co-host of the Kosher Wine Podcast, where he discusses wine trends, tastings, wineries, and kosher wine culture with industry experts. By blending Jewish wisdom, storytelling, and food-and-wine culture in a unique and approachable style, he has introduced many people to the world of kosher wine appreciation through memorable experiences.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious to discover something new, this promises to be an evening of refined flavors, warm community, and lively conversation.

Event Details
• In person only at Congregation Etz Chaim (34 Bacon St., Biddeford)
• $45 for Congregation Etz Chaim members/$55 for non-members
• Registration is required. Please RSVP by May 29 at
https://form.jotform.com/261328194059158

Parking and Security
• Handicapped Parking: Spots will be available in front of synagogue.
• Other Parking: On-street (free) as well as Alfred Street Parking lot located next to the Police Department. (Promo Code will be sent prior to the event.)
• Security will be provided

Come sip, savor, and celebrate the wines of Israel with us!

05/15/2026

04/16/2026

The CEC Women's Book Club will meet on Thursday, May 14 at 6:30 PM on Zoom to discuss Queen Esther by John Irving. Check the comments for how contact us for Zoom link and more information.

03/24/2026

Last Call for the Community Model Seder!
If you haven't registered yet, there is still (a little) time.

Join us for a welcoming community seder that includes a full Passover dinner along with the traditions of the holiday.

Thursday, March 26; 5–7 p.m.

$10 per person | $25 maximum per family

In person only (34 Bacon St., Biddeford)

Includes:

- Full seder with dinner (all the seder fixings along with matzo ball soup, brisket, tzimmes, wine/grape juice, and dessert)

- Free parking (code to be sent prior to the seder)

- Security provided

Please register by end-of-day today, March 24:
https://form.jotform.com/260710206075144

(Registration is required to attend.)

Hope to see you there!

03/16/2026

The CEC Women's Book Club will meet on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 PM on Zoom to discuss Family of Spies: A World War II Story of N**i Espionage, Betrayal, and the Secret History Behind Pearl Harbor by Christine Kuehn. Information in the comments on how to contact us.

03/14/2026

Congregation Etz Chaim is hosting TWO Passover Seders this year!

CHILDREN'S MODEL SEDER
In-person
Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
34 Bacon St., Biddeford

A lively, hands-on Passover experience designed especially for kids. Children will learn about the story and traditions of Passover in an engaging, interactive way.

Free for families
Registration is required.
Register by Friday, March 20: https://form.jotform.com/260710721245145

ADULT COMMUNITY SEDER WITH DINNER
In-person
Thursday, March 26, 5–7 p.m.
34 Bacon St., Biddeford

Join us for a welcoming community seder that includes a full Passover dinner along with the traditions of the holiday.
Includes:
*Full seder with dinner (all the seder fixings along with matzo ball soup, brisket, tzimmes, wine/grape juice, and dessert)
*Free parking (code to be sent prior to the seder)
*Security provided

$10/person; $25/family max
Registration is required.
Register by Tuesday, March 24:
https://form.jotform.com/260710206075144

For more info: https://etzchaimme.org/upcoming-special-events/

We look forward to celebrating with you!

02/17/2026

The CEC Women's Book Club will meet on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM on Zoom to discuss Fagin the Thief: A Novel by Allison Epstein. Information in the comments on how to contact us.

01/24/2026

President David and Cantor Beth Strassler gave the opening prayer at the State House in Augusta for the Maine Senators on Jan. 20, 2026. Watch and listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQJQXbg7M5k&feature=youtu.be