Congregation Etz Chaim

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

Time Is Running Out! Register for the High Holidays at Congregation Etz Chaim

The High Holidays are almost here, and we hope you will join us in Biddeford!
The complete High Holiday service schedule is available on our website at https://etzchaimme.org/religious-services/ If you have any questions regarding service information, please reach out to [email protected].

Registration:
Registration is required for all attendees (both in-person and online) by Sept. 4: https://form.jotform.com/262145170416147
You will receive follow-up information in your confirmation email.
For more information about services, please visit
https://etzchaimme.org/.../congregation-etz-chaim2026.../

We hope to see you in person or online!

09/01/2026

Save this date!!

Save the Date: The Great Big Maine Challah Bake!

The 5th Annual Great Big Maine Challah Bake is coming back—and it’s bigger than ever!

Join women and girls ages 10+ from across Maine for a joyful, hands-on celebration of Jewish tradition, learning, and community. Hosted by – The Portland Jewish Women’s Group, this special evening is all about bringing mothers, daughters, friends, and community together around the traditional art of challah making.

This year’s lead baker: Cheryl Holbert of
Hands-on challah making
Connection, learning, spirituality & celebration
Women & girls ages 10+

Whether you’re a seasoned challah baker or brand new to the art, come join the fun and make something delicious AS ONE.

SAVE THE DATE: November 15, 2026
Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine

Mark your calendar—you won’t want to miss this one! https://mainejewish.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F55554

08/24/2026

The CEC Women's Book Club will meet on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 PM on Zoom to discuss Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging by Angela Buchdahl. Contact information is in the comments below; please reach out if you'd like to join us.

08/19/2026

PLEASE NOTE:
Shabbat services will not be streamed on Facebook for the rest of August.

For the evening shabbat service on August 21 @ 7pm you can join on Zoom using the link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83647253231?pwd=cneS5ke96xENQ5YFB5inuNI8UXqhMq.1

For the morning shabbat service on August 29 @ 9:30 am you can join on Zoom using the link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81342977003?pwd=Rh70tSs8GIy2sBZIYatvGfZK00Hnln.1

Services will resume streaming on FB in September.

Thank you!

08/09/2026

Congregation Etz Chaim 2026 High Holiday Services

The High Holidays are almost upon us, and we warmly invite you to join us at Congregation Etz Chaim. Services will be offered both in person at the synagogue (34 Bacon Street, Biddeford), and virtually (via Zoom and Facebook.)

The complete High Holiday service schedule is available on our website at https://etzchaimme.org/religious-services/ If you have any questions regarding service information, please reach out to [email protected].

Registration:
*Registration is required for all attendees (both in-person and online) by Sept. 4
*You will receive follow-up information in your confirmation email.

Prayerbooks:
We use the Eit Ratzon Machzor (High Holiday prayerbook). If you are attending online and do not have a copy, you may do one of the following:
*Request to borrow one or more books when you register.
*Purchase your own at:
https://joerosenstein.com/buy-books
(Orders must be received ASAP to ensure timely delivery).

Security & Parking:

*A security guard will be stationed outside the synagogue entrance, and a greeter will welcome you.
*Backpacks are not permitted.
*Handicapped parking is available directly in front of the building. There is limited on-street parking, but additional parking is available in the Biddeford Police Station lot (39 Alfred St.). Congregation Etz Chaim will cover the cost of your parking. Instructions will be provided prior to the High Holidays to all who register.

For more information, please visit: https://etzchaimme.org/event/congregation-etz-chaim2026-high-holiday-services/

Register by Sept. 4 at: https://form.jotform.com/262145170416147

We look forward to spending these meaningful days with you as part of our community.

L’shana Tova!

08/06/2026

PLEASE NOTE:
This upcoming Shabbat service on August 7th will not be streamed on Facebook, to watch online, please join with Zoom info.

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08/02/2026

We Savored the Flavors of Israel!
The July 12 kosher Israeli w**e tasting was a big hit! Rabbi Yisrael Bernath, author, speaker, podcaster, and certified sommelier, kept the audience captivated with stories that connected each w**e to Jewish history and Israel.

06/24/2026

The CEC Women's Book Club will meet on Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 PM on Zoom to discuss Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. Contact information is in the comments below; please reach out if you'd like to join us.

06/02/2026

Date Change for Israeli W**e-Tasting Event: Now Scheduled for July 12

More Than Manischewitz:
Discover the W**es of Israel
Date Change: Sunday, July 12 (sorry for any inconvenience)

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

On Sunday, July 12, 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 w**e regions.

Discover a curated selection of w**es 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 w**es of Israel with Rabbi Yisroel Bernath.

Whether you’re a seasoned w**e 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
- Payment at door

Registration is required. Please RSVP by Sunday, June 14
Register here: https://form.jotform.com/261328194059158

Important: If you already registered prior to the change of date, please register again.

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 w**es of Israel with us!

Learn more about Rabbi 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 w**e world as a sommelier, w**e writer, and co-host of the Kosher W**e Podcast, where he discusses w**e trends, tastings, w**eries, and kosher w**e culture with industry experts. By blending Jewish wisdom, storytelling, and food-and-w**e culture in a unique and approachable style, he has introduced many people to the world of kosher w**e appreciation through memorable experiences.