Etz Chaim Synagogue

Hector and Celia Mantovani are the first people to appear in this feature twice!

People always ask what kind of minyan we have on Saturday mornings. Is it formal? Do you need to wear a tie? Hector and Celia are living proof that we're a true come-as-you-are congregation. With roots in Brazil, they're devoted fans of the national team and love showing up in their team colors during the World Cup.

How about you? Is there something important to you that you'd like to share? All are welcome to our services and always encouraged to dress comfortably!

Join us this Friday for a "Welcome Summer!" Kabbalat Shabbat service in our beautiful garden. We will have a lot of singing during the service and a special gift for kids who attend!

Service will run from 6:00pm - 6:40pm followed by Oneg Shabbat.

All are welcome to attend and we hope to see you there!

If you had to name the one person who shows up to minyan more faithfully than anyone else, the answer might surprise you. It’s Aaron Ames, president of AK Security Associates. Since shortly after October 7th, Aaron and his team have provided an armed security presence at our synagogue. We wish deeply that such measures weren't necessary, but the reality of today's environment leaves us no choice.

Aaron takes his role seriously. Each morning, he begins by inspecting all entrances and conducting a thorough walk-through of the building, ensuring there are no overlooked risks before the day gets underway. He then stations himself near the front door. This is where Aaron truly shines.

Far from a silent guard, he greets every minyanaire as they arrive, and again as they leave, bringing a warmth and friendliness that has made him a beloved fixture of our morning routine. We're happy to have him join us for kiddush too.

We are deeply grateful to Aaron for his vigilance and the warmth he brings to everything he does!

Cantor Sheila Nesis and Rabbi Gary Berenson will be leading a congregational trip to Israel from November 5 - 15, 2026.

Rabbi Gary will be leading an info session (both in-person and on Zoom) at the Maine Jewish Museum tomorrow, June 8 starting at 6:00pm.

If you are interested in learning more about the trip or have any questions, please feel free to join. All are welcome!

Please join us in welcoming the newest member of our congregation - Samson Dov Schwartz! He’s pictured here with his proud parents, Zach and Anna, at his Pidyon Haben.

The Schwartz family made their way to Maine last year when Zach took on the role of Director of Jewish Community Relations Council at the JCA of Southern Maine.

Zach is a Columbia University graduate, and brings a rich and varied background in his work. Before moving to Maine, he serviced as the Program Director and Marketing Manager at the Refresh Collective in Cleveland, Ohio, where he engaged policymakers, worked closely with media, and developed a highly regarded year-round leadership program for young adults in underserved communities.

He has studied the Torah with Ammud Jews (Jews of color), participated in the Chidon Hatanach National Bible contest in Israel, and taught at an Orthodox yeshiva. He is passionate about building bridges within the Jewish community and beyond.

Outside of work, he enjoys learning French, cooking Asian cuisine, and exploring the beautiful Maine outdoors on long hikes. As for Anna, having just welcomed Samson into the world, she is very much looking forward to the day she has some free time!

Mazel Tov to the whole Schwartz family. We are thrilled to have them in Maine!

Friday night service this week will be led by Rabbi Gary. In honor of the start to summer, there will be a summer picnic starting at 5:30pm with pizza, salad, chips, and dessert! The weather forecast calls for sunny skies and warm temperatures.

Service will be held outdoors after our picnic, as we begin our Friday night garden service series for the summer. We hope to see you there!

Meet Peter - one of the newest additions to our minyan!

Pictured here in our lovely garden, Peter has been joining us for Saturday morning services for over three years. Like many of our minyannaires, he appreciates a peaceful moment of reflection and the company of others. He's still a bit shy, so he may hop off if you get too close. That doesn't stop us from giving him a warm welcome each week!

We invite you to join us tomorrow, May 23 at 11:00am for a meaningful Yizkor service. We'll come together to honor and remember our departed loved ones. All are welcome to join - we hope to see you in-person!

How do you change the light bulbs in 100-year-old chandeliers hanging 30 feet high? Very carefully!

This week, we replaced all of the lightbulbs in our three sanctuary chandeliers. This was no small task given the height! The solution? We climbed into a small access space above the chandeliers, attached to them to a pulley system, and slowly lowered them to the floor. Once the bulbs were replaced, we carefully hoisted them back into place, leaving the pulley system intact for next time!

Chag Shavuot Sameach!

Shavuot, observed this year on May 21 beginning at sundown, commemorates one of the most transformative moments in Jewish history - the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, seven weeks after the Exodus from Egypt. It is the fulfillment of the journey that began at Passover, which is why we count each of the 49 days in between during the Omer.

One of the oldest of the Jewish holidays, Shavuot also has its roots as an ancient harvest festival, a time when our ancestors brought the first fruits of the season, the Bikkurim, to the Temple in Jerusalem as an offering of gratitude.

Today, we honor both of these traditions by gathering together and studying Torah through the night, and enjoying some delicious dairy foods!