Etz Chaim Synagogue

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!

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!