Shalom and Welcome!
Congregation Etz Chaim is a non-denominational synagogue located in Biddeford, Maine. Our members are from all over York county, and even beyond. Check out our website to learn about our vibrant community and our synagogue offerings:
- High Holiday Services
- Shabbat Morning Services Three Times A Month
- Torah Study Monthly
- Jewish Holiday Celebrations
- Community Friday Night Potlucks
- Education for Children of All Ages
- Adult Education and Community Programming
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah Training
“We use gender sensitive prayer books in a warm, friendly atmosphere. We are also the home of the Samuel Osher Memorial Library, which offers Jewish books, music, education materials, and a wide selection of videotapes/DVDs.”
– David Strassler, President
We promote Jewish cultural, social and educational and religious activities in York County. Our primary goal is to make available a range of activities that facilitate the expression of what each individual finds valuable in the Jewish experience.
We attempt to accommodate individuals along the entire spectrum of Jewish practice and theology.
We value and support the existence of a local formal congregation but view our community programs as open to all interested people, regardless of whether or to what congregation they may be formally affiliated.
Announcements:
View a special concert by our own Cantor Beth Strassler and Dr. Morton Gold at the 2023 Congregation Etz Chaim Member’s Meeting. In 2009 Bella was interviewed for the “Documenting Old Maine Jewry Oral History Project”. For almost 2 hours she spoke—uncut– on tape. She gave a glimpse of what life was like for her as a young Jewish girl in Bangor, Maine during the early 20th century. I first listened to the interview before I started writing these articles; and I learned things I never remember Bella telling me! What I wrote is a recounting of part of the interview with a few recollections from our conversations together. To read the rest of this article, check out the Fall 2022 newsletter. To download a .mp3 file of the interview, You can visit the Portland Public Library Digital Commons page.Concert by our own Cantor Beth Strassler and Dr. Morton Gold
Bella Cowan by Ellie Rolnick
Member Spotlight
Denise Hammond is one of Congregation Etz Chaim’s newest board members. Denise and her family have been members of our synagogue since 2002. Denise credits her Aunt Barbara Simensky for introducing her to our warm and welcoming community. Denise has been an active participant and leader in our community. She had been previously been running the PJ Library Outreach for Congregation Etz Chaim and leading the preschool programming. She is also a member of the Congregation Etz Chaim Education Committee. Denise and her husband Greg live in Kennebunk. Their four children, Bella, Elaina, Noah and Sam have either completed or are still participating in their Hebrew School Education at Congregation Etz Chaim. The oldest three have had their B’nai Mitzvot at our Shul, with Sam in a couple more years. Denise and Greg have always been among the first to volunteer to fill any need that exists for our Jewish Community. Denise brings a great deal of strength to our Board. She is a Social Worker who has maintained a private therapy practice for many years. For the last three years, she has been a behavioral health case manager at Martin’s Point. She has great perspective as a community member, a parent and is exceptionally creative and committed.Member Spotlight | Denise Hammond
