Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine

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Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine Arts & Culture, Yoga & Fitness, Adult Ed, and more. You belong at the J. Please join us at our new facility at 1342 Congress Street Portland, ME 04102.

Everyone is welcome and membership is open to all!

One Donation. Three Lives.Did you know that one blood donation can potentially help save up to three lives? That’s a pre...
10/08/2026

One Donation. Three Lives.

Did you know that one blood donation can potentially help save up to three lives? That’s a pretty incredible way to spend an hour!

Join the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine for our blood drive on October 29. Bring a friend, roll up your sleeve, and help make a difference.

Every drop counts. Every donor matters. https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=portlandme%20jca

The word Ometz reminds us of the inner strength we carry during challenging moments. In Jewish tradition, courage isn't ...
10/08/2026

The word Ometz reminds us of the inner strength we carry during challenging moments. In Jewish tradition, courage isn't about not feeling fear - it's about finding the strength to move forward with hope and purpose.

You may recognize this word from the phrase "Chazak v'Ematz", meaning "Be strong and courageous," a phrase often used as encouragement in Jewish communities.

Today, we pause to remember October 7, 2023—a day that forever changed the Jewish community and the world.We remember th...
10/07/2026

Today, we pause to remember October 7, 2023—a day that forever changed the Jewish community and the world.

We remember the lives lost, honor the strength of survivors and their families, and hold close the hostages and all those impacted by the ongoing pain and uncertainty that followed. We also recognize the fear, grief, and rising antisemitism that many in our community have experienced since that day.

At the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine, we remain committed to our mission of building a strong, connected, and resilient Jewish community. We believe that gathering together, supporting one another, learning, and standing up for one another are acts of hope.

In that spirit, we invite you to join us for a screening of Holding Liat this evening at the JCA.

The award-winning documentary follows the aftermath of the kidnapping of Liat Beinin Atzili and her husband, Aviv Atzili, from their home on a kibbutz near the Gaza border. Through the multifaceted experiences of their family, the film explores what it means to love your country, question your government, fear for someone you love, wrestle with what you believe, and hold onto nuance in a world that demands certainty.

This screening offers an opportunity to gather, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversation together.

In moments of challenge, community matters. Every conversation, every gathering, every act of kindness, and every connection helps remind us that we are not alone.

May we continue to work toward a future rooted in peace, safety, compassion, and understanding.

We remember. We stand together. We remain connected.

Join us for Holding Liat at the JCA. October 7 | 5PM | JCA https://mainejewish.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F58533

Oy, do we have opinions about latkes. This Hanukkah, we’re crowning the JCA Latke of the Year—and we need your help!Got ...
10/07/2026

Oy, do we have opinions about latkes.

This Hanukkah, we’re crowning the JCA Latke of the Year—and we need your help!

Got a wildly creative, ridiculously delicious, “wait…why didn’t I think of that?” latke idea? Sweet, savory, extra crispy, or straight from Bubbie’s kitchen—we want it.

Submit your best latke idea in the comments, via DM, or in one of our suggestion boxes.

In November, we’ll reveal the Top 3 finalists, and then YOU get to vote for the winner.

And yes, the winning latke will be revealed and sampled.

So tell us: What’s your award-winning latke idea?

Because somewhere, a Jewish mother is already saying, “It’s nice… but have you tried mine?”

A dementia diagnosis can bring many questions, but no one has to navigate the journey alone.Living Well groups offer a s...
10/06/2026

A dementia diagnosis can bring many questions, but no one has to navigate the journey alone.

Living Well groups offer a safe, confidential, and supportive space for people living with early-stage dementia and their care partners. Together, participants build connections, learn about dementia, share experiences, and develop skills to navigate challenges.

Tuesdays, September 15–December 22
12:30 PM
JCA, 1342 Congress St., Portland

Interested in learning more? Contact Adam Seigal at [email protected].

You’re not alone. Let’s navigate this journey together.

Mazel tov, Ashley!We’re thrilled to celebrate our very own Ashley DiPietro Inbar, JCA Chief Development & Engagement Off...
10/05/2026

Mazel tov, Ashley!

We’re thrilled to celebrate our very own Ashley DiPietro Inbar, JCA Chief Development & Engagement Officer, on being named to Mainebiz’s 40 Under 40!

Each year, MaineBiz recognizes 40 emerging leaders across Maine who are making a meaningful impact in their workplaces and communities. We’re so proud to see Ashley among this year’s honorees—and even prouder to have her on the JCA team.

Ashley brings thoughtful leadership, creativity, energy, and a deep commitment to our community to everything she does. Her work is a wonderful reflection of a favorite quote of hers from Hillel:

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” — Hillel the Elder, Pirkei Avot 1:14

Ashley lives these words through her commitment to building community, showing up for others, and helping create a stronger Jewish future in Maine.

Please join us in giving Ashley—and all of this year’s inspiring 40 Under 40 honorees—a well-deserved mazel tov!

Finding Jewish Joy in YiddishSometimes, Jewish joy is found in the little things: a good nosh, a heartfelt mensch, or a ...
10/04/2026

Finding Jewish Joy in Yiddish

Sometimes, Jewish joy is found in the little things: a good nosh, a heartfelt mensch, or a hearty oy vey!

Yiddish is full of words that capture the humor, warmth, and wonderfully expressive spirit of Jewish life. From kvelling with pride to sharing a schmooze with friends, there’s joy in every syllable.

This week's moment of Jewish Joy is found in the Yiddish phrase, Oy Vey! What's the best use of this classic saying that you've ever heard?

Give a Little. Help Save Lives.Roll up your sleeve and make a difference! Join us for a blood drive at the Jewish Commun...
10/02/2026

Give a Little. Help Save Lives.

Roll up your sleeve and make a difference! Join us for a blood drive at the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine on Thursday, October 29.

Every donation can help save lives in our community and beyond. Your hour could mean a lifetime for someone else.

October 29 | 11AM - 4PM | Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine

Sign up to donate and be part of this life-saving effort!

Last Thursday, our community came together for the JCA’s 2026 Annual Meeting—and we’re still smiling. From the delicious...
10/01/2026

Last Thursday, our community came together for the JCA’s 2026 Annual Meeting—and we’re still smiling. From the delicious kosher buffet catered by Chabad of Brunswick (Chabad of Brunswick, Maine), to meaningful conversations, celebrations, and time together, it was a wonderful reminder of what happens when our community comes together.

We celebrated some important leadership transitions, too. A heartfelt thank you to our departing board members—Becca Asen, Mandy Levine, Janet Marstine, Stuart Piltch, and Lea Steirman—for their service, leadership, and commitment to the JCA. And please join us in giving a big welcome to our newest board members: Bex Barstow, Josh Rosenberg, Carly Wittman, and Roberta Zimmerman!

We also celebrated two very deserving members of our JCA community: congratulations to Josh Riddle, Facilities Manager and Staff Member of the Year, and Jeff Billig, our Volunteer of the Year!

During a fireside chat, Susan Cohen, Rachael Alfond, and Sarah Allenby shared an informative look at the distinct roles of the JCA and the Jewish Community Fund of Maine—and how both organizations contribute to a thriving Jewish community in Maine.

And finally, thank YOU.

Thank you for showing up, getting involved, volunteering, celebrating, and helping make Jewish life in Maine what it is. We’re so grateful you spent the evening with us.

Here’s to another amazing year—and to everything we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead!

Address

1342 Congress Street
Portland, ME
04102

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+12077721959

Website

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