WELCOME TO THE FALL SHABBATON!

The Fall Shabbaton is an annual event that brings together the Maine Jewish community and friends from farther afield for a weekend of Torah study, soulful music, Shabbat meals, and invigorating connection. What started out as  a Friday-night dinner and concert has evolved into a full Shabbat of learning and singing, with intergenerational programs for college students, children and teens, synagogue members from across the state. Past guests have included Nefesh Mountain, Deborah Sacks Mintz, Neshama Carlebach and the Glory to God gospel singers, and Joey Weisenberg, as well as Talmud scholar Ruth Calderon. The Shabbaton has grown into a partner program to the Maine Conference for Jewish Life, sustaining our community with Jewish learning and music as we enter the winter months. 

Fall Shabbaton with Yoni Battat

  • Friday, November 7-Saturday, November 8, 2025

We’re thrilled to welcome musician and prayer leader Yoni Battat as our guest for the 2025 Fall Shabbaton. We hope you’ll join us in person at Colby College for Shabbat services, dinner, learning, a gentle fall hike, classes, and so much more! 

 

SHABBATON SAMPLE SCHEDULE (stay tuned for 2025 details)

Friday, November 7

5-5:30 p.m.: Arrival and check in | 
5:30 p.m.: Shabbat Dinner |
7 p.m.: Kabbalat Shabbat Services with Yoni Battat |
8:30 p.m.: Community Oneg Shabbat | 
 
Saturday, November 8
8:30 a.m.: Bagels, Coffee and Tea | 
9 a.m.: Shabbat Services: Reform and Conservative | 
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Children’s Art Program at the Colby Museum | 
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Learn with Maine rabbinical apprentices 
12:30 p.m.: Shabbat Lunch | 
2 p.m.: Shabbat Hike and Song |
2 p.m.: Minchah afternoon service |
3:30-4:45 p.m.: Maine Rabbis’ Panel |
3:30-4:45 p.m.: Children’s Activity: Games and Learning |
5 p.m.: Se’udah Shlishit dinner | 
6-6:30 p.m.: Havdalah and Closing with Yoni Battat | 

About our Guest

Yoni Battat 

Yoni  Battat’s Judaism is deeply rooted in both his Iraqi and Polish ancestry, and especially the rich musical traditions that come from these cultures. He delights in sharing traditional melodies alongside his own original music, inspired and informed by the Ashkenazi and Mizrahi music of generations past. 

Accommodations
The Fall Shabbaton is a non-residential program. Many attendees enjoy staying in Waterville for the weekend. We have secured a block of rooms exclusively for Shabbaton registrants at the Best Western in Waterville. 

To reserve a room at the group rate, contact the hotel directly and let them know you are attending Center for Small Town Jewish Life Fall Shabbaton.
 

Other hotels in the area include:

Additionally, there are inns and BnBs in the area.

2023-2024 SHABBATON GALLERY