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 gathering has evolved into a full Shabbat of learning and singing, with intergenerational programs for college students, children and teens, and community from across the state. Past guests have included Yoni Battat, Nefesh Mountain, Cantor Shayna De Lowe, Deborah Sacks Mintz, Neshama Carlebach and the Glory to God gospel singers, and Joey Weisenberg, as well as Talmud scholar Ruth Calderon. The Shabbaton is a partner program to the Maine Conference for Jewish Life, sustaining our community with Jewish learning and music as we enter the winter months.
Save the Date for the 2026 Fall Shabbaton
We are thrilled to welcome singer and songwriter Aly Halpert as the guest artist at our 2026 Fall Shabbaton. We hope you’ll join us in person at Colby College Nov. 6-7 for Shabbat services, dinner, learning, a gentle fall hike, classes, and so much more! Stay tuned for details and registration info.
About Our Guest Artist
Aly Halpert (she/her) is a Jewish musician, educator, and activist living on Lenni Lenape land in Philadelphia, Penn. A singer, pianist, drummer, and guitar player, Aly writes songs for building community and visioning different worlds. She leads music and prayer for Jewish community, including Let My People Sing, Kol Tzedek Synagogue, Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, and Hadar’s Rising Song Institute. Her songs have been sung in national gatherings, song circles, and quiet moments of personal prayer, and have moved people all over the world. Her first full-band album Loosen was released in April 2022 with Rising Song Records. Aly believes deeply in the power of music to awaken us to the loss and hope we carry, expand our sense of possibility, and connect us to each other and our collective strength. For more information go to alyhalpert.com
Sample Schedule
Friday, November 6
5-5:30 p.m.: Arrival and check in | Foss Dining Hall
5:30 p.m.: Shabbat Dinner | Foss Dining Hall
7 p.m.: Kabbalat Shabbat Services with Aly Halpert and friends | Foss Hall
8:30 p.m.: Community Oneg Shabbat | Foss Hall
8:30 p.m.: College Student Program withLauren Cohen Fisher| Director of Jewish Student Life at Colby | Bobby Silberman Lounge
8:30 p.m.: Maine Roots Event | Mary Low Coffeehouse on Colby campus
Saturday, November 7
8:30 a.m.: Light Breakfast, Coffee and Tea | Diamond Atrium
9 a.m.: Shabbat Services: Reform and Conservative | Diamond
9 a.m.: Yetzirat Torah with Rabbi Rebecca | Get ready to dive into a wild Torah story! We’ll meet a family facing tough choices—everything is tangled, and it’s not clear what the right path is. Together, we’ll use art and building materials to explore what you think and wonder about this Torah text.
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
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: College Student Learning
12:30 p.m.: Shabbat Lunch | Alumni Center
2 p.m.: Shabbat Hike and Song with Aly Halpert| Runnals Hill
2 p.m.: Minchah afternoon service |
3:30-4:45 p.m.: Maine Rabbis’ Panel | Alumni Center
3:30-4:45 p.m.: Children’s Activity: Hebrew Games and Learning |
4:45 p.m.: Se’udah Shlishit Light Meal | Alumni Center
5:15-6 p.m.: Havdalah and Closing with Aly Halpert and Friends | Alumni Center
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 B&Bs in the area.
Fall Shabbaton Photos
