The Maine Conference for Jewish Life is a pluralistic opportunity for superior Jewish learning and joyous celebration in central Maine. Living far from America’s major urban centers (and from one another), Jews in northern New England rarely gain access to the Jewish world’s finest scholars and cultural innovators, or the experience of being surrounded by a critical mass of other Jews. This conference brings Jews from across the region together in order to gain familiarity with the jewels of Jewish civilization, convene with other Jews from around the state, exchange best practices for crafting successful rural Jewish lives, experience the benefits and challenges of celebrating in a pluralistic environment, and revel in Torah learning.
2021 Conference Update
In recognition of the constraints of our extraordinary times, the 2021 Maine Conference for Jewish Life will be a miniature, online conference, lasting one amazing afternoon. (Details and registration below!) We’re excited to see faces from across Maine come together for learning and community-building! And we look forward to seeing one another again in person soon.
Many thanks to our 2021 sponsors: The Covenant Foundation and the Colby College Office of the President
If you have questions about the conference please contact Director of Summer Programs Mel Weiss: [email protected].
2021 Mini-MCJL Schedule
3 - 3:15 p.m.: Welcomes and Cocktail Making with Bruce Olsen and Karen Heck from Tree Spirits
3:15 - 3:55 p.m.: Text-Bites: Maine Rabbis on Hope
3:55 - 4 p.m.: Break
4 - 4:45 p.m.: Become a Psalmist with Tony Westbrook!
4:45 - 5 p.m.: Musical Interlude
5 - 5:45 p.m.: Israeli Dancing with Barbara Merson
5:45 p.m.: Closing Ritual
We are thrilled to announce that we’re partnering with Tree Spirits of Oakland, Maine to provide delicious conference refreshments to you, in your own homes! The first fifty registrants will receive free samples from Tree Spirits for a short cocktail-and-mocktail demo during the conference, and all who register before May 14 will be able to purchase these samples!
Housing Information:
When the conference returns to being an in-person event, dorm rooms at Thomas College will be available for the entire weekend. If you would prefer to stay off campus, please make a reservation at one of Waterville’s hotels or B&Bs.
The Best Western reserves a block of rooms for conference participants at a reduced rate. To book, make your reservation by phone and say that you are calling regarding the Maine Conference for Jewish Life.
Other Hotels Include:
Please Note:
If coming by bus, Concord Coach does not run to Waterville over the summer. Only Greyhound provides direct service. However, Concord Coach does stop in Augusta year-round, and one can order a taxi from Augusta to Waterville.
Colby is located on Mayflower Hill, overlooking the small city of Waterville, Maine, just 15 minutes north of Maine’s capital, Augusta. Waterville is home to 15,000 residents and boasts a downtown district that features a municipal auditorium (the Waterville Opera House), one of America’s great independent cinemas (three screens), and many locally owned businesses including restaurants, bakeries, retail stores, and a brewery. Visitors will also find a half-dozen hotels, two hospitals, a multiplex movie theater, and nationally recognized businesses—Starbucks, Home Depot, and many fast food chains—within city limits.
When is the conference?
This year, the conference will be held online, from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, 2021.
Who should I contact with questions?
Melanie Weiss: [email protected]
How can I get updates on the conference?
Like us on Facebook! You can also scroll to the bottom of this page and register for our monthly newsletter for program information.
© Copyright – 2021, Center for Small Town Jewish Life
