Maine Conference for Jewish Life

Saturday, 1:15-2:15 p.m.

Renew Our Days: A Discussion of Judeo-Futurism with Rabbi Rachel Isaacs and Becca Leviss 
Can we plan now for what Jewish life will look like in 100 years? If so, how? In this session Becca Leviss, Judeo-futurist organizer and recent graduate of Harvard Divinity School, and Rabbi Rachel Isaacs will discuss emerging trends in imagining the Jewish future. Drawing upon traditional and contemporary Jewish sources along with core, framing texts from the fields of Afro-Pessimism and Afro-Futurism, they will discuss how to envision a Jewish future in alignment with the challenges and potentials of Jewish life. In particular, they will discuss how engagement with scholarship, ritual, strategy, and art will help shape a Jewish future that can meet the needs of the next century. This session will include opening remarks, havruta study (study in pairs), and conversation. 

 

Jewish Ethics of Speech with Rabbi Lisa Vinikoor

Talking—whether to argue our point, communicate a need, share an idea, provoke a laugh, ask a question, or relay information—is critical to our human community. What we say matters; our words can hurt and our words can heal. Join Rabbi Vinikoor for a study of some of the key Jewish teachings about the importance and power of speech.

 

Shalom Y’all: Southern Small-Town Judaism, A Conversation on Community and Continuity with Molly Levy 

Jewish communities in small towns across the country share many similarities—along with some key differences. What can we learn from each other? This session will explore the state of Southern Judaism through the lens of the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) and invite a discussion on how Jewish life in the South compares to small-town Jewish experiences in the North. Together, we’ll explore challenges, successes, and creative strategies for fostering meaningful Jewish life in communities of all sizes. Come ready to share your experiences and insights in this interactive conversation.

 

Jewish American Poetry in the 21st Century with Rabbi Arielle Stein

Ever wondered about recent Jewish American poetry? Join Rabbi Arielle Stein to explore Jewish American poetry written in the 21st century. All texts will be provided in English.

 

Teen Program 

Teens! Join our college student staffers for a Shabbat-friendly art experience you won’t forget. This session is for teens 13-18 or those who have participated in our JYC programming.

 

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Queer Niddah with Rabbi Avigayl Halpern

In this session, we will use texts from the traditions of halakhah (Jewish law) and queer theory to ask: how might niddah practice (Jewish observances around menstruation and sex) be queer, and how might it apply to queer people? We will draw on niddah to illuminate queer experience, and on queer experience to illuminate new depths of niddah.

 

Demystifying Shechita (Kosher Ritual Slaughter) with Zalman Friedman and Adam Cable

Join us for an informative workshop that demystifies the process of kosher slaughter, exploring its deep-rooted traditions, religious significance, and modern-day practices. Participants will explore the ethical guidelines, laws, and techniques involved in kosher meat preparation. Whether you’re curious about the cultural aspects or practical applications, this session will offer a modern perspective into a practice that has shaped centuries of dietary laws.

 

From Tradition to Technique: Jewish Vegetarianism (Discussion and Demo) with Dawn LaRochelle and Nick Nauton

Meat and fish are the cornerstone of Jewish dietary laws (kashrut), and the prohibitions and permissions around meat and fish consumption are associated with Jewish spiritual values. But there is also a long and rich tradition of Jewish vegetarianism, with some interpretations of the Torah even upholding vegetarianism as an ideal. In this session, we will trace the history and ethics of Jewish vegetarianism and give tips and tricks for bringing more plant-centric dishes to your table, whether in place of or in addition to meat and fish options. Interactive discussion is encouraged, and we will finish with a live knife-skills demo so you can prep vegetables and fruit like a pro.

 

A New Torah Translation with Rabbi Erica Asch

The last few decades have seen a number of new Torah translations. CCAR Press has embarked on a new translation of the Torah as well as a new commentary. This session will look at pieces of this translation, done by Rabbis Janet and Shelly Marder, along with their extensive notes. We’ll study the texts in depth and ask how new translations might lend new meaning to these familiar words.

  

Kids Program

Kids 5-12 are welcome to join in the fun at this program! We’ll be doing a variety of Hebrew games, so whether you’re nearly fluent or it’s your very first Hebrew lesson, come play and have fun! (Children under 5 are welcome with a parent or adult guardian.) 

 

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Piaseczno Rebbe’s Hashkata (Quieting) Practice with Carrie Watkins

We’ll study a letter written by a student of Rabbi Kalonomus Kalman Shapira, a Chasidic Rebbe of the Warsaw Ghetto, describing a spiritual meditation practice called the Quieting Practice. This letter is among the most precise descriptions of a Jewish mindfulness practice that we have. After learning it, we’ll spend some time trying out the practice for ourselves.

 

Rootedness and Uprootedness in Israeli and Palestinian Poetry with Lauren Cohen Fisher

In this session we will do a close reading of Jewish-Israeli and Palestinian poetry to explore how themes of rootedness and uprootedness shape the relationship between identity and land. We will focus on poets who fall outside the “traditional canon,” meaning that you are likely to discover a new Palestinian or Jewish-Israeli voice! No prior knowledge of Israel/Palestine required.

 

The Heart of Prayer with Rabbi Chloe Zelkha

What does it mean to pray? We’ll explore diverse perspectives across traditions, from biblical and midrashic texts to Mary Oliver, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Abraham Heschel. We’ll reflect on our personal prayer experiences, ask big questions, and experience moments of song as we explore prayer’s many dimensions together.

 

Building a Successful Community Environmental Engagement Program with Brian Kresge

There’s a temptation to get a scholar-in-residence and call it a day, but a holistic approach builds long-term engagement. Lectures are a key component, but so is incorporating environmental action into your religious education activities and festival schedule. Turn environmentalism into something that keeps people coming through your doors.

 

Torah Exploration with Young Children with Nicole Ellefson

Come and learn how to partner with children in Torah learning. Together we will explore new, hands-on ways of Torah study, using havruta (partner study) and building with small materials. We’ll highlight techniques to leverage children’s curiosity and help them connect Torah text to their own world. This process of teaching and learning has been alive and productive at the Institute for Jewish Enrichment in Chicago for over 14 years! (Please note that this session is intended for adults, not children.)

 

7:45 – 8:45 p.m.

Holy Interruptions or, Humans Plan and God Laughs (Sort of) with Rabbi Carolyn Braun

I am drawn to stories about human and Divine interaction. I also love to imagine what is happening at the moment of the encounter. In this shiur, we will accompany Moses, mundanely watching his father-in-law’s sheep, when all of a sudden (Shemot 3:1-4)….When have you experienced a Holy Interruption, and where did it lead you?

 

Sephardi Religious Humanism: The Thought of Hakham José Faur with Rabbi Bill Siemers

In the United States, Jews experience modernity as refracted through the European Enlightenment and have organized identity around the movements that arose among Ashkanazim (Orthodox, Reform, Haredi, etc). José Faur argues for a Sephardi alternative that avoids the tired categories of contemporary Jewish discourse as he invokes a thousand-year tradition of “Sephardi Religious Humanism.” This class will explore the biography and writings of this fascinating thinker, and the lesson his thought holds for the Jewish community and beyond.

 

Talmudic Tidbits, Tawdry Tales, and Time to Talk with Rabbi Arielle Stein for the Maine Roots program

Join Rabbi Arielle Stein for a fun-filled session focused on curious and entertaining texts plus time to get to know the Maine Roots community.

 

PooPooPoo—Meshuga but TRUE! with Lisa Mayer

Join Lisa Mayer for a laugh and a cry as she shares stories from her meshuga—crazy—life.

 

Lay-Led Study: Mikveh Ritual Creation with Carrie McCarter

Ready to take a deeper dive into the mikveh? Join Carrie to learn all the ins and outs of creating your own ritual for mikveh immersion. We’ll review a few existing rituals, and talk through steps to create your own. You’ll have the option to join a google group to share and/or collaborate on ritual creation.

 

9:45-10:30

Pulling a Rabbi Out of a Hat: Jewish Magic! with Rabbi Sruli Dresdner
Magic with a Jewish twist: Rabbi Sruli will dazzle with magic that relates to Jewish holidays, ideas, history, and texts.

 

Sunday, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

A Minyan Of Artists: Creative Process and the Themes of Sukkot with Maine Artists Havurah
Join the Maine Artists’ Havurah in exploring the often overlooked themes of Sukkot. This is an invaluable opportunity to learn about the challenges and joys of blending Jewish texts with artistic process. Attendees will gain access to insight about works in progress and sources of inspiration on themes such as Wandering/Return, Home/Diaspora, Stability/Impermanence, Awe/Wonder, and the Body as Community. The exhibition of works will be available for viewing, in the same location, throughout the Conference.

 

Learner’s Shacharit Service with the Shaliach Tzibur cohort and Cantor Sheila Nesis 

In this welcoming, educational, and interactive prayer experience, we will share introductions and teachings about what we pray, why and how, in order to help individuals feel more connected to the beauty and power of communal prayer! Led by Cantor Sheila Nesis and members of the Shlichei Tzibur Prayer Leadership Training, National Cohort, Class of ’25.

 

Fostering Safety, Respect, and Equity in Small Religious Schools with Molly Levy

How can small religious schools create learning environments that prioritize safety, respect, and equity (SRE) for all students? In communities where resources may be limited, ensuring that every child feels valued and included is essential. This session will explore practical strategies for integrating SRE principles into Jewish education, from classroom management to curriculum choices and community engagement. Through discussion and shared experiences, we’ll examine ways to support students, teachers, and families in fostering inclusive and nurturing learning spaces. Join us for a conversation on making Jewish education welcoming and equitable for all.

 

Jewish Maine by the Numbers: Highlights from the 2024 Jewish Community Study with Matt Boxer

How many Jews live in Maine? Where do they live? How do they engage in Jewish life? What do they see as the great challenges and opportunities of Jewish life in Maine? This session will answer these questions and more, sharing highlights from the first-ever systematic study of the Jewish population throughout Maine and the first study of Southern Maine since 2007.

 

An Ancient Jewish Ritual in Modern Maine with Nora Saks

In this participatory session, we will explore how Jews in Maine are engaging with and reimagining one of Judaism’s most ancient traditions; immersion into a ritual bath known as a mikvah. We’ll listen to excerpts from Colby College’s Maine Mikvah Oral History Project, and discuss how this ritual is helping modern Jews move through all kinds of life transitions. Attendees are also invited to participate in a recorded “Story Circle”, and contribute their stories of mikvah and transformation to the project.

 

What Does Mikvah Mean to Me? with Soreh Ruffman

In this interactive workshop, we’ll cover a brief introduction to what mikveh is and then spend the majority of the time thinking about what mikvah means to you in your life. Is this a ritual you feel connected to already, one you’re interested in exploring, or one you want to make accessible for others in your community? Let’s come together to think about how this ritual applies in our lives and community. No previous knowledge needed!

 

 

International Legal Developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict with Ken Rodman

A follow-up discussion from last year on legal controversies involving the October 7 attack and Israel’s response, focusing on recent cases before the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

 

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Jewish (and not so Jewish) Geography with Brian Kresge

Basic outdoor orienteering with a Yiddish twist. Learn the basics of map reading, using a compass, GPS, terrain association, and more. This is useful if you want to get into wilderness orienteering or geocaching. A must have if you ever wander too far during a hitbodedut experience!

Let’s Talk Klaf with Soreh Ruffman
We don’t often talk much about the material used to make some of our most sacred objects, so let’s make time to do so now! The craft of making klaf, parchment made out of animal skin, has persisted throughout Jewish communities worldwide for most, if not all, of our histories. Let’s come together to discuss how it’s made and the current politics of creating. You’ll get to feel [and smell!] some klaf yourself.

Israeli Dancing for All with Erica Goldman

Come join us to be a part of the circle, move, and be moved. Whether you’re graceful, awkward, or somewhere in between, Israeli dance is slow and fast and energetic and graceful and fun… and more meaningful than you might know! No experience necessary—really!

 

Eden Rewired: Gender, Power, and Technology in American Cinema with Kerry Sonia

This session explores the interpretation of the Garden of Eden story in American cinema, focusing on issues of gender, sexuality, knowledge, power, and technology. Analyzing scenes from The Truman Show, Ex Machina, and Good Omens, it examines how film and television use Edenic imagery to critique surveillance culture and the concept of free will. Tracing these themes, we will discuss how contemporary media reimagines the Eden story to reflect modern anxieties about autonomy, knowledge, and desire.

 

Bundles and Banners with Meryl Troop

If you left your homeland to wander in the desert for 40 years, what would you take with you? If you’re wandering now, what is meaningful and what do you leave behind? Come make a small travellers’ bundle or a banner for your sukkah—memories, hopes and dreams included. Bring meaningful fabric or mementos to tuck into your bag, or use the ones provided. No prior art experience needed. All are welcome.

 

Refuat Adamah: An Earth Healing Eco-Grief Ritual with Rabbi Lorin Troderman

You are invited to join an experiential circle of lament, chant, and song inspired by Tisha B’Av’s lessons of resiliency and the model of active hope found in The Work That Reconnects. This gathering will support our emotional responses to the condition of our world and help build our capacity to take part in its/our healing. Many of us feel deep grief for the collective human harm to the systems that support life on this planet and seek healthy ways to grieve. If this speaks to you, please join us in this 60-minute ritual. Please bring a small personal item reflective of your hopes and pains to place at the temporary altar we will set up during our ritual.