Temple B'nai Israel

In the beginning Base of Jacobwas incorporated by 11 men on September 19, 1907. Ten years later, in February 1917, it became known as Temple Beth Jacob. In 1946, Temple Beth Jacob affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. For a period of time prior to this, services were conducted in the Orthodox tradition. Rabbi Aaron B. Ilson, who was raised in the Orthodox tradition, but was ordained as a Reform rabbi, provided the transition from Orthodox to Reform. In the years since, the congregation has continued to grow in size, scope of activities, and in its dedication to the diversity of Jewish ideas and ideals. Through the nearly 100 years of our existence, a series of dedicated rabbis and congregational leaders has enabled TBJ to go from those initial 11 men to nearly 200 families from near-isolation as Jews in the Concord area to becoming an integral part of the larger Jewish community of New Hampshire and beyond. Founded in 1907 as an Orthodox Temple, we are now a traditional Reform Congregation that has not forgotten its Orthodox Jewish roots. Beginning with 11 founding families, today Temple Beth Jacob boasts more than 175 families from a wide geographic area around Concord. Our present synagogue, originally purchased in 1937, has been updated several times in its history, most recently in 1989 when the building was expanded and renovated to include a larger sanctuary, kitchen, libraries, offices and classrooms. We are a group of families involved in not only our religious community, but also active members of our cities and towns.

Since its founding in 1985 by a small group of individuals looking for a Reform alternative to the existing Portland synagogues, Congregation Bet Ha'am has steadily grown and flourished. We have always been known for the unique spirit and warmth that mark our activities, particularly our worship. Now with more than 360 member households, the Congregation has become a central institution in the Southern Maine Jewish community. Our Hebrew name, Bet Ha'am, means House of the People, and we are particularly proud that we are a welcoming community for a diverse group of families and individuals. From the beginning, Bet Ha'am's emphasis has been to help its members connect or re-connect to Judaism by providing an open, caring and energetic community. Many of our member families include non-Jewish spouses, and the childhood experiences of our adult Jewish members range from Orthodox to non-observant. We have a large and growing number of Jews by Choice and are recognized for our outreach to gay and lesbian Jews. We offer a range of opportunities for, celebration and social action. Our links to Israel include several congregational trips, including those in July 2004 and brought her spirited approach to worship to Congregation Bet Ha'am in 2000, and she has built upon the Congregation's tradition of participatory, musical services. A strong advocate of lifelong Jewish learning, she teaches adult education courses as well as confirmation and other classes in the Religious School. Many families are drawn to our Religious School, which serves more than 205 students from pre-school to tenth grade. Our School Director, Orly Biggie, has been with the Congregation for more than ten years. Certified as a Reform Jewish Educator by the National Association of Temple Educators, Orly manages our large staff of volunteer teachers more than 40 of them. Bet Ha'am's commitment to social action has always been an important part of our identity. Congregants regularly devote time and resources to a variety of causes, including the Wayside Soup Kitchen, and Habitat for Humanity. Our bar and bat mitzvah students include a mitzvah project as part of their preparation for coming of age, and all Religious School students participate weekly in tzedakah charitable giving. As a member of the Union for Reform Judaism ( URJ ), the umbrella organization for more than 900 Reform congregations across the country, we have access to a wealth of resources in all areas of synagogue life.