Just as people grow, evolve and change over time, so do human organizations. Religious congregations are no exception. Examining that growth, to make sure it is constructive movement that suits the community, can be an energizing — even exhilarating — process.

That’s what Beth Israel Congregation, a Jewish worship community in Bath that serves people in the midcoast area, recently discovered as it set out to develop a strategic plan for the future. Its spirited and extended “conversation” involved over 100 participants.

Over a period of nine months, under the guidance of professional facilitators, the members of the synagogue reached out to Jewish families from Freeport to Damariscotta to hear what they had to say about what they seek in a religious organization. They held focus groups, community forums and sent out an in-depth survey. The result has been a thorough soul searching and a strategic plan for the future.

A couple of highlights of our new mission and values statement include:

• Beth Israel Congregation is an inclusive synagogue, a center of worship, learning, culture and community that connects Judaism to our lives in today's world.
• Our strength comes from celebrating, growing, grieving, and healing together through all seasons of life in a climate of mutual respect and shared responsibility.

With its revived mission in mind, Beth Israel has just hired an experienced and talented Jewish educator to lead the Hebrew school with a new curriculum and family activities. For more information about the Beth Israel Hebrew School contact education@bethisrael-maine.org or call 207-443-4606.

Beth Israel invites the community to learn more about what we are doing now and what we plan for the future. High Holiday services this year will be led by Cantor Jeff Warschauer and his wife Deborah Strauss. Not only is Jeff Warschauer a Cantor, but he and his wife are internationally known Klezmer musicians. Newcomers are welcome to attend. For more information, please go to http://www.bethisrael-maine.org or call 207-443-4606.

High Holiday Schedule Beth Israel Congregation

Shabbat Sept. 12

7:30 p.m. Havdalah Service

Rosh Hashanah Sept. 13

7 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah

Followed by Apples & Honey

Sept. 14

9 a.m. First Day of Rosh Hashanah

1 p.m. Community Potluck Luncheon

2 p.m. Tashlich at the Waterfront

4 p.m. Family Service

Sept. 15

9 a.m. Second Day of Rosh Hashanah

Sept. 18

7 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service

Sept. 22

6:30 p.m. Erev Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Service

Sept. 23

9 a.m. Yom Kippur Morning Service

11 a.m. Youth Service

12:30 p.m. Yizkor Service

1 p.m. Afternoon Break

4 p.m. Torah Study

5 p.m. Mincha and Neila Services

7 p.m. Shofar Blowing

Sept. 27

Noon–2 p.m. Community Sukkot Celebration

Oct. 4

5:30 p.m. Community Potluck Dinner

6:30 p.m. Simchat Torah Service led by Rabbi Simeon Maslin