Our Mission
To nurture a deep love and understanding of Jewish identity and K’lal Yisrael (Jewish unity) through immersive experiences that connect our kids and their families to our heritage, values, and shared story.
Our Vision
To cultivate a flourishing Jewish and Zionist home in Maine, where generations of engaged, knowledgeable Jews live our vibrant values, traditions, and connection to Israel with unwavering pride.
What is Zionism?
Zionism is the belief in the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland, the Land of Israel. It celebrates the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual bond between the Jewish people and the land of Israel. Zionism supports the existence of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state where Jewish life, language, and tradition can flourish.
In our program, we nurture a joyful and lasting love of Israel—rooted in pride, connection, and a sense of shared responsibility for Israel’s future.
Our Core Beliefs
בית (Bayit): Home
We build a warm, inviting home for our children and families.
חוויה (Chavaya): Experience
We live Judaism, not just learn it.
קשר (Kesher): Connection
We connect with Israel – our Jewish homeland – and each other.
שמחה (Simcha): Joy
We embrace our heritage with joy and pride.
צמיחה (Tzmicha): Growth
We grow with new knowledge and varied voices.
WHY CHAVURAT
HABAYIT?
It takes a community to educate our children. Our children fortify our future.
Our chavurah – a tight-knit, multigenerational friend group – spirit transforms education from a burden for children to endure to a joy for a community of all ages to share. Families join our circle, sipping coffee and swapping stories, and kids learn with friends; we bake challah with each other, host Shabbat dinners in cozy spaces, and step into the wider Jewish community as one.
With spiritual guidance from Rabbi Berenson and Canter Nesis at Etz Chaim and additional ruach (spirit) from our members, Chavurat Habayit is a vibrant home. Individuals from across the political spectrum share their love of Israel and celebrate Jewish heritage through learning, traditions, and togetherness.
IS CHAVURAT
HABAYIT FOR ME?
Now, more than ever, we need each other.
We invite individuals of all ages. Our love of and devotion to Israel as our Jewish homeland shapes our community.
At Chavurat Habayit, we invite children to dive into engaging experiences that spark learning and foster lasting friendships. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to participate in their children’s Jewish journey. Retired members socialize and learn with other retirees, while individuals without children find meaningful connections through community involvement and shared traditions.
We welcome individuals — whether they can teach, play music, cook, debate, or listen — to enrich our collective story. Together, we build our Jewish home.