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Events

Annual Congregation Etz Chaim Chanukah Party

Special Event

Congregation Etz Chaim

Online and In Person

Sunday, Dec. 15

5–8 p.m

Please join us at the synagogue for a potluck dinner followed by a congregation sing-along led by Cantor Strassler, the lighting of the menorah, children’s program, and an evening of dancing to the live music of everyone’s favorite klezmer band, The Casco Bay Tummlers!

Admissions Information:

  • Preregistration is required for both in-person and online participation.
  • Cost for in-person attendance (payable at the door) is $10/person and $25/family
  • No cost (but donations would be appreciated) to hear the singing and music online. (Please register for the link to watch online)

Parking and Security Information:

  • There will be a few handicapped parking spaces available in front of the synagogue
  • A 100% discount code will be available for parking in the police station parking lot (see location) – further instructions will be sent in your confirmation email when you preregister.
  • Uniformed and armed security personnel will be provided by a private security company
  • No backpacks will beallowed in the building

Potluck: 
(5–6 p.m.)

  • Please bring a dairy or veggie dish to share (no meat, please)
  • Lots of Latkes will be served from our kitchen
  • Beverages and desserts, plus dreidels and gelt will be provided

Menorah Lighting,
Sing-a-Long,
Music and Dancing
(6-8 p.m.)

  • Lighting of the giant synagogue menorah
  • Sing-a-Long led by Cantor Strassler
  • Live music by the klezmer band, The Casco Bay Tummlers
  • Israeli dancing led by Barbara Merson

Silent Auction Community Fundraiser

  • Items include Judaic art, jewelry, and more. All funds will be donated to Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center in Biddeford and Doctors Without Borders who care for people impacted by wars in and around Israel.

For more information, see below

Children’s Activities

  • Additional crafts, story time and fun geared for young children

New Website Kickoff

  • Help us celebrate the launch of the new Congregation 
    Etz Chaim website

Online Participation 
(6–8 p.m.)

  • Lighting of the synagogue menorah
  • Sing-along led by Cantor Strassler
  • An evening of live music by The Casco Bay Tummlers with dancing led by Barbara Merson

Silent Auction Community Fundraiser

Do you have something to donate to Etz Chaim’s Silent Auction?  We are accepting donations of Judaica art, Chanukah decorations and tchotchkes, homemade cookies, jewelry, gift baskets, gift cards, and anything else that you think the community will bid on.

Bring items to the party, drop off at the synagogue before the party, or contact Leah Macomber (ellemaco@yahoo.com) for items to be picked up.

Highlights this year include two beautiful, framed prints:

Ketubah
by Israeli artist Leon Azoulay

Framed serigraph in colors on Paper. Rare, 6 of 200, signed by the artist, only available by private purchase. Ketubah prayers written in minute script create the picture of a Jewish wedding in progress.

Approximate value $150.00

Home Blessingby Israeli artist
by Israeli artist Mickie Caspi

Framed serigraph in colors on Paper. Rare, 6 of 200, signed by the artist, only available by private purchase. Ketubah prayers written in minute script create the picture of a Jewish wedding in progress.

Approximate value $150.00

This year’s Fundraiser will benefit the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center in Biddeford and Doctors Without Borders who care for people impacted by the Israel-Hamas War.

Our annual Chanukah Party is partially funded by the Sam L. Cohen Foundation.

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We are deeply grateful to the Sam L. Cohen Foundation for its generous support in the redesign of our website. The foundation’s commitment to preserving Jewish education, tradition, and culture in Southern Maine has made it possible for us to share our mission and connect with our members and the community more effectively.

Mailing Address:
Congregation Etz Chaim
P.O. Box 1473
Biddeford, ME 04005

Physical Address:
Congregation Etz Chaim
34 Bacon Street
Biddeford, ME