Congregation Etz Chaim provides an array of Jewish life cycle ceremonies, officiated by Cantor Strassler. From moments of immense joy to times of great sorrow, we are here to support families with personalized ceremonies that mark the milestones in their lives. Life cycle events may be held at the synagogue or off-site. Unless otherwise noted, fees are applicable (and are reduced for members).
Bris Milahs or Baby Namings
A bris is performed on the eighth day of life for newborn Jewish males. Cantor Strassler will co-officiate with a mohel or physician of your choosing. Baby naming ceremonies may be held at any time. Either ceremony is highly customizable.
B’nei Mitzvot
Offering Bar and Bat Mitzvahs as well as gender neutral B-Mitzvahs, Cantor Strassler works with each family to personalize the service to their specific needs and desires. For more information about Hebrew education at Congregation Etz Chaim and B’nei Mitzvah preparation, including our Guidelines for B’nei Mitzvah: Preparation & Services , please visit our Youth Programs page. Adult B’nei Mitzvah ceremonies are available as well.
Conversion Classes
and Immersions
Cantor Strassler holds conversion classes for those who wish to convert to Judaism. Classes last between 9 and 12 months and involve coursework as well as preparation for going before the Beit Din (Rabbinic Court). Cantor Strassler also officiates at ritual immersions as the final step in the conversion process.
Weddings
Cantor Strassler is legally ordained to perform wedding ceremonies in the state of Maine. She officiates only at Jewish weddings (between two Jewish people or between a Jewish person and a non-Jewish person who choose to have a Jewish ceremony). She does not officiate at interfaith ceremonies and does not co-officiate. She holds ceremony planning sessions with the couple, working with them to personalize ceremony details for their special day.
Funerals and Unveilings
Funeral services may be held at the synagogue and the gravesite or at the gravesite only. Families may wish to also hold a graveside headstone unveiling ceremony 11 months after the burial.
Shiva Memorial Services
If requested, Congregation Etz Chaim ensures that a daily minyan is present at a member’s home to recite the Kaddish for the first week of the mourning period. For members whose loved ones have not had a local burial, a memorial service may be planned at the synagogue after their return to Maine. Both are complimentary services for synagogue members
Memorial Plaques and Yahrzeit Reminders
Memorial plaques for mounting on one of the synagogue’s memorial boards are available for purchase. The name of each loved one on a plaque has a light on during the anniversary month of their passing, and the name is read at at our annual Yom Kippur Yizkor service. For more information about purchasing a memorial plaque, contact David Strassler. For information about our Yahrzeit Program, through which you can receive reminder letters of upcoming Yahrzeits, please visit our Community Outreach page or email Jennie Aranovitch.