Religious Services

Shabbat Observances

Congregation Etz Chaim offers three Shabbat services per month:

  • First Friday Night Traditional Service: A traditional Friday night service, followed by Kiddush; 7-8 p.m.
  • Third Saturday Morning Service: A traditional morning Shabbat service; 9:30 a.m.
  • Fourth Friday Night Guitar Service: Friday night service with guitar accompaniment, followed by Kiddush; 7-8 p.m.

Saturday Morning Torah Study

Join Congregation Etz Chaim’s  Morning Torah Study every second Saturday of the month from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Led by members of the congregation’s Ritual Committee, the study focuses on the week’s Torah portion (parshat) and Haftorah.

One need not be able to read Hebrew in order to participate. It is helpful to have a Chumash (Bible), though it is not necessary.

Learn more about our Morning Torah Study on our Adult Education page or email David Strassler.

High Holiday Services

Our yearly High Holiday services comprise the following events for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur:

Rosh Hashanah

Erev Rosh Hashanah

  • Evening Service                                               

Rosh Hashanah Day 1

  • Preliminary Service
  • Morning Service
  • Tashlich at Saco River

Rosh Hashanah Day 2

  • Preliminary Service
  • Morning Service

Yom Kipur

Erev Yom Kippur

  • Kol Nidre

Yom Kippur

  • Preliminary Service
  • Morning Service
  • Yizkor
  • Afternoon Service
  • Break Fast at conclusion of services

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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