Waterville
Waterville is located just north of Augusta along the Kennebec River. During the mid-1800s, Waterville’s textile mill complex was built, creating a great many job opportunities in the town. In addition, Waterville became a repair center for Maine Central Railroad, drawing even more people to the city. German and Eastern European Jews arrived in Waterville to peddle dry goods. In 1902, the first synagogue was founded.
Waterville
(estimated)
1860-2015
Waterville
Beth Israel Congregation
1902-present
Temple Shalom Synagogue Center
Affiliation
Rabbi
Location
Website
Phone
Conservative
Rabbi Rachel Isaacs
291 Main Street, Waterville
www.BethIsraelWaterville.org
(207)872-7551
Beth Israel Congregation
Congregational Timeline
June 16, 1902
Beth Israel Congregation was chartered, founded by seven men who had settled in Waterville.
1925
The mortgage was paid off.
1954
Rabbi David Prince served the congregation after the death of Rabbi Hains.
1971
Rabbi Goldstein served the congregation.
2011
Rabbi Rachel Isaacs hired and continues to serve the congregation.
1903
The congregation purchased a barn which they dismantled, using the lumber to build a synagogue.
1950s
Building closed.
1957
After WWII, Waterville’s Jewish population grew significantly, creating a need for a larger and more modern space. Construction began on the congregation’s current space, completed the following year.
1981-1983
Jay Labov served as a lay cantor, followed sometime later by Cantor Deborah Marlow.
1905
The construction was complete, supported in large part by membership dues of ten cents per day/$5 per year per family. Harry/Hyman Shenson served as the spiritual leader.
1921-1953
Rabbi Abraham Hains served the congregation.
March 29, 1958
Synagogue dedicated. Rabbi Nathaniel Steinberg served the congregation.
1979-2006
Rabbi Raymond Krinsky served the congregation.
Beth Israel Congregation
Clergy Leadership Over the Years:
- Moses Silver, Shamas, 1900
- Harry/Hyman Shenson, spiritual leader, 1905-1914
- Rabbi Abraham M. Hains, 1921-1953
- Rabbi David P. Prince, 1954-?
- Rabbi Nathaniel Steinberg, c1958-?
- Rabbi Goldstein, c1971
- Rabbi David Fairman, c1976
- Rabbi Raymond Krinsky, 1979-2006
- Jay Labov, Lay Cantor, 1981-1983
- Cantor Deborah Marlow, ?-2012
- Rabbi Rachel Isaacs, 2011 -present