Maine-Based Center Helps Save Rural Synagogues Across the U.S.

The Center for Small Town Jewish Life is reviving dwindling congregations from Maine to Montana.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:30pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred figures and soft lighting, conceptually representing the quiet work of preserving a rural synagogue's traditions.A small-town synagogue prepares for an important religious celebration with the support of a Maine-based organization dedicated to reviving rural Jewish communities.Waterville Today

The Center for Small Town Jewish Life, based in Waterville, Maine, is working to help rural synagogues across the country survive and grow. The center has been supporting the Beth Israel Congregation in Waterville, where membership has quadrupled in the last 15 years, as it prepares for Passover. The effort aims to revive dwindling Jewish communities in small towns and rural areas.

Why it matters

Many rural synagogues have struggled to maintain membership and stay open in recent decades as younger generations have moved away from small towns. The Center for Small Town Jewish Life's work to support these congregations helps preserve an important part of America's religious and cultural diversity.

The details

The Center for Small Town Jewish Life, based at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, provides resources and programming to help rural synagogues like Beth Israel Congregation stay active and grow. This includes assistance with holiday preparations, educational initiatives, and connecting small congregations to share ideas and best practices.

  • The Beth Israel Congregation in Waterville, Maine was established in 1902.
  • Membership at Beth Israel Congregation has quadrupled over the last 15 years.

The players

Rabbi Rachel Isaacs

The rabbi at Beth Israel Congregation in Waterville, Maine.

Center for Small Town Jewish Life

A Maine-based organization that provides support and resources to help rural synagogues across the country survive and grow.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Center for Small Town Jewish Life's efforts to revive rural synagogues demonstrate how targeted support can help preserve important cultural institutions in small communities across the United States.