Project to Save Rural Synagogues Expands Across America

Center for Small Town Jewish Life supports congregations from Maine to Montana

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:34pm

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A project led by Rabbi Rachel Isaacs at Colby College's Center for Small Town Jewish Life is working to strengthen rural synagogues and Jewish communities across the United States. The center has grown to support over 60 congregations in 22 states, providing mentorship for young rabbis, training for lay leaders, and coaching for synagogue boards. This effort comes as the number of synagogues in America has declined by 20% since 1990, with rural areas hit particularly hard by aging populations and resident relocations.

Why it matters

Maintaining vibrant rural Jewish communities is important for the overall health of the Jewish faith and for the vitality of small towns across America. The center's work also aims to build connections and foster joy within Jewish communities, which is especially crucial given the rise in antisemitic incidents in recent years, including in more rural states.

The details

The Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College in Maine began a decade ago with the goal of supporting Jewish congregations outside of major urban areas. Through three key initiatives - a mentorship program for young rabbis, training for lay leaders, and coaching for synagogue boards - the center has expanded its reach to over 60 communities in 22 states. This support is vital as data shows the number of synagogues in the U.S. has declined by around 20% since 1990, with rural areas hit especially hard.

  • The Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College was founded about 10 years ago.
  • The number of synagogues in America has declined by roughly 20% since 1990.

The players

Rabbi Rachel Isaacs

The executive director of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College, who is also the rabbi at Beth Israel Congregation in Waterville, Maine.

Beth Israel Congregation

A century-old synagogue in Waterville, Maine that has quadrupled its membership over the last 15 years.

Rebecca Stanfel

The executive director of the Montana Jewish Project, which has worked with the Center for Small Town Jewish Life.

Rabbi Lisa Rappaport

The rabbi who leads Congregation Beth Israel in Chico, California and was among the first to go through the center's Makom mentorship program.

Jeff Lovitz

A member of Beth Israel Congregation in Waterville, Maine who has been part of the community since the 1970s.

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What they’re saying

“'Rural Jewish life is important for the Jewish people and it's important for rural America. Those people deserve to be served and shepherded.'”

— Rabbi Rachel Isaacs, Executive Director, Center for Small Town Jewish Life

“'In Helena, we have no choice but to rely on volunteers. And if we want to have something like a seder, High Holidays, it's got to come from the community. That is also a really important model for people outside rural America.'”

— Rebecca Stanfel, Executive Director, Montana Jewish Project

“'We have felt very validated as rabbis in small communities that our work is as important.'”

— Rabbi Lisa Rappaport, Rabbi, Congregation Beth Israel in Chico, California

“'We've been here since the early '70s. Our kids went to Hebrew school here. I think it's important to have a Jewish community in Waterville.'”

— Jeff Lovitz, Synagogue Member, Beth Israel Congregation

What’s next

The Center for Small Town Jewish Life plans to continue expanding its reach and supporting more rural synagogues across the country in the coming years.

The takeaway

The Center for Small Town Jewish Life's efforts to strengthen rural Jewish communities are crucial in an era of declining synagogues and rising antisemitism, helping to foster connections, joy, and resilience within these vital faith institutions.