Etz Chaim Synagogue, Jewish synagogue in Portland, Maine.
Etz Chaim Synagogue is a Jewish place of worship in Portland, Maine, located in a white four-story building at the corner of Congress and India Streets. It preserves original stained glass windows and traditional architecture while housing the Samuel Osher Memorial Library, which holds Jewish books, music, and educational materials for community use.
The congregation was established in 1920 after purchasing a former boarding house, with official dedication as Etz Chaim taking place in June 1922. The building remains the second oldest synagogue structure in continuous use in Maine.
The congregation shifted from Orthodox to Egalitarian practices, welcoming women to participate fully in religious services and incorporating English into its ceremonies. These changes reflect how the community adapted to serve all its members.
The location is easily walkable and centrally positioned in Portland. Visitors should check with the community about open hours when you plan to visit or to see the library.
The building started as a boarding house before being converted into a synagogue, which explains its distinctive architecture. This transformation shows how the growing Jewish community found its home in early-20th-century Portland.
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