Our congregation depends upon the participation of the membership for all aspects of daily tefillah. Opportunities to serve as a Shaliach Tzibbur (leader of communal prayer), or Ba'al Koreh (Torah reader) are numerous, as are those for men wishing to take part in all other aspects of the service, from being called up to the Torah for an aliyah, to chanting the Haftarah, to offering a D'var Torah on Shabbat, to reciting prayers for the government, for Israel, and for the cholim of the congregation. Those who have the necessary skills and knowledge are encouraged to contribute to the vitality of the kehilla, and those who wish to learn are offered the training and support needed to take on these important and rewarding roles.
Please contact Rabbi Chaim Wilansky at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at (207) 650-7223 for more information or to arrange to take part in services.
Learning Torah is a mitzvah incumbent upon all Jews-- to grow in one's knowledge and understanding every day throughout one's life. Members of the congregation are available to learn with all who are interested, on most any topic within the broad scope of Torah, from Hebrew reading to Enhancing Prayer, Chumash to Talmud, Mussar to practical Halakha, and beyond. Learning takes place in group settings as well as b'chavruta (paired study), with topics and scheduling tailored for the level and extent of one's interest. Occasional talks, presentations, and lecture series are also offered at various times throughout the year.
During Shabbat morning services, Tefillat Yiladim is available children under-Bar/Bat mitzvah age. All of the basics of davening from Modeh Ani to Shmoneh Esrei are included in the service. Following the tefillah, the weekly parsha is discussed followed by a snack. Parents are welcome to participate but can also leave their children so they may return to services undisturbed. Tefillat Yiladim takes place during the Torah reading and usually lasts until Musaf.
Aish HaTorah 
Rav Lipman Asher “Lee” Podolsky a”h was educated at the Jewish Day School, right here in Bangor, Maine. He grew up in our shul, Congregation Beth Abraham. Lee was very talented and rose up in the ranks of scholarship. He moved to Israel, taught at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh a premier house of Torah study at the Kotel, authored several books and earned a sterling reputation. Lee passed away at a young age. Rav Podolsky had numerous accomplishments and taught legions of Yeshiva students in Israel who are now carrying on his legacy and teachings. Despite Lee’s fame in Israel, Bangor was always a part of Lee. He remained closely and fondly connected to Bangor and even in his last days he famously said “Bangor is not a place but a state of mind!” Even in burial he wanted Bangor to be connected to him by asking for it to be mentioned on his tombstone.