Center for Small Town Jewish Life

The Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College cultivates vibrant, connected, socially equitable learning communities rooted in the Jewish tradition. We actualize our mission at Colby, throughout Maine, and across the country. Founded through a collaboration between Colby’s Hillel, Jewish Studies Department, and Waterville’s Beth Israel Congregation, the center now provides unique academic, spiritual, and social programs that build relationships across traditional barriers in Waterville and beyond.

Some exemplary initiatives include:

For Colby Students:

Leadership Fellows: Empowers seven to 12 students each year to invigorate and enrich Jewish life in Waterville through teaching and developing Hebrew school curriculum, engaging in advanced Jewish learning, reaching out to students, and programming events for the Waterville community.

Yad b’Yad and Tzedakah/Zakat Fellowships: Convenes, prepares, and organizes students of all faiths and backgrounds to explore Jewish and Muslim approaches to economic justice and hospitality. These programs work in the Waterville Public Schools and on campus to educate citizens about Islamic and Jewish traditions, and they support local immigrant communities through philanthropy, mentorship, and education.

Fall Shabbaton: Brings top Jewish musicians and artists to Colby College for the edification and enjoyment of college students and community members across the state.

For Maine:

Maine Conference for Jewish Life: The center’s annual three-day conference is a pluralistic opportunity for Jewish learning and the celebration of rural Jewish living. Held in central Maine, it attracts participants from a diverse set of backgrounds, bringing people together to learn, to pray, and to build connections while engaging with the riches of Jewish civilization.

The Funtensive: A week-long program that provides Jewish skills and a sense of community for children throughout the state who want to learn more about Jewish culture, history, and Hebrew language.

For Small Town Communities Everywhere:

Makom: Trains small-town leaders across the nation to build and sustain Jewish communities through fostering institutional collaboration, teaching best practices, and supporting cohort-based learning.

For more information about the center and its initiatives, visit the Center for Small Town Jewish Life website.