Rabbi Rachel Isaacs, the executive director of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College, is focusing her efforts on revitalizing rural Jewish communities as the observance of Passover approaches. During the lead-up to the holiday, she has been actively overseeing the preparation of ceremonial foods at the Beth Israel Congregation in Waterville, Maine. The synagogue has seen a substantial increase in membership over the past 15 years, quadrupling in size as it meets the needs of an expanding Jewish population.
### Strengthening Rural Jewish Life
Rabbi Isaacs emphasizes the importance of rural Jewish life both for individuals and for the broader fabric of rural America. “Those people deserve to be served and shepherded,” she remarked, highlighting the center’s mission to connect and support Jewish congregations situated outside major urban centers. Zurprisingly, around 2.4% of Americans identify as Jewish, with one in eight residing outside metropolitan areas. The center has developed programs specifically aimed at enhancing the vitality of these communities, encompassing over 60 congregations across 22 states.
The challenge of sustaining rural synagogues has grown in urgency. Data compiled by Alanna E. Cooper, a professor of Jewish studies at Case Western Reserve University, indicates a stark decline in the number of synagogues in America—about 20% fewer than in 1990. This trend is particularly acute in rural settings, where population shifts and aging congregations have strained resources and viability.
### Addressing Antisemitism and Community Needs
The growing focus on rural Jewish communities is aligned with a broader context of rising antisemitism across the United States. The Anti-Defamation League reported an alarming 900% increase in antisemitic incidents over the last decade, with many incidents occurring in predominantly rural states such as Maine, New Hampshire, and Wyoming. Rabbi Isaacs believes that strengthening these communities can provide resilience against this troubling trend. “In a world of rising antisemitism it’s more and more important that Jewish communities are joyful, strong, and connected,” she stated.
The initiatives led by the Center for Small Town Jewish Life not only aim to bolster existing congregations but also unite far-flung Jewish communities. From Montana to Texas, the center has extended its outreach and support, showcasing the need for connection among geographically isolated members.
### Programs of Support and Community Building
The center employs several strategies to enhance the effectiveness of rural synagogues. One key initiative is the Makom program, a two-year mentorship opportunity for new rabbis serving these congregations. Rabbi Lisa Rappaport from Congregation Beth Israel in Chico, California, who participated in the Makom program, acknowledged the unique challenges rural rabbis face, stating that leading the only Jewish congregation in a town can be especially rewarding despite the difficulties.
Additionally, the center provides training for lay leaders, equipping them to lead prayers and conduct events, thereby reducing reliance on full-time rabbis. This model fosters community involvement and ensures the congregation can sustain its activities independently. Leadership coaching for synagogue boards is another component of the center’s efforts, helping members manage the specific challenges of small-town Jewish institutions.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the day-to-day functions of these congregations. In Waterville, preparations for a Passover gathering involve a wide range of community members, including Colby College students and retirees. Local member Jeff Lovitz articulated the importance of such a community, pointing out that his family has deep roots in the synagogue, emphasizing the personal connections that inspire continued participation.
As these rural Jewish communities prepare for Passover, they reinforce their commitment to preserving their cultural and religious heritage, demonstrating that even smaller congregations can thrive through collaboration, innovation, and hard work. The ongoing initiatives spearheaded by Rabbi Isaacs and the Center for Small Town Jewish Life serve not just to maintain but to celebrate rural Jewish life in America, fostering connections that resonate beyond geographic limitations.
Source: Original Reporting
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