Thursday, May 22, 2025
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Portland-based photographer Ron Faris will be in the Spiegel Gallery to talk about his MJM exhibition, which includes a selection of candid photographs he has taken over the past 50 years. Photographs include black and white and color images of people, landscapes, and nature from his everyday life and travels.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
In the 1930s, Portland was home to over 600 Jewish households, with kosher markets, clothing stores and three synagogues dotting the streets of the diverse neighborhood. Decisions made by city government and the practice of “red-lining” in the early part of the 20th century, however, changed Portland’s East End forever. Houses and businesses surrounding the area were torn down to make way for new buildings and traffic patterns, and the streets that once connected the community were severed.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The title of Emily Hass’ current exhibition, no one leaves home unless, is a line from the poem, “Home,” by Somali British poet Warsan Shire. Maine-based poet Anna Wrobel will recite the poem, then co-host a conversation with Hass about her artwork and about the impact of forced migration on people and cultures.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Mingle with artists and art lovers, enjoy wine and cheese with museum mavens and curious minds, and celebrate with us as we unveil our newest exhibitions!
Sunday, April 27, 2025
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
April is National Poetry Month!
Please join us for poetry, chocolates, and time together.
Our featured reader is Maine poet, Wayne O’Brien to be followed by an Open Poetry Hour. Throw in some music, laughter and literary wisdom for a Sunday afternoon in Spring well spent.
Sunday, April 27, 2025
11:00 am
At a private home
It’s baaaaaack — with a new twist! The beloved MJM X Hadassah Book Group is now combining forces with Rimon, the new Portland Women’s Jewish Group at the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine!
Sunday, April 6, 2025
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The Maine Jewish Museum proudly presents The Passover Guest, an Interactive Children’s Musical told through storytelling, singing and a bit of mystery!
Thursday, March 27, 2025
7:00 PM
In honor of its 100th anniversary season, the Portland Symphony Orchestra steps beyond Merrill Auditorium and brings the music to you.
Sunday, March 16, 2025
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Collaborating artists Masha Ryskin and Serge Marchetta will be in the Fineberg Room to talk about their current MJM exhibition, Traces. Their work deals with themes of memory, displacement, and the passage of time. This show is informed by observations of Etz Chaim Synagogue in Portland and Congregation Beth Israel in Bangor, Maine’s oldest synagogue.
Sunday, March 9, 2025
6:00 PM
Irish corned beef dinner or Jewish corned beef sandwich on rye? Why choose one when you can have them both!
Thursday, March 6, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Mingle with artists and art lovers, enjoy wine and cheese with museum mavens and curious minds, and celebrate with us as we unveil our newest exhibitions!
Thursday, February 27, 2025
5:30 pm – 7:00
We’ll close out this colorful and popular exhibition with a reception in the Fineberg Room. Join us!
Sunday, February 23, 2025
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
At a private home
It’s baaaaaack — with a new twist! The beloved MJM X Hadassah Book Group is now combining forces with Rimon, the new Portland Women’s Jewish Group at the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine!
Thursday, February 20, 2025
7:00 pm – 8:45 pm
Come experience the storied DaPonte String Quartet at MJM! This program begins with Haydn’s Quartet in D, Op. 20, no 4, written in 1772, and concludes with Erich Korngold’s String Quartet in Eb Major, Op. 26 no 2, composed in 1932.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Chocoholics, this one’s for you! Join us for a curated sit-down, three-course, vegetarian dinner with wine pairings at the Maine Jewish Museum — every course will have chocolate as one of the ingredients! The theme of trees will be woven throughout the dinner in honor of Tu B’Shevat, and carob will make an appearance on the menu in a nod to the Seven Species. Adding to the fun and excitement, Rabbi Deborah Prinz, an internationally renowned authority on Jews and chocolate, is traveling to Portland from New York for the occasion and will be on-site to talk all things chocolate with you. Gilding the lily: our one-day special exhibition, Sweet Treat: The Making of American Jews, will be on display for your exclusive viewing pleasure.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Books and chocolate — an inspired combination! Our Visiting Scholar and chocolate expert Rabbi Deborah Prinz will discuss the intersection between Jews and chocolate at our Lunch and Learn, and autographed copies of her seminal book On the Chocolate Trail will be available for purchase. Did we mention there will also be a blind chocolate tasting? Don’t miss this educational and delicious program!
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Jody Sataloff History & Art Pavilion
Maine-based photographer Audrey Gottlieb shares images from her time as official photographer for the United Nations’ 1993 peacekeeping mission to Somalia in her current MJM exhibition, “The Shifting Sands of Somalia.”
In this program, Audrey will be joined by Maine-based refugee and immigrant rights activist and author Abdi Nor Iftin. The two will share their experience of the civil war in Somalia and its resulting mass displacement.
Sunday, February 2, 2025
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Baha’i community shares many similarities with the Jewish community, including ongoing struggles with persecution and deep commitment to tikkun olam (world healing). In this spirit of kinship, please join us for a Baha’i poetry reading by acclaimed Maine poet Sandra Lynn Hutchinson, a personal account of Baha’i persecution in Revolutionary Iran by award-winning Maine human rights advocate and community organizer Parivash Rohani, and a discussion tying together the Baha’i and Jewish experiences facilitated by celebrated historian and poet Anna Wrobel. Light refreshments will be served.
Sunday, January 26
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Join members of acclaimed klezmer trio A Glezele Tey for an afternoon of singing Yiddish folk songs and learning about Ashkenazi music & culture, with live musical accompaniment. From old classics to newly written melodies, we will explore the breadth and depth of the Yiddish song movement and the current surge of creativity & cross-generational collaboration happening today. Songbooks will be provided, and participants will come away with the tools to continue singing and creating new interpretations, translations, and songs of their own. No prior knowledge of Yiddish needed—all are welcome!
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Photographer Hedva Rokach will be in the Spiegel Gallery to talk about her current exhibition.
A sushi reception will follow.
Thursday, January 9, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Mingle with artists and art lovers, enjoy wine and cheese with museum mavens and curious minds, and celebrate with us as we unveil our newest exhibitions!
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
1:00 PM
At the Maine Mariners (Map)
Join the Maine Jewish Museum for Jewish Heritage Night with the Mariners! A limited number of discounted tickets ($19/ticket — face value is $37/ticket!) are available — grab them while you still can! Enjoy a Menorah Lighting during the first intermission and a post-game skate before heading off for your New Year’s Eve festivities. Family friendly and great fun for fans of all ages!
Sunday, December 15, 2024
2:00 – 4:00pm
Cozy up and settle into the Season of Lights with poets Anna Wrobel and Jim Donnelly hosting a reading in MJM’s chapel. We begin with featured poet and beloved English professor, Kevin Sweeney, followed by Open Poetry Hour. Snacks, beverages, chocolates and social gathering will enhance our sharing of the light through words of insight and beauty.
Thursday, December 5, 2024
6:00 – 7:00pm
Local photographer Don Peterson will be in the Jody Sataloff Pavilion to talk about his current exhibition, “Echoes of the Other.” Peterson has actively pursued both photography and painting in his creative practice. Image: “Mackworth Squall”
Sunday, December 1, 2024
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Looking for a creative and educational way to kick off the holiday with your child(ren)? Look no further!
Erica S. Perl’s acclaimed children’s book, The Ninth Night of Hanukkah, puts a fresh twist on a Hanukkah celebration: celebrating a ninth night with new neighbors and friends! In this joyous and interactive program, veteran elementary school teacher, music instructor, and MJM Docent Shelley Wilcox will bring The Ninth Night of Hanukkah to life through storytelling, singing, and movement. Open to all elementary school children accompanied by an adult(s) — you do not have to be Jewish to join the fun, and you do not need prior musical experience or preparation to attend. Youthful excitement, smiles, and laughter guaranteed, and you may just become inspired to start a “shamash night” tradition of your own!
Monday, November 25, 2024
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Join us for a flower arranging workshop to create an eye-catching centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Nancy Stedman of Little River Flower Farm will take you through step by step using colorful seasonal flowers in rich holiday tones arranged in a vase. You will leave with a masterpiece that reflects your personal style and is worthy of your feast!
Seasonal refreshments will be served.
Friday, November 22, 2024
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Teatime with sparkle!
As part of our TWO-DAY JEWELRY POP-UP SALE, we’re hosting an Afternoon Tea & Jewelry Party. Sip tea with friends, meet our guest jewelers, and take home some new bijoux just for you! Proceeds benefit our featured artisans and the Maine Jewish Museum.
image: jewelry by Lisa Gent
Sunday, December 1, 2024
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Looking for a creative and educational way to kick off the holiday with your child(ren)? Look no further!
Erica S. Perl’s acclaimed children’s book, The Ninth Night of Hanukkah, puts a fresh twist on a Hanukkah celebration: celebrating a ninth night with new neighbors and friends! In this joyous and interactive program, veteran elementary school teacher, music instructor, and MJM Docent Shelley Wilcox will bring The Ninth Night of Hanukkah to life through storytelling, singing, and movement. Open to all elementary school children accompanied by an adult(s) — you do not have to be Jewish to join the fun, and you do not need prior musical experience or preparation to attend. Youthful excitement, smiles, and laughter guaranteed, and you may just become inspired to start a “shamash night” tradition of your own!
Monday, November 25, 2024
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Join us for a flower arranging workshop to create an eye-catching centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Nancy Stedman of Little River Flower Farm will take you through step by step using colorful seasonal flowers in rich holiday tones arranged in a vase. You will leave with a masterpiece that reflects your personal style and is worthy of your feast!
Seasonal refreshments will be served.
Friday, November 22, 2024
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Teatime with sparkle!
As part of our TWO-DAY JEWELRY POP-UP SALE, we’re hosting an Afternoon Tea & Jewelry Party. Sip tea with friends, meet our guest jewelers, and take home some new bijoux just for you! Proceeds benefit our featured artisans and the Maine Jewish Museum.
image: jewelry by Lisa Gent
Thursday, November 21, 2024
5:00 PM -7:00 PM
Sip some wine and try on some treasures!
As part of our TWO-DAY JEWELRY POP-UP SALE, we’ll keep the doors open at the museum after hours for a fun and festive Jewelry Happy Hour. Bring your friends, chat with our guest jewelers, and leave with something shiny and new! Proceeds benefit our featured jewelers and the Maine Jewish Museum.
image: jewelry by Laura Givertz
Thursday, November 21, 2024
12:00 PM -4:00 PM
Friday, November 22, 2024
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Something just for you!
We’re hosting a TWO-DAY JEWELRY POP-UP SALE. Special guest jewelers Lisa Gent, Laura Givertz, and Beth Kahn Sugarman will be in the Fineberg Room to share their creations. Buy some sparkle and support our work! Proceeds benefit our featured artisans and the Maine Jewish Museum.
image: jewelry by Beth Kahn Sugarman
Thursday, November 14, 2024
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Exhibiting artist Yvonne Maiden will be in the Spiegel Gallery to talk about her current MJM exhibition, A paler shade. Light refreshments served.
Thursday, November 7, 2024
5:00 pm 7:00 pm
Mingle with artists and art lovers, enjoy wine and cheese with museum mavens and curious minds, and celebrate with us as we unveil our newest exhibitions!
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
At a private home
It’s baaaaaack — with a new twist! The beloved MJM X Hadassah Book Group is now combining forces with Rimon, the new Portland Women’s Jewish Group at the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine!
In November, we will meet at a Book Group member’s private home to discuss The Nightingale’s Sonata: The Musical Odyssey of Lea Lubshutz by fellow Mainer Tom Wolf… and Tom will be on site to join the discussion and answer all your questions about the book!
Co-Sponsored by The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine and Hadassah
Thursday, October 31, 2024
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Fineberg Family Room
Join artists Penelope Jones and Deborah Klotz for a concluding reception for their collaborative exhibition, “Overlay,” which closes November 1. Light refreshments served.
Sunday, October 27, 2024
2:00 PM
RUNTIME: 90 MINUTES
Part storytelling, part live music, The Nightingale’s Sonata is a wholly unique narrated concert experience. Accompanied by two acclaimed musicians and the projection of over 100 historical photographs, author Thomas Wolf recounts the life of Lea Luboshutz, the first internationally known female violinist, her incomparable Stradivarius violin (the “Nightingale”), and her multi-generational musical family, of which he is a member. The fascinating narrative tells the story behind his award-winning book, The Nightingale’s Sonata, revealing the family’s personal stories while sketching the history of classical music in the 20th century. Against the odds of pogroms, the Russian Revolution, and the Holocaust, this Jewish family triumphed again and again. Through this adversity, family members were linked by a remarkable piece of music, César Franck’s sonata for violin and piano, which is performed during the concert by Boston Symphony violinist Lucia Lin and Russian pianist Sergey Schepkin.
Thursday, October 10, 2024
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Maine and Paris-based photographer Ruth Sylmor will be in the Spiegel Gallery to talk with visitors about her current MJM exhibition, Marais Children of the Shoah & Aujourd’hui a Paris.”
Sunday, October 6, 2024
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
As we approach the first anniversary of the October 7 massacre, we invite you to join us for a tribute to our loved ones held hostage through poetry, music, and dance. The program will begin with a final opportunity to experience Camille and Anya Davidson’s Stitch Them Home yellow ribbon exhibition, featuring yellow ribbons lovingly hand-stitched by diverse Maine community members in solidarity with the innocent civilians still held hostage in Gaza.
Sunday, September 29, 2024
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Join us for a sit-down, three-course vegetarian Mexican-Jewish dinner with wine pairings at the Maine Jewish Museum featuring recipes from the soon-to-be-released Sabor Judío: The Jewish Mexican Cookbook. Sabor Judío author Margaret E. Boyle will be on hand to answer all your cooking questions, and autographed copies of Sabor Judío are available for purchase.
Sunday, September 29, 2024
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join us for the book launch of Sabor Judío: The Jewish Mexican Cookbook and meet the author, Bowdoin professor Margaret E. Boyle! Sabor Judío celebrates the delicious fusion of two culinary traditions, Jewish and Mexican. More than “just” a cookbook, it is also a vibrant history of Jewish immigration to Mexico from 1492 to the present. It explains how flavors and dishes evolved in Mexican and Jewish kitchens and how they fused into a distinct cuisine, mainly by the labor of Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Mizrahi, and converso women. Written with joy and verve and featuring 100 deeply personal recipes, this lavishly illustrated book demonstrates how cooking and eating connect Jewish Mexicans across places and generations.
Autographed copies of the cookbook will be available for purchase.
Sunday, September 22, 2024
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Maine Jewish Museum
Registration is free but required:
Sunday, September 22, 2024
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Maine Jewish Museum
Writer/artist Elizabeth Michelman will moderate a discussion with exhibiting artists Penelope Jones and Deborah Klotz about their current exhibition, Overlay. Light refreshments served.
Thursday, September 19, 2024
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
At a private home
It’s baaaaack – with a new twist! The beloved MJM X Hadassah Book Group is now combining forces with Rimon, the new Portland Women’s Jewish Group at the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine!
This month, we will be meeting at a Book Group member’s private home to discuss The Girl from the Garden by Parnaz Foroutan, a suspenseful novel of desire, obsession, power, and vulnerability, in which a crisis of inheritance leads to the downfall of a wealthy family of Persian Jews in the early twentieth century. Beautifully crafted and inspired by the author’s own family history, the novel has been praised by the Jewish Book Council for being “as much [of] an emotional journey as it is a timely and compelling examination of human nature.”
Co-Sponsored by The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine and Hadassah
Thursday, September 19, 2024
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Join us as author Arthur J. Magida discusses his book Two Wheels to Freedom: The Story of a Young Jew, Wartime Resistance, and a Daring Escape.
Two Wheels to Freedom by Arthur J. Magida is the extraordinary true story of a young Jewish art student who not just survived but resisted and saved hundreds of lives all while retaining his infectious zeal for life.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
They’re baaaaack… in their new configuration as a quartet again! Join the DaPonte String Quartet at MJM with new violinist, Philipp Ellsner, in a performance of Mozart’s Quartet in Bb Major, K. 589 and Beethoven’s epic Quartet in Eb Major, Op. 127. A soulful way to segue into the shoulder season!
Sunday, September 8, 2024
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Join us for a celebration and reception in honor of the winners of MJM’s inaugural “I’m a Jewish Mainer” Youth Art Contest! Our inaugural competition encouraged young people throughout the state to reflect on their experiences growing up Jewish in Maine and express their Maine Jewish pride through art… and our winners delivered and then some! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the newest generation of Jewish artists and admire their work on exhibition at the Museum. Light refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, September 4 2024
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Travel back in time to 17th-century Italy and the forgotten world of Ferdinando de Medici’s Livorno… all during your lunch break!
Thursday – August 29, 2024
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mingle with artists and art lovers, enjoy wine and cheese with museum mavens and curious minds, and celebrate with us as we unveil our newest exhibitions!
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Hannaford Hall, 04101
A STORY OF RESILIENCE, SURVIVAL, MUSIC & HOPE
Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring 99 -year-old Holocaust survivor Saul Dreier, a living testament to resilience and strength.
At 14, Saul endured the horrors of World War II, surviving ghettos, labor camps, and concentration camps, emerging as the sole survivor of his family. Despite unimaginable adversity, his passion for music sustained him, leading to the founding of the Holocaust Survivor Band—a symbol of the healing power of music and human resilience.
Experience Saul’s incredible journey as he shares his story and plays music alongside the band.
Thursday, August 15, 2024
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join writer Dr. Judith Goldstein as she discusses the multidimensional work and life of William Zorach–in Maine and New York. Dr. Goldstein, who wrote an essay about the works by William Zorach currently on view at the Maine Jewish Museum, will be at the museum to tour and answer questions about the pieces with guests after her talk.
Thursday – August 8, 2024
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Back by popular demand for the second year in a row! A fabulous evening awaits: we invite you to join us for a night of fashion, food, and fun to celebrate our diverse community through the stories we wear. A runway show highlighting Maine Jewish, immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and differently abled fashion designers and models will be amplified by an internationally inspired cocktail and small plates hour, live music by the multinational and multigenerational Bondeko , an exciting auction, and a decadent dessert display for a grand finale and sweet ending. Save the date and join us for this cultural extravaganza in support of the Maine Jewish Museum!
Thursday – August 8, 2024
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Back by popular demand for the second year in a row! A fabulous evening awaits: we invite you to join us for a night of fashion, food, and fun to celebrate our diverse community through the stories we wear. A runway show highlighting Maine Jewish, immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and differently abled fashion designers and models will be amplified by an internationally inspired cocktail and small plates hour, live music by the multinational and multigenerational Bondeko , an exciting auction, and a decadent dessert display for a grand finale and sweet ending. Save the date and join us for this cultural extravaganza in support of the Maine Jewish Museum!
Thursday, August 1, 2024
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Join us as we unveil our pop-up exhibition in solidarity with the 116 innocent civilians still held hostage in Gaza. Guest Curators Camille and Anya Davidson will give a brief presentation and q&a. Light refreshments will be served. A moving experience is guaranteed.
June – August 2024
There is nothing quite like summer in Maine, from picture-perfect sunny days to beach walks to ocean breezes to dining al fresco. The summer is also when the Maine Jewish Museum Garden — one of only two public gardens in the East End — bursts into glorious bloom. “In the Garden” series is back by popular demand, to offer a come-to-one-or-come-to-all program series, with (weather permitting) outdoor events for all ages and interests. We look forward to taking time to smell the roses with you!
CRIBBAGE FOR BEGINNERS
.. IN THE GARDEN!
Mondays
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
June 3, 10, 17, 24, 2024
DRAWING WORKSHOP WITH ADELINE GOLDMINC-TRONZO
… IN THE GARDEN!
Sunday, June 23, 2024
2:00 pm- 3:30 pm
WIRE TREE SCULPTURE WORKSHOP
… IN THE GARDEN!
Thursday, June 27, 2024
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
WATERCOLOR FLORALS WORKSHOP
… IN THE GARDEN!
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
BREATHWORK CLASS WITH LISA SILVERMAN
… IN THE GARDEN!
Wednesday, July 18, 2024
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
BEADING WORKSHOP: MAKE YOUR OWN WILDFLOWER BRACELET
… IN THE GARDEN!
Monday, July 22, 2024
4:00 pm -6:00 pm
THRIFT FLIP
… IN THE GARDEN!
Postponed
FLORAL ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP
… IN THE GARDEN!
Postponed
Thursday, July 25, 2024
4:00 pm –5:00 pm
Guest Curator and Portland-based artist Lin Lisberger discusses the work of sculptors and painters included in the current exhibition, Constructed (Disquiet). Light refreshments served.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
7:00 pm
MJM is honored to be collaborating with Chabad of Maine and the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine on this moving and important event.
Listen to the eyewitness account of a hero who saved many lives during the October 7 attack on Southern Israel, and hear first-hand about the events unfolding since. Yaron Bouskila is a retired officer and commander who received the 2017 Presidential Award for Excellence after being wounded in combat. On October 7, he answered the call to action and saved many lives, and as a National Security Expert and an insightful TV commentator, has been speaking and sharing his story around the world.
Come together with the community to hear from Yaron and pray for ultimate peace in the world.
Sunday, July 21, 2024
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Artist Joyce Ellen Weinstein will be in the Spiegel Gallery to greet guests and talk about her current MJM exhibition, “All About Water.” Light refreshments served.
Thursday – July 11, 2024
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mingle with artists and art lovers, enjoy wine and cheese with museum mavens and curious minds, and celebrate with us as we unveil our newest exhibitions!
All images copyright of the artist, unless otherwise noted; reproduction not allowed without express permission
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