beginning, religious faith played a very important role in Rockland's mostly Orthodox Jewish community. In 1879 they held their first High Holy Day observance, a tradition that continues unbroken to this day, according to Adas Yoshuron'srecords. Services were held in a rented space on Main Street. As the years passed and the population grew, the search began for a synagogue. In 1912, the Advent Christian Church was purchased by a handful of Jewish immigrants, and Adas Yoshuron synagogue opened its doors, welcoming a congregation of 31 families. Greater Waterville In the early years of the 20th century, seven Jewish men settled in Waterville. They earned their livelihood by peddling various wares, and eventually banded together in an effort to foster Judaism for themselves and their families. Beth Israel Congregation was chartered on June 16, 1902. At first, they conducted services at various private homes in the community, with High Holiday services held in the Hose No. 4 Fire Station in town. In 1903, a barn was purchased and dismantled, and by securing additional new lumber, work was begun on the new building. In 1905, the Beth Israel Synagogue on Kelsey Street was completed, its construction fully supported from dues of members, which at that time, were ten cents a week, or $5.00 per year. Current Jewish organizations Temple Beth El (conservative) Notable Jewish People from Maine Shirley Povich, Sportswriter for the Washington Post, father of Maury Povich William Cohen, U.S. Senator for Maine, United States Secretary of Defense. Born to a Jewish father and a Christian mother, Cohen left Judaism when he was told he would have to convert before becoming a Bar mitzvah. Linda Lavin, actress/singer Rob Elowitch, professional wrestler Hiram Abrams, co-founder of Paramount Pictures, founder of United Artists The Alfond family, business-owners and philanthropists References External links Documenting Maine Jewry Maine Jewish History Project at Colby College Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine Maine Jews