changed significantly during this time, with women now being welcomed in roles once only filled by men. During these years the demographics in Bangor were changing. The once great number of Jewish owned businesses and manufacturers were now few. Norman Minsky of Congregation Beth Israel recognized that in order for the organizations to continue, they would need endowments to do so. Beginning of the 21st century to date (2000 – present) In 2012, the JCC sent their final newsletter, announcing their impending closure. With each synagogue now holding their own Hebrew schools and community programs, the need for the JCC was greatly diminished. John Bapst High School acquired the building and later had the building demolished in order to build a new gym on their campus. Bangor continues to have three synagogues, each with a full-time rabbi, and also maintains a mikvah, the only one still in existence in Maine. References and studies Bath In the late 1880s a handful of Jewish families settled in Bath, Maine, and by the turn of the century, close to a dozen Jewish families called Bath home. As World War I began, Bath’s shipbuilding industry was booming. With housing and other businesses now in high demand, the town’s population swelled, and Bath’s Jewish population grew to close to 30 families. With enough people to now serve as a minyan (a quorum of ten men), the search began for a place in which to worship. The name was decided upon, a site was found, and Beth Israel Congregation opened its doors in 1922. Population data over the years First population estimate in 1910: 82 Highest population estimate 2005: 400 Latest population estimate 2005: 400 Current Jewish organizations Beth Israel Congregation (Reform) Major events and milestones Early immigrant period (pre 1900) While there were a few Jewish merchants who came to Bath to work, the first Jewish resident of Bath, was Isaac Mikelsky who arrived with his family in 1886. From that point and into the first decade of the twentieth century, more Jewish families began to arrive, most of whom were immigrants from Eastern Europe. By the end of the 19th century, the small Jewish community held services in the YMCA building. Later immigrant period (1900 – 1920) During the early part of the twentieth century, several Jewish families moved into the area, and by 1919, the decision was made by 39 founding members to