The Jewish Congregation of Maui consistently offers a wide range of opportunities to connect to Torah, holidays, Judaism, Hebrew, culture, language, religion, community and spirituality. Rabbi Glickman and his wife and family are true gifts to the local and worldwide community. What a pleasure to know that when I visit Maui I can participate on a personal letter. The weekly e-mail is worth reading, too. SO many benefits to so many people.
The Jewish Congregation of Maui offers a multitude of opportunities to explore the Jewish faith and/or reconnect with your cultural identity. This organization, more than any other I've ever been associated with, has helped make me a more conscientious and fulfilled person. Being part of the Jewish community of Maui is not reliant on social stature, appearance or any other outward factor. If you are a positive person, willing to contribute to the betterment of the collective energy of the whole, you will find your niche and flourish within the community of Maui Jews. Congregation Rabbi David Glickman is a human being who will be the first to point out his own flaws, and it is precisely for this reason that he is a special leader and teacher worth getting to know.
I have been involved with the JCM since 1984. We use to meet at each others houses and our torah was moved to different locations. I called it "Have torah will travel." The JCM has grown to where we are able to help many people in all situations. Having a building and a full time rabbi has put a huge strain on us financially. We are a community with a great heart, and great love for humanity. The most satisfying experience for me has occurred many times in the years since I have been on Maui. Many are the times when we help a fellow Jew and the family while visiting the island who has an emergency, usually life trhreatening health type, and our small, caring community mobilizes to help the family by providing assistance with their needs - spiritual, social, and financial. We are small; we are not too wealthy, but we give from the heart.
This congregation is one of the friendliest communities. They are very accommodating to all visitors to the island. Their shabbat services are great, and the high holiday services top all other congregations that I have ever been part of. Tashlich services at the beach are awesome. It sure beats going to a river or creek on the mainland. If you are ever in Maui, you need to check it out! You won't be sorry.
i have been the welcome recipient of the weekly drash and sense of community offered by the Congregation for the past several years. it has been uplifting and a connection to Maui and the islands, combining my religious and love of nature into one. it has caused me to think, contribute, expand my beliefs and experiences in an attempt to bring that sense to my life here in California.
JCM has helped my learn to read hebrew, understand to a greater degree the Tanach, helped me in every way possible. The people are friendly, personable, helpful and it is a good place to visit.
I am just converting to Judaism and JCM is the first congregation I have been a part of. I love it! As I am trying to figure out where I fit in all of this, I have a lot of people that are willing to share their thoughts and views to help me out. I adore the Rabbi and his family. He has an interesting balance to find for our community and he is amazingly successful at it without compromising integrity. I feel very safe here and am grateful they are here on Maui.
My experience with the congregation has been overwhelmingly wonderful. It really helps to serve the comunity and bring people closer together. Rabbi Glickman and Jody have been very supportive and very personable. It is a wonderful place to have here on the islands as we are so separated from the mainland. With the friendships I have made it really has made me feel like part of a community.
My experience has been very positive. Rabbi Glickman is a knowledgeable and inspiring steward. The members are very welcoming, supporting, taking interest in newcomers and Maui visitors, genuinely, with open heart. Beit Shalom offers a wonderful warm foothold of Judaism on the Hawaiian soil, a Jewish "island" within the tropical paradise island, where not only locals but also visitors can keep their connection with the tradition, have a home away from home. I, personally, not only attended the Shabbat services, but also was "hooked" into participating with Israeli Dancing, Torah learning sessions, Hebrew lessons and Passover celebrations. I found it time and again, meaningfully, spiritually enriching to be able to connect with my faith during vacation time. My guess is, it is not only me, but many Jews may find less time during their busy "mainland" lives for their Judaism and spirituality. Because of Jewish Congregation of Maui, I am looking forward to my vacations not only for recharging the batteries needed in the hustle and bustle of everyday worries and commitments but also for a spiritual replenishment.
I love the people, the place, the atmosphere. It is friendly, warm, and accepting. Some people attending don't know anything, while others know a lot, but everyone feels comfortable at their own level because of the guidance of the rabbi. The synagogue also serves as a place for people to socially interact and meet other Jews. It's overall a wonderful place to be.
In 1980, one could count the Jews of Maui on one's hands. Those of us who were parents or expected to be parents, wondered how our kids would have any idea of what it means to be a Jew. Today we have our Rabbi, our Beit Shalom (one of only two synagogues in the State of Hawaii), our cemetery and the opportunity to live as Jews from cradle to grave. The population of Maui has more than tripled since 1980 when most native to Maui, if they thought of Jews at all, pictured a people who only existed in the Old Testament of their Christian Bible. Today, most know us as a vital part of the immigration tapestry of our state. Like the Chinese, Japanese, Phillipino and others who (mostly) came before us, we are the people of Maui. On a small and relatively isolated island, the Maui community prospers by unity. Although JCOM was founded to serve the Jews of Maui, and continues in this role, I am proud that our organization can today serve the Maui community as well as our membership. JCOM faces daunting challenges. We have faced them before, we will face further challenges in the future. We no longer face them alone, however.
I had never been to a synagogue before, just when I was a child, and we were there for a relatives wedding, etc. The first time we came,it felt like we belonged. Rabbi Glickman and his wife are such wonderful and welcoming people. I had always looked at being Jewish as an ethnicity, like being part French, or Italian. Because of Rabbi David, my son and I, are learning about our religion.
The Jewish Congregation of Maui welcomes all Jews from all walks of religious life from non observant to orthodox. The Rabbi is the most amazing person I have ever met in my life. The community is warm and has an atmosphere of one large family. They care for one another and help each other out in times of need. It is truly a humbling experience to take part in any activities with this congregation.
I was raised in a synagogue on the mainland... My Babbie and Zaddie were very religious… and most of my favorite memories about growing up… would be all nights we spent at their house after services... other favorite memories about the way I grew up was when we would ditch Hebrew School with the Cantor to eat ice cream... now many many years later I realize I learned more sitting and eating ice cream with the Cantor than I did sitting in class... I tell this story because when I look and listen to the Rabbi at The Jewish Congregation of Maui I see the same love, caring, patience and knowledge to teach that I had with the Cantor I grew up with... This incredible congregation in the middle of the Pacific, has a bond stronger than you can imagine... different people from Professionals to people living in their car... it does not matter... they are all welcomed and then invited to stay longer... It is my hope that when my children are grown they will have similar memories of growing up in the Jewish faith... I think attending and being a part of The Jewish Congregation of Maui they have a very good start... Shaloha from Maui
Aug. 14 2008, I moved to Maui and did not know a soul. The Jewish Congregation of Maui was very warm and welcoming. It was easy to become envolved with volunteering to help with the activities and events. Rabbi David Glickman is an amazing man. He puts his whole heart into teaching and helping the congregation grow. The times have been difficult this year; Rabbi's determination and perservance have been encouraging. He is committed. The Board of Directors have pressed through and looked at every possibility for growth and endurance. I feel blessed to be part of a congregation that loves the Jewish people, their community and Israel. JCM is an inspiration!
The Jewish Congregation of Maui is a soulful, vital organization, providing Jewish learning and a sense of roots for those living on Maui as well as providing a base for international travelers who visit to Maui during the year and especially during Jewish holidays. JCM is flexible in its religious practice, accommodating different Jewish perspectives. All parts of the community are acknowledged: the Rabbi is knowledgeable, there is folk dancing and there is even a support group for those having difficulty. Come visit.
A gem of a jewish congregation. One of the few I have ever encountered where a traditional rabbi welcomes all comers and encourages them to worship "as their heart dictates".
My husband and I found this treasure by chance after a cruise. The Rabbi and members were warm and welcoming. Friday it's Reform, Saturday Conservative and the Rabbi is ordained Orthodox and is Shomer Shabbos so all feel accepted. I have been to Chanukah celebrations up in the town of Makawa where many non Jews come to enjoy the food and singing. Not only is this the Jewish presence on Maui but it is also involved with the local community. I especially appreciate that each week I hear all the news and a drash by the Rabbi via email.This full service congregation needs all the help it can get to continue the many vital and enjoyable programs it provides - from ritual to folk dancing. At least once a year I visit to "restore my soul."
When planning my move to Maui, I thought it impossible that I would find a Jewish community. My brother, with whom I was talking with on the phone at the time, said simply, "mauijews.org." I suppose he was also on the internet while talking with me. I thought it's worth a shot when I get there. The Jewish community that I found on Maui was one of the most inclusive, positive, and inspirational I have ever been a part of. They are a true island of people on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. My time spent in the community and with the synagogue has been some of the happiest times in my life. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I found myself moving away from the community I love to a place full of Jews, but not full of soul. I now lament my situation on a daily basis and I eagerly plan my return to the warmest Jewish community I've had the pleasure of belonging to. My wish to others is for them to be able to feel what I felt. I can only call it a true Jewaiian experience. With times like these, Jews everywhere need a community like this and, simply, the Jewish Community of Maui needs Jews everywhere. With my hopeful return to the community, I can only aspire to provide the welcome, the aloha spirit, and the warm Jewish soul with others visiting that tight-knit community on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.