Rural Jewish Life Strengthening Movement

Rachel Isaacs, executive director of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College and rabbi at Beth Israel Congregation, is leading a national movement to strengthen rural synagogues and Jewish communities. The Center for Small Town Jewish Life, established a decade ago, now supports over 60 communities in 22 states through programs like Makom, which mentors rabbis, trains lay leaders, and coaches synagogue boards. This initiative is particularly vital given the 20% decline in American synagogues since 1990 and a nearly 900% increase in antisemitic incidents reported by the Anti-Defamation League. Entities like the Montana Jewish Project and Congregation Beth Israel in Chico, California, have benefited from the Center for Small Town Jewish Life's efforts, which aim to foster joyful, strong, and connected Jewish communities in rural areas.