Temple Israel Doorpost February 2018

February 2018

Shevat / Adar 5778

President’s Message Dear Fellow Congregants, I would like to update you regarding the work of the board of directors in providing for the religious leadership of our congregation. First, however, I offer my great thanks on behalf of the board to the members of our community who have taken an active role in leading services over the past months.

They are doing a tremendous mitzvah for our congregation, and it is because of their dedication to Jewish practice and learning that we have had regular Friday night and Saturday morning services throughout this difficult period.

Many of the speakers at Rabbi David’s memorial service remarked on his joy in sharing Jewish learning with everyone he met, a joy which continues to inspire us. Going forward, the board has organized three separate tracks to ensure that our congregation will continue to benefit from professional rabbinical leadership for the short, medium, and long term.

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Cantor Nafshi leads Shabbat Services 9:30am Saturday, February 3, 2018, Sanctuary Social Action Committee Meeting 10:30am Sunday, February 4, 2018, Library Group Skate at Puddle Dock Pond 1:00pm Sunday, February 4, 2018 Ritual Committee Meeting 6:15pm Tuesday, February 6, 2018, Board Room House Committee Meeting 6:30pm Tuesday, February 6, 2018, Shmoozatorium

Rabbi Mandel and Musical Guests Bashert 6:15pm Friday, February 9, 2018, Sanctuary Rabbi Korinow leads Shabbat Services 9:30am Saturday, February 10, 2018, Sanctuary Followed by “Lunch and Learn” Torah study Sisterhood Meeting 10:00am Sunday, February 11, 2018, Shmooze Youth Group CPR Training 12:00pm Sunday, February 11, 2018, Social Hall Executive Committee Meeting 7:30pm, Thursday, February 15, Virtual Meeting Cantor Nafshi leads Shabbat Services 9:30am Saturday, February 17, 2018, Sanctuary Board of Directors Meeting 7:00pm, Tuesday, February 20, Board Room Rabbi Korinow leads Shabbat Services 9:30am Saturday, February 24, 2018, Sanctuary Followed by “Lunch and Learn” Torah study

Preschool students enjoy the snow! Note: The Early Learning Center, Hebrew School, and Temple Office will be CLOSED for winter break Sunday, February 25 - Sunday, March 4, resuming Monday, March 5, 2018.

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Looking first to the long-term, I am very pleased to announce that Helaine Roberts and MJ Shoer have agreed to serve as the co-chairs of the search committee that has been charged by the board with identifying candidates to serve our congregation as our next permanent rabbi. Over the next several weeks, Helaine and MJ will put together a committee of about 10 people, representing all of the different elements of our community.

It is a sign of the vigorous spirit of our congregation that many more people expressed an interest in serving on this committee than can serve. For those congregants who are not chosen to serve on the rabbi search committee, there will be many other very important volunteer opportunities over the coming months to help support our rabbi search.

The committee plans to host a series of events at the Temple to provide a forum for members of the congregation to discuss the search and also express their views about the qualities that they are looking for in our next rabbi.

The search process for a permanent rabbi will take a considerable amount of time, and we may not have someone in place until the spring or summer of 2019. In the meantime, therefore, the board of directors has established a small committee to identify and hire an interim rabbi, who will provide ongoing and regular leadership in liturgical, pastoral, educational, and lifecycle matters. We have committed to bringing in someone for at least a 75% position, who will serve our congregation for the next 12-18 months. As soon as this position is filled, information will be provided to the congregation.

Finally, over the short term, Rabbi Korinow and Cantor Nafshi will continue to supplement the efforts of members of our congregation in leading Saturday morning services, and in helping our bar and bat mitzvah students to prepare for their simchot.

If you have any questions or concerns about these efforts, please feel free to contact me (David.Bachrach@unh.edu) or any member of the board of directors.

David Bachrach

Temple Israel will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2018.

Details coming in February!

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Hello Library Lovers!

I am grateful to be starting again as Librarian at Temple Israel Portsmouth at this time of transition.

Our temple community clearly values our synagogue's library as a center of knowledge, study, entertainment, and belonging, and it is a great honor for me to be part of it once again.

We on the library committee are now having to begin this chapter without Rabbi Senter there, without his enthusiasm and his ideas for progress.

But we do, thank G-d, have his continual guidance. The spirit of understanding and love he brought into this institution remains, and we will do our best to honor his memory.

Many thanks to those who volunteered in my absence, especially Rachel Dennis, Marge Gruzen, and Margie Fisher, as well as Sam Berg, who set up our new software.

Please visit the library anytime- it is always open to you! My only regular hours there, however, are Sundays during Hebrew school. Come say hi!

Thank you all for your continuing support of the Library Fund-- I’m looking forward to helping to mold our library into the best space for our congregation’s needs.

Sara Lesley Arnold Warner librarian@templeisraelnh.org Adult Biblical Hebrew Reading & Grammar Advanced-Intermediate Level Meets Tuesday evenings 6 PM – 7:30 PM, in Nancy Mae Shaines Memorial Library right after Minyan.

For more information, contact instructor Kathryn Mulhearn, isogloss@outllook.com or the Temple office.

TEMPLE ISRAEL ADULT EDUCATION PRESENTS SPRING CLASSES

Jewish Poetry as a Path to Prayer APRIL 16 and APRIL 23, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

KOL HA-OLAM KULO

Kol ha-olam kulo gesher tzar m’od.

V’ha-ikar lo lefacheid k’lal.

The world is a very narrow bridge.

Most important is not to be afraid.

WHO: Anyone thirteen years and older welcome.

Come solo, come with family, come with friends.

Come to one or both workshops. We will read, discuss, write, and have the option of sharing poems and prayers. No poetry or writing experience necessary.

WHAT: Mary Anker, TI member, and John Englander of Temple Kerem Shalom, will lead this workshop together by exploring the relationship between prayer and poetry. Sources will vary and will include the Siddur. Mary is an English teacher and performing poet. John is an educator and singer/songwriter who will play his guitar to enhance our understanding of words and their depth.

WHERE: Temple Israel's library.

WHEN: Two Monday evenings, April 16 and 23, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. A salad and pizza dinner included.

HOW: Please sign up by emailing Mary Anker at mamanker@gmail.com. Workshop size limited to eighteen participants. Please let us know if you need transportation and we will work to arrange a ride share.

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Ritual Committee

Are You a Membership Ambassador?

Please join us on February 9th at 6:15pm in the Temple Israel Sanctuary for our next musical Friday Night service. Bashert, a group of singers and musicians from Congregational Beth Israel of Merrimack Valley, will lead services along with their Rabbi Harold Mandel. An Oneg will follow the services. There is no charge and the service is open to the public. Come and bring a few friends!

Are you one of those friendly people who meets other Jews wherever you go? Or maybe you have customers who, from time to time, ask you about Jewish life in the Seacoast? If so, you are one of the best ambassadors for Temple Israel. Thank you!

B’Shalom, David Olken

To make your ambassador job easier, the Membership Committee is making "business cards" to welcome prospective members and let them know how to get info on our services, activities and membership. If you would like to have some to keep in your wallet or at your place of business, please contact Margie Wachtel at may12@comcast.net.

You can also find a supply of these cards on the table next to the coat closet in the lower lobby.

The Social Action Committee

Bashert (L-R) Mike Roesler (clarinet and concertina), Jeremy Finkle (vocals), Elaine Winic (vocals and flute), Jon Brody (percussion), Merle Roesler (vocals and guitar), Bob Moverman (keyboard and guitar), and Philip Onigman (bass)

We’ve gotten underway, with an initial meeting in early January to talk about ideas and possible plans. Please join us for our next meeting on Sunday, February 4, at 10:30am in the Temple Library to get in on the discussion.

Up for consideration: organizing a temple-wide mitzvah day next fall or winter.

For information, contact Fran Berman, board liaison, f.berman@comcast.net or 603-502-9503.

Sisterhood Our January meeting featured a lively discussion and plenty of great ideas! If you would like to plan an event, help at an event, get more involved, or just meet a great group of women, we look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!

Sunday, February 11, at 10:00am in the Shmoozatorium.

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February

2nd

4:39 PM

February

9th

4:48 PM

February

16th

4:58 PM

February

28th

5:37 PM

Four Chaplains Interfaith Memorial Service Saturday, February 3, 2018, First Parish Congregational Church - 180 York Street - York, ME Hosted by First Parish Church and the Ramsdell Rogers American Legion Post 56, the service will honor four U.S. Interfaith Army Chaplains (two Protestants, one Catholic, and one Rabbi) who sacrificed their lives helping others escape from their torpedoed ship. They gave away their life jackets, escorted others to life boats, and according to witnesses were praying as the ocean swept over them.

For more information, please contact Mel Prostkoff at mprostkoff@aol.com.

Continental breakfast at 9:30am followed by Service of Remembrance at 10:00am

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Shalom Everyone! Happy February!

Did you know that February is American Heart Month?

The Talmud says, “....and whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.”

On Sunday, February 11th, Youth Group will celebrate American Heart Month by learning Hands Only CPR. Though they will not be officially certified, they will acquire a skill that could potentially help them save a life in case of an emergency!

After an hour of hands on practice with Gail Klanchesser of Coastal CPR, we will walk to Flatbread Pizza for, very appropriate for this event, Jay’s Heart Pizza!

Parents of 4th -7th graders, if you haven’t already RSVP’d please let me know by Sunday, February 4 th so Gail knows how many CPR dummies to bring!

As always, please feel free to call or email me with any questions or suggestions, at 603-969-2984 or egt9@aol.com L’Shalom, Elian Tackeff, your friendly youth person

Chesed Squad A group of Temple members have recently formed a “Chesed Squad.” These volunteers are available to assist members with needs that come up quickly and unexpectedly. For example, they can provide food and/ or visits to members who may be ill, suffer a death in the family, or have a new baby. They can provide rides to doctor or other appointments, pick up prescriptions, help with errands, etc. They are available to transport members who don’t drive to services or Temple programs. Additional services could well be available from these volunteers as needs arise.

These volunteers will supplement the work of Lotsa Helping Hands, another Temple service through which members can provide ongoing assistance to other members and to the Synagogue. Advance notice is required for Lotsa Helping Hands, as it maintains a schedule so that members can look up when and what assistance is needed.

Any member in need of assistance from the Chesed Squad, or anyone who wishes to volunteer, should call the Temple office at 603-436-5301. When the office is closed, please call Steve Sacks at 603-812-1427.

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Engaging children in activities that fuel their curiosity and stretch their learning through handson manipulation of materials is the essence of “experiential learning,“ and one of our core missions at the Early Learning Center. Learning by doing gives children the opportunity to follow their own interests, to discover, to question, to experiment, and to problem solve. During the day our preschoolers explore many varied classroom Laura Sher materials independently and collaboratively.

Director, ELC Suspend, a challenging balance game played with colorful hanging rods, is a new favorite, and requires hand-eye coordination, reasoning and the ability to persevere!

This month our hands-on learning included experimenting with baker’s yeast, a “sugar-eating single-celled fungus.” The children watched in awe as the process of alcoholic fermentation ensued, producing carbon dioxide gas (that enables dough to rise) and ethyl alcohol (that provides the aroma of freshly baked bread). We then added salt and flour to our yeast sponge to make pretzel dough. What fun the children had kneading, stretching and shaping the dough! And wouldn’t you know, instead of the traditional pretzel shape, we had challah knots, menorahs and even a Star of David!

We also had fun investigating and combining vinegar and baking soda. How exciting it was for the children to make predictions and use real scientific instruments (eyedroppers) as they explored (over and over again) this “mini-explosive” acid-base chemical reaction!

And even though January was a month of weather extremes, we did get outside to enjoy the snow! We made snow angels and snowmen, rolled and jumped in the snow, and even sledded on a plastic turtle’s back!

Looking ahead… we are now accepting enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year. If you know of anyone who may be interested in joining our community, please have them contact me via e-mail at preschool.director@templeisraelnh.org or 436-5301, ext. 23. We welcome diversity and children of all faiths.

Wishing you all a good month ahead!

L’Shalom, Laura

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Shalom Everyone! Happy February!

May the groundhog NOT see his shadow! Having just celebrated Tu B’Shvat, the birthday of the trees, I am ready for an early spring!

January has been a month of kind actions and much learning for the Hebrew School. On the first day back from vacation, I challenged the children to do at least one kind thing and learn at least one new thing every day this year. And the name of any child who brings me a fact they learned, gets put into a hat, with a chance to be picked for a prize once a month. I will also share that fact with their classmates, which means that they will have done a double mitzvah by teaching me something and helping me do a mitzvah – “…and you shall teach your children…

On January 20th, Kitah Zayin (Grade 7) had their class service. The children who attended, did a lovely job on the Bimah helping Rabbi Ira Korinow lead Shabbat services. Kol HaKavod Kitah Zayin! Well done! They are well on their way to become B’nei Mitzvah! Next is Kitah

Vav’s turn, as the 6th graders help Cantor Shira Nafshi lead Shabbat services on February 3rd.

Hope to see you all there so we can kvell together!

Speaking of B’nei Mitzvah, Sam Berg, VP of Education, and I, held an informational meeting for 6th grade parents who are getting one step closer towards becoming parents of adults, at least in the eye of Judaism!!

By the time you are reading this, we will have also celebrated Tu B’Shevat with two school Seders: K – 2 on Sunday, the 28th and 3rd – 7th on Wed. the 31st, as well as a planting of trees in Israel in memory of Rabbi David. Kudos to Jenn Lehrer and her boys, Alec in Grade 1 and Jack in preschool, for coming up with the idea! Can’t wait to see how many trees we will be able to plant!

Please feel free to call or email me at 603-9692984 or egt9@aol.com with any suggestions or questions.

L’Shalom, Elian Tackeff, Head of School

Missing an umbrella, lunch bag, or pair of glasses? Please check the coat closet near the elevator for found items.

January 2018: the Gesher Group navigates Portsmouth’s “Escape Room”

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INSTITUTIONAL OPERATING ENDOWMENT FUND Sandy & Helaine Roberts. Susan Tober in memory of Lee Fruman. Gloria & Harold Moldofff in memory of Gloria’s uncle and aunt, Harold & Rose Fisher, and her grandmother Fannie Woolfson.

Cindy & Robert Chaikin in memory of Robert’s mother Rose Chaikin. Shel & Elaine Krasker in memory of their daughter Kathy Krasker Ramras.

CULTURAL ENDOWMENT FUND Ira Schwartz, in memory of Rabbi Senter. Barbara Levenson, in memory of her uncle Allen Levenson, mother Shura Levenson, grandfather Jacob Simon, and grandmother Sophie Simon Sandler.

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Mikhail Klarov; Stephanie Shaines and the Abraham Burtman Charity Trust, “Wishing your congregation healing and success in 2018.” Jay Siegel in memory of his father Howard Siegel and grandfather Arthur Poster.

DINNERMAN/ROTTENBERG EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND Sharon Roberts, in memory of her father Irving M. Katz. Barbara Fox in memory of her grandmother Dora Lena Segal.

LIBRARY FUND Stephanie Shaines and the Abraham Burtman Charity Trust. Karl Singer in memory of his mother Anne Singer.

PRESCHOOL FUND Naomi & Arnold Fishbein, in memory of Michael O’Keefe. Roberta & Lenny Baer in memory of Cookie Siegel, also in memory of Renee Goodman. Al & Adina Linden in memory of Betty Prietz. Laura and Ron Sher in memory of Ronald Gross, Laura’s father and Dana & Alana’s Papa.

RABBI DAVID SENTER MEMORIAL FUND Karl & Paula Singer; Deborah Hirsch Mayer; Meaghan & Matthew Herman; Peter Rogers; Roger Tackeff; the congregation of Temple Beth Jacob, Concord, NH; Howard Rubin; Evelyn Dickson; Kathy & John Betourney; Cathy & Carl Jackson; Morris and Frieda Friedmann; Roger & Susan Epstein; Jewish Council of Cedar Crest, Pompton Plains, NJ; John Wallace & Lessa Ann Brill; Laura & Ron Sher; Caterina & Robert Kirschner; Fran Berman; Bert & Deborah Freedman.

Correction: We gratefully acknowledge the December contribution to Rabbi Senter’s Memorial Fund made by Daniel and Linda Gerson.

TZEDAKAH FUND Rachel Dennis in memory of her aunt BettyRose Leader.

KIDDUSH FUND Dr. Barbara R. Fein in memory of her father Leon Stein. Barry & Claire Siegel in memory of brother and sister-in-law Howard & Myrna Siegel. Bernard Zeidman in memory of his mother Ida Zeidman.

CEMETERY FUND

Tuesday Afternoon 5:30pm Friday Night 6:15pm Saturday Morning 9:30am Followed by Kiddush Luncheon

Suzanne Sherman in memory of her husband George Sherman.

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February Yahrzeits

16 Shevat / 13 Adar

1

Fannie Landon, Harry Riback, Louis White, Charles Handleman

15

2

J.L. Cohen, Joseph Pasternak

16

3

Michelle Robbins, Joseph Steinberg, Daniel M. Berman, Mary Blum

17

4

Gilda Koeppel, Nathan Klaiman

18

Louis Taube

5

Harry Gelman, Isaac Goodman, Frances Levitt, Frances Davis, Nardia Kay

19

Jacob Segal, Steven Israel

6

Jennie Cohen, Beatrice Downs, Ruth Shaines

20

Katie Grossman, Bessie Abrams, Pauline Applebaum, Victor Ohayon, Phyllis Klaye, Gerald Goldstein

7

Jewell Schiffman, Sam Rottenberg, Israel Trubowitz

21

8

Leonard Levy, Dorothy Katz

22

9

Mary Weiss, Irving Bratter

23

Peggy Aaby, Joseph Cohen, Marie Mayer

10

Saul Lepoff, Kate Shaines

24

Michael Fox, Morris Klaiman, Morris (Murray) Marcus, William Shoer

11

Sydney Parker, Natalie Resnick, Rosalyn Schwartz, Minnie Senter, Paul Shoer

25

William I. Woolfson, Lazar Kantor, Jack Lessow, Perla Ohayon, Mendel Feldman

12

Michael Goodman

26

Harry Fleischman, Abraham Levitt, Benjamin Gersh, Sam Rosenfield, Barney Roach, Ralph Harrison

13

Anna Dinnerman, Elizabeth Stone, Leonard Gordon

27

14

Albert Isselbacher, Ann Goodman, Frances Danforth

28

Selma Schwartz, Lillian Roberts Harry Halprin, Jeanette Black, Werner Loeb, Jack Farber David Fishbein, Sophie Sandler, Robert Shaines

Idel Mackles, Rabbi Seymour Siegel, Sima Gagh Bernard Frim, Sarah Simmons, Frances Kniaz

Bessie Stromer, Benjamin Cohn, Rose Osher, Jack Shulman, Jonathan Brann, David Davidson Fivesh Grossman, Henry Greenberg, Louis Forman

When you are observing a family member’s Yahrzeit, you are welcome to say Kaddish not only at the Friday night or Saturday morning service, but also at the 5:30pm Tuesday minyan and Wednesday or Sunday when school is in session.

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TEMPLE ISRAEL ADULT EDUCATION PRESENTS SPRING CLASSES

Jewish Poetry as a Path to Prayer WHO: Anyone thirteen years and older welcome. Come solo, come with family, come with friends. Come to one or both workshops. We will read, discuss, write, and have the option of sharing poems and prayers. No poetry or writing experience necessary.

WHAT: Mary Anker, Temple Israel of Portsmouth member, and John Englander of Temple Kerem Shalom, will lead this workshop together exploring the relationship between prayer and poetry. Sources will vary and will include the siddur. Mary is an English teacher and performing poet. John is an educator and singer/ songwriter who will play his guitar to enhance our understanding of words and their potential depth.

WHERE: In Temple Israel's warm and inspirational library.

WHEN: Two Monday evenings, April 16 and 23, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. A salad and pizza dinner included.

HOW: Please sign up by emailing Mary Anker at mamanker@gmail.com. Workshop size limited to eighteen participants. Please let us know if you need a ride. It may be possible to arrange.

Create and Uncork WHAT: Join us for art classes, wine, and socializing. Project ideas include making mezuzahs, beaded yarmulkes, calligraphy, and kiddush cups.

WHEN: More details to follow including materials cost; save the following Thursday evenings from 7:009:00 pm: April 5, May 10, and May 31.

HOW: Please direct questions to Tobey Harmon at tobeygayle@gmail.com.

History of Nosh WHAT: Enjoy a tasting of Jewish desserts and learn how they came to be in our common experience.

WHEN: Thursday evening, March 22 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

HOW: Please sign up by emailing Alissa Gold at agjacobs3@aol.com. Baker’s dozen participants needed to run the class.

Greatest Hits of the Service WHAT: Learn to chant some of the “greatest hits” of the Shabbat service, kiddush, and common prayers.

WHEN: Sunday, March 18th from 10:30-noon. Refreshments will be served.

HOW: Please sign up by emailing Amy Hyett at amyhyett@comcast.net. Six participants needed to run the class.

Temple Israel Portsmouth Board of Directors

Come Skate with Us! The Membership Committee is coordinating two group skating afternoons at Puddle Dock Pond at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth. Bring your own lunch to enjoy in the Shmooze at noon (must not include meat or shellfish), or meet us over at the rink at 1 p.m.

David Bachrach, President Fran Berman, Immediate Past President David Olken, VP Ritual Joanne Samuels, VP House Sam Berg, VP Education Beth Salzman, Recording Secretary Jennifer Sebeny, Financial Secretary Amy Borne, Treasurer Robert Bradbard, Director Amy Hyett, Director

Margie Wachtel, Director Mel Prostkoff, Director Tobey Harma,n Director

8:00am—2pm 8:00am—2pm 11:00am—5pm 8:00am—2pm

OFFICE HOURS 200 State Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-436-5301

Temple Israel

Sunday, February 4, and Sunday, March 11, 2018

Ira Schwartz, Director

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday, Friday

Mark your calendar for:

Steve Sacks, Director

Proud member of USCJ

For rink details, including admission and skate-rental fees, see http://www.strawberybanke.org/skate/hoursadmission.cfm. All are welcome, from kids to adults!