Temple Israel Doorpost July 2018

July 2018

Tammuz / Av 5778

From the Rabbi’s Study...

Dear Chaverim,

Adult Hebrew Classes on vacation for July

Many synagogues “slow down” during the summer months. I have learned that it is not so at Temple Israel in Portsmouth!

Temple Tour Guide Planning Meeting 10:00 a.m., Sunday, July 1, Shmoozatorium

The Open House followed by Israeli dancing on June 10th during which my wife, Sally, and I were warmly welcomed to the community was well attended. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in making that day such a success. I also want to welcome new members to Temple Israel, especially those coming from Temple Israel in Dover. I personally want to help make the transition to our kehillah kedosha, our sacred community, an easy and meaningful one.

Here are a few things that I am working on: Tisha B’Av Tisha B’Av, the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av, commemorates the destruction of both the First Temple in 586 B.C.E. by the ancient Babylonians and the Second Temple in 70 C.E. by the ancient Romans. Traditionally it is observed with the reading of Eicha, the Book of Lamentations, in the evening and fasting from sunset until an hour after sunset the next day. It is the only full day of fasting on the Hebrew calendar other than Yom Kippur. Because it falls each year during the summer, Jewish camps everywhere observe the day with special programming while many synagogues often “take a pass” on observing the day because many are away on vacation, often including the rabbi!

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Popsicles on the Playground with PJ Library 10:00 a.m. Sunday, July 8 “Second Friday” with musical guest Cantor Shira Nafshi 6:15 p.m. Friday, July 13, Sanctuary Temple Israel Dover Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m. Thursday, July 12, Social Hall Executive Committee Meeting 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12, Virtual Meeting Ritual Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 16, Shmoozatorium ELC Summer Camp July 17 - 19 Board of Directors Meeting 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, Board Room Tisha B’Av Observance 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 21, Social Hall Basic Judaism Class—Introductory Meeting 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, Shmoozatorium Bat Mitzvah of Libby Davidson 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 28, Sanctuary Rabbi Ira Korinow officiating Bat Mitzvah of Macy Harris 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28, Sanctuary Rabbi Samuel Seicol officiating

continued from page 1 However, we are planning to observe Tisha B’Av on Saturday evening, July 21st beginning at 7:30 p.m. We will begin with refreshments (Tisha B’Av will not have begun yet!) and a brief study of the sacred observance. We will then continue with a Maariv service during which the Book of Lamentations will be read, chanted partially in the sad trope (tune) of Eicha and read partially in English. Since Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning for the Jewish people, the lights in the room will be dimmed and those who want to sit on the floor will be able to do so; others can remain seated in chairs.

Please bring a flashlight or cell phone with a flashlight app! The service will end around 9:00 p.m.

Basic Judaism I am planning to teach throughout the year a Basic Judaism Class. The class will meet approximately twice a month on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. and will cover the hows and whys of Jewish living. We will learn about the holidays as they are approaching and thus be better able to observe them as they arrive. In addition to the holidays, we will study lifecycle events (brit milah [ritual circumcision], baby naming, b’nei mitzvah, marriage, and death) as well as Shabbat and kashrut. The Basic Judaism Class is meant for: 1) Those who have expressed their desire to become Jewish; for them it will serve as a conversion class.

2) Non-Jews in the community who want to learn about Judaism. I will never ask them if they want to become Jewish - such a question is against my religion!

3) Jews who want to further their knowledge of Judaism and enhance their observance.

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Please sign up for the class by calling Heather in the temple office at 603-436-5301. There is no fee for the class. However, for those choosing to become Jewish, I will be recommending the purchase of several books along the way.

The first Basic Judaism Class will meet Wednesday, July 25th at 7:00 pm in the Shmoozatorium.

Trip to Israel Since I’ve come to Temple Israel, several people have expressed interest in a congregational trip to Israel. I suggest that such a trip be between 12-14 days in February. I led about 8 trips to Israel for my former congregation in Haverhill as well as for NFTY, the national youth movement of Reform Judaism. Since my last congregational trip, I have been to Israel several times and each trip I make I find more interesting places to bring a group.

February is a good time to visit Israel. It is low season, keeping the price of both the air travel and the land arrangements reasonable. It is not very hot and while it is the “rainy season,” past experience in Israel at this time suggests that it may rain for a few of the days or it may not rain at all. Daytime temperatures in Tel Aviv may vary anywhere between 5580 degrees and in Jerusalem between 45-75 degrees.

In any case, it will be much warmer than in Portsmouth!

If you are interested in participating on such a trip, please call the temple office at 603-436-5301. If there is a viable group interested, I will announce an informational meeting which will take place towards the end of the summer.

I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, my best to everyone for a kayitz na-im, a pleasant and restful summer.

L’shalom, Rabbi Ira Korinow

Dear Fellow Congregants, As many of you know, Laura Sher is stepping down as director of our Early Learning Center (ELC) after seven very successful years at the helm. We are currently carrying out a search for Laura’s successor, who can maintain the high standards and enriching environment that have characterized our preschool program. In this period of transition, I wanted to share with the congregation just how important the ELC has been to the Temple Israel community.

All three of my children attended the ELC before going off to secular school and matriculating into the TIP Hebrew school. While in the ELC, they learned the foundations of Jewish values and holidays as well as gaining the preparation in the ABCs that would lead to later success. My children’s experience is typical of those who attend the ELC. All of the Jewish children in our preschool program have gone on to our Hebrew school.

In fact, the ELC is one of the primary draws for young families in the Seacoast to Temple Israel and provides a regular influx of new members to our community.

For a long time, the ELC was the only preschool program in downtown Portsmouth, which gave us a competitive advantage for families that were seeking a central location with access to the many amenities within walking distance of the Temple.

More recently, however, a new preschool has moved in just down the street, and offers a variety of programs, including a five-day-a-week option. In order to meet the needs of our own current students and to compete with this new neighbor, the ELC starting in the fall will begin, for the first time, to offer classes five days a week. This marks a substantial change from our traditional three-day-a-

week schedule with all of the attendant costs involved with such increased offerings.

The leadership of our education program as well as the board of directors is convinced that this new direction is both needed and desirable. However, we recognize that the additional costs involved will pose a challenge for some of the younger Jewish families, who would like to send their children to our preschool and join our community. To mitigate this challenge, the ELC would like to be able to offer scholarships to some students. Many Temple Israel families have made donations to the Early Learning Center donation fund in the past, which have helped to pay for important improvements such as the new playground on Court Street. Now, in addition, the education leadership would like to use this fund to provide scholarships for Temple members to come to the ELC. I know our community to be very generous toward good causes and I hope that you will consider the ELC donation fund as you make decisions about giving over the next year.

David Bachrach

Shabbat Service Leaders Saturday, July 7, 2018 Rabbi Ira Korinow Followed by “Lunch and Learn” Torah study Saturday, July 14, 2018

Lay Leaders

Saturday, July 21, 2018 Rabbi Ira Korinow Followed by “Lunch and Learn” Torah study Saturday, July 28, 2018 Rabbi Ira Korinow Followed by “Lunch and Learn” Torah study

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Shalom everyone! Happy summer!

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather and storing some of that warm sunlight for the winter!

Remember snow days?

Hebrew School is out, and while the children are off for the summer, we are already planning for the fall.

Between walks on the beach and planting a garden, I have been working on our 5779 (2018 – 2019) school calendar, meeting with Seth Wizwer, our new VP of Education, getting to know Rabbi Ira Korinow, and checking in with our teachers and tutors who are anxious to start their planning as soon as they know how many students they will have. Hint, hint!

This coming month, I will be planning some special field trips and other fun additions to our curriculum, as well as scheduling visits with Noam, our returning Israeli shlicha. More about those in August!

Inquiry received regarding Zion Land Enterprises of America The office recently received an inquiry as to whether any Temple Israel members might have information about an historic entity called Zion Land Enterprises of America. In 1922, this group acquired land in Palestine. Harry Marks, an investor, was also a member of Temple Israel. His great-grandson, Steve Marks, is researching this transaction and is especially interested in locating a map of the land plots purchased.

If you have any information or leads for Steve, please contact him at stephenamarks@verizon.net, or 609-865-4764. He has also been referred to the Portsmouth Athanaeum, which holds many of Temple Israel’s historic documents.

It was lovely seeing some of you at the open house / Israeli dance party on Sunday, June 10th. Special thanks to Kayla and Emily Hyett for being such enthusiastic tour guides!

SAVE THE DATES Hebrew School will resume on: Wednesday, September 5th (for 3rd – 7th graders) Sunday, September 16th (for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders)

If you still need to register your children for the upcoming year, please send in your registration forms to the office AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so I can plan for classrooms, books and madrichim! Feel free to call me at 603-969-2984 or e-mail me at egt9@aol.com if you have any questions, need forms, or would like to meet with me.

L’shalom, Elian Tackeff, Head of School

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Tuesday afternoon 5:30 p.m.

Friday night 6:15 p.m.

Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by kiddush and lunch

July

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8:06 p.m.

July

13

8:03 p.m.

July

20

7:58 p.m.

July

27

7:51 p.m.

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Welcome new members: Stuart & Jodi Scharff of Rye, Ken & Holly Grossman of Barrington, Stanley & Rita Robbins of Dover, Ben Martindale & Christine Caputo of Durham, Joshua & Dinah Berch of Dover, Lessa Brill and John Wallace of Barrington, Janet Insolia and Peter Pastor of Dover, Carole Krassner of Dover, Campbell Mitchell of Dover, Karen Mott of Barrington, Marjorie & Jeff Raven of Durham, Jeffrey & Stacey Segil of Dover, Julie Serrano of South Berwick, Jennifer Katz-Borrin of Dover, Carol and Francis Birch of Dover.

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Mazel tov to Jane Liemer and Rich Le Savoy on their June wedding.

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Welcome new Board Members Seth Wizwer, VP Education, and Marc Hiller, Director. Look for a more detailed introduction in the August Doorpost.

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Our condolences to Lessa Brill and John Wallace on the death of Lessa’s brother, Howard Brill.

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House Committee

it for another beautiful Jewish space.

You’ve probably noticed there has been a lot going on at Temple Israel Portsmouth since the annual meeting. Summary below:

Now you have the backstory behind all the trucks.

Projects are paid through your annual and impromptu giving to the Temple Israel Building Fund. Contributions of time, funds, ideas, etc. for house projects are greatly appreciated and will certainly be put to good use. Thanks.

The attic over the sanctuary now has a solid beam cat walk for worker safety. The next steps are to install lighting and developing a plan to replace the Ten Commandments plaque at the roof apex.

Cement barriers were removed from the parking lot.

The removal of the sod on the south corner uncovered the former Portsmouth fire house brick foundation where we will store our trash. Mazel tov – we can now move that ugly shed.

Tzedakah Committee Information

Bob Bradbard, Richard Collier and I started a little perennial garden bordering the playground. It’s a sunny spot (one of our very few… the rest are shady). As mentioned in “THIS WEEK,” you can donate perennials if you wish. Also, please come over if you have an hour to pull weeds, water, etc.

It’s so beautiful, and quite pleasant being downtown this time of year. We have many of the tools you need, but you might want to bring your gloves.

Contact me 603 498-6594 if interested.

In addition to covering Temple Israel member needs, recent donations have gone to:

And last but not at all least, the chapel. As you remember from the annual meeting, we are acquiring many items from Temple Israel Dover, most of which are headed to the chapel. A small committee of dedicated individuals: Jenny Rosensen, Richard Grossman (and his tape measure), Deborah Levine, Stacy Segil, Carolyn Anderson (who is donating her interior design expertise), and I came up with a plan for our handsome multifaceted space. The walls in there are now a soft aqua blue. We’ll be using the chairs, bimah, flags, representation of the Ten Commandments, and a tapestry from Dover. We will also be hanging the Marc Chagall prints donated to us by our beloved Renee Silverman, and the windows will have blinds. Hopefully we’ll be able to soften the lighting and fix the AV equipment to complete the work. The cost is approximately $10K, well worth

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– Joanne Samuels, VP House.

The Tzedakah Committee supports congregants with financial help when needed. We can assist with medical/dental expenses, food, auto repair or other unexpected bills. We also donate to community, state, national, and international causes.

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ADL

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Crossroads House

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Hadassah Medical Organization

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Jewish Community Center of Puerto Rico

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Jewish Family Services

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Jewish Federation greater Houston

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Magen David Adom Ambulance

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Mazon

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Seacoast Family Promise

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Seacoast Hospice

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Temple Beth El (Texas Hurricane Relief)

Please contact Rabbi Ira Korinow, 603-436-5301 extension 12, for more information.

As always, our referrals are confidential.

Laura Sher Director, ELC

Congratulations to our Class of 2018! We had a wonderful graduation celebration honoring our preschoolers. Parents, grandparents, and siblings intently watched as ten children, beaming with happiness and pride, danced to Israeli folk music, and then received their diplomas and special recognition. Our celebration continued with a slideshow of our year in review, followed by a delicious potluck brunch.

As you know, I will be retiring after Summer Camp to join my husband Ron in his retirement. I am honored and blessed to have had this opportunity to be Director and Lead Teacher of the Early Learning Center for the past seven years.

Thank you to all of my preschool families for the gift of your children, and thank you to Elian Tackeff, my amazing assistant.

You have all touched my life in many different ways and I will be forever grateful.

The Early Learning Center is often the first place that Jewish families new to the community come to, and it’s a wonderful connection to Temple Israel. Our program is very special and unique. We welcome children of all faiths and have a diverse classroom where we learn from each other and respect and honor our differences. Our preschoolers not only acquire social/ emotional and academic skills, but a strong foundation in Jewish (universal) values, holidays and traditions, in a nurturing and joyful environment.

Going forward, the Early Learning Center will be expanding to a 5-day-a-week program. Our preschool will continue to be a caring community of educators and children who will grow and learn in their own special ways, and spread kindness out into the world.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and rejuvenating summer!

L’shalom, Laura As Laura mentions above, the Early Learning Center will be hiring a new director. If you’re a teacher or know a teacher who might be interested in the position, please contact the temple office for a complete job announcement.

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Volunteers needed to lead temple tours Would you enjoy showing off our beautiful and historic synagogue? Could you commit to volunteering two or more hours per month? If so, you’re invited to help welcome summer tourists and visitors by providing scheduled, guided tours.

Initial orientation / training offered on Sunday, July 1, at 10:00 a.m. in the Shmoozatorium and later dates as needed.

Please RSVP to the Temple Office if interested.

Thank you! – Robin Albert.

Honey from the Heart Fundraiser Ordering honey for your family, friends, and business associates is a sweet way to welcome the new year while also supporting Temple Israel’s Operating Fund.

Each 8-oz jar of OU kosher honey costs $12.

FREE SHIPPING for orders placed before July 11; later orders add $5/jar shipping charge.

Order online at www.honeyfromtheheart.org, using Temple Israel code PNH, or contact the Temple Office to pay via check.

Honey orders are accompanied by a personalized gift card from the purchaser and delivered in time for erev Rosh Hashanah, September 9th, 2018.

Lillian Beatrice Davidson, Saturday, July 28, 2018 My name is Lillian Beatrice Davidson. I attend Oyster River Middle School. I enjoy cross country, swimming, track, and triathlons. I love my three corgis. Judaism is important to me because I get to be part of my family’s traditions and share them with them.

My mitzvah project is making meals for the Dover Children’s Home. I plan to make dinner at least four times throughout this year.

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CULTURAL ENDOWMENT FUND Jeannette Goodman, in memory of Adele Goodman and Mary Goodman. Barbara Levenson in memory of her grandparents, Barney & Bertha Levenson.

DINNERMAN-ROTTENBERG EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT Peter & Jennie Dinnerman, in memory of Peter’s mother, June Dinnerman.

INSTITUTIONAL OPERATING ENDOWMENT FUND Harold & Gloria Moldoff, in memory of Harold’s father, Philip Moldoff, and Gloria’s zadie, Samuel Fisher.

HEBREW SCHOOL Meryl Wein, in memory of her grandmother, Susie Seidner. Helen Hanan, in memory of her father, Nathan Hanan.

LIBRARY FUND Carl Gurtman in memory of his son, Benjamin Gurtman.

TZEDAKAH FUND Renee Levy in memory of her husband, Robert Levy. Gene Doherty in memory of Miriam Allen.

Rabbi Search Committee Update We have expanded our committee by one. Jenny Rosenson, a member of the Ritual Committee, has generously volunteered to serve on the RSC as a liaison with that group as we review, interview, and finally select our next rabbi. Her input will be extremely valuable as we proceed.

We are in the initial stage of our work as we review the files of the prior search committee. We do not want to reinvent the wheel!

– Helaine Roberts, committee co-chair

Yizkor Book 5779 We are in the planning stages for the Yizkor Memorial Booklet, designed for use during Yom Kippur and other holidays when yizkor is observed. The booklet provides a way to recall departed family and friends, give tzedakah in their memory, and support Temple Israel.

Listing reservation forms will be included with July’s annual dues mailing or sent separately for new members who have prepaid their 2018 – 2019 dues. Reservation deadline is August 20 for your listing to appear in the book.

Questions? Contact committee members Ellen Fineberg efineberg75@gmail.com) or Sharen Eidelberg-Spratt (shareneids@aol.com). Thanks for your support!

A special thank you to June kiddush sponsors David & Elyse Bachrach

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July Yahrzeits

18 Tammuz / 19 Av

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Doris Chase, Lewis Meenes, Marsha Cohen

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Dora Winer, David Singer, Morton Lampert

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Julie Davidson, Morris Lampert, Louis Tober Theodore Herzl, Jeremiah Berman

19

Julia Kaplan, Gertrude Bernat, Jennie Smith, Harold Silverman, Anna Kushious Ethel Mark, Brian Moroze

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Sam Rosenfeld, Sidney Koach

20

Lillian Benjamin, Maurice Dinnerman

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Tomy Levingston, Annie Pearlman, Henry Miller

21

Sam Belinsky

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Moses Goodman, Harry Bierhans, Leo Jacobs

22

Bella Jaffe

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Faina Shumskaya, Samuel Rosenfield, Leo Sussman

23

Samuel Bradbard, Harry Smith

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Pearl Robbins

24

9

Saul Slater, Ernest George Smith

25

10

Philip Rosenberg, Helen Levy, Joseph Durocher

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Sarah Spack, Alice Forman, Melvin Goodman, Anna Zitomer, Sally Jacoby, Judy Pedell Minnie Zeidman, Fannie Gerber, Saul Berman Nathaniel London, Sylvia Brown, Irving Paul

12

Mayer Alkon, Eddie Persin, Thelma Brumer

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Ida Stone, Nathan Handler, Irma Dansky, Flori Isselbacher, Gertrude Reinhart

13

Bernard Goodman, Francis Bailey, Libby Bratter, David Eskin Sarah Sack, Ann Epstein, Barbara Tober

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Charles Katz, Zelda Wagman Harrison

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Sylvia Collier, Arthur Saklad

15

Rose Schwartz, William Bradbard, Morris Rosen

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David Jaffe, Miriam Fox

16

Matthew Korn, Jay Harrison, Rose Slome, Maurry Bernard Grossman, Albert Sados, Beatrice Collier

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Rose Cohen, Laurie Schwartz

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When you are observing a family member’s yahrzeit, you are welcome to say kaddish at services Friday night, Saturday morning, or at Tuesday minyan (5:30 p.m.).

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Israeli Dance Party Was a Hit!

By Fran Berman The Israeli Dance Party for All was a big hit on Sunday, June 10. About 90 people showed up to dance, enjoy Israeli snacks, meet new people, and greet old friends. The event was sponsored by TIP’s Cultural Endowment Fund and the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire. It was part of the Celebrate Israel at 70 series of events that JFNH is organizing around the state.

Highlights of the afternoon included a welcome from Temple Israel president David Bachrach, introduction of the new TIP interim rabbi, Ira Korinow, a slide show made up of Israeli travel photos contributed by TIP members and put together by Fran Berman, dance instruction by Eli and Aimee Levy, ceremonial candle lighting of the candles on a giant birthday cake by longtime TIP member Selma Freedman, and the singing of happy birthday to Israel in Hebrew, led by NH Shlicha Noam Wolf. The Levenson Social Hall was festooned with blue and white Israeli flags and crepe paper for the occasion, adding to the party atmosphere. Attendees snacked Israeli style on delicious falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and hummus.

The dance party drew many new faces, as it was preceded by a New/Prospective Member Open House organized by the TIP Membership

Committee. About 35 new or prospective members toured the synagogue, filling up their “travel passports” with stickers from the temple’s various areas as they spoke with leaders from the staff, board of directors, temple committees, and the religious school and preschool.

A slew of people volunteered to make the Israeli Dance Party a huge success, including event coordinator Fran Berman, members of the Israel Affairs Committee (Emma Rous, Ken Kowalchek, Tobey Harman, Rachel Kurshan), members of the Membership Committee (Helen Hanan, Margie Wachtel, Ellen Cohen, Robin Albert), head of school Elian Tackeff, leaders from the Temple Israel Dover community (Ken Litvack, Cathi Cherry-Liston), Interim Rabbi Ira Korinow, NH Shlicha Noam Wolf and friends, JFNH staff and volunteers Linda and Dan Gerson, and TIP administrative director Heather Tomlinson.

The success of this event led some people to talk about starting regular Israeli dance sessions, which were once a staple of temple life. If you are interested in helping to organize more Israeli dances, please contact the temple office.

A Speedy Recovery to…

Ira Stone and Bob Bradbard

Temple Israel Portsmouth Board of Directors Fran Berman, Immediate Past President David Olken, VP Ritual Joanne Samuels, VP House Seth Wizwer, VP Education Beth Salzman, Recording Secretary Jennifer Sebeny, Financial Secretary Amy Borne, Treasurer Robert Bradbard, Director Tobey Harman, Director Marc Hiller, Director Mel Prostkoff, Director Steve Sacks, Director Ira Schwartz, Director Margie Wachtel, Director

Proud member of USCJ Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Summer schedule may vary; please call first if you need to meet in person.

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

Temple Israel

Sunday, July 8, 2018

David Bachrach, President