Temple Israel Doorpost June 2018

June 2018

Sivan / Tammuz 5778

From the Rabbi’s Study...

Dear Chaverim, It is a bittersweet occasion to write this first message to you as the interim rabbi of Temple Israel. On the one hand, the death of Rabbi David Senter has been a tremendous loss for the community; and on the other hand, the opportunity is there to sanctify this loss through a renewed commitment to the teachings and values which Rabbi David instilled in this community during his tenure as your rabbi.

As a way of introduction, allow me to tell you a little about myself. I grew up in Newton, Massachusetts and attended the public schools there. I attended Boston University where I received my B.A. in Religion in 1973. It was actually during my high school years that I decided to become a rabbi. I grew up at Temple Israel of Boston, the largest Reform synagogue in New England and was greatly influenced by several rabbis, most especially by Rabbi Roland Gittelsohn. While Rabbi Gittelsohn served as a role model to me, it was my father, of blessed memory, who influenced my decision the most.

He was the Bar Mitzvah teacher and private Continued on page 2

Tuesday afternoon 5:30 p.m.

Friday night 6:15 p.m.

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

Preschool Graduation Celebration (Early Dismissal) 9:00 a.m. Friday, June 8, Preschool “Second Friday” with musical guest Cantor Shira Nafshi 6:15 p.m. Friday, June 8, Sanctuary Open House / Celebrate Israel at 70 / Welcome Rabbi Ira Korinow Sunday, June 10 2:00 p.m. Open House 3:00 p.m. Israeli Dance Party in the Social Hall Come discover Temple Israel Portsmouth, meet Rabbi Ira Korinow and his wife, Sally Bock, learn Israeli dances, and enjoy the refreshments!

Memorial Board Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 11, Sanctuary Ritual Committee Meeting 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, Shmoozatorium Executive Committee Meeting 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 14, Virtual Meeting Special Weekend Guest Noam Wolf 6:15 p.m. Friday, June 15, Sanctuary Women’s Roles in Israel Today 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 16 Shlicha Noam Wolf’s journey from Israel to NH. Development Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 18, Library Board of Directors Meeting 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, Board Room

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Hebrew tutor at Temple Israel.

Each evening he sat at our dining room table preparing the Torah portions for his students using rubber Hebrew letters which he would insert into a long holder which held 3 or 4 words at a time, ink it thoroughly by pressing it on an ink pad, and then press the letters onto large manila paper. He would then insert the vowels by hand. Each student’s portion took at least 2 hours to prepare by this meticulous method of printing (this was before there were copy machines). My father’s devotion to his work, his students, and to Jewish education was without a doubt what influenced me the most in my decision to become a rabbi.

After graduating from Boston University, I attended Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, the rabbinic seminary of the Reform Jewish Movement. I spent the first year at the HUC-JIR campus in Jerusalem, as required of all first-year students, and then continued my studies at the school’s campus in New York City. Living in New York City for four years gave me the opportunity to explore other expressions of Jewish practice. Living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, I usually davened at more traditional egalitarian minyanim, including the Upper West Side Minyan and the egalitarian minyan at the Jewish Theological Seminary, the rabbinical yeshiva of the Conservative Movement.

While in rabbinical school at HUC-JIR, I served as Principal of the Religious School at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Manhattan. During my last year

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of rabbinical school, I was the student rabbi at Temple B’nai Israel in Laconia, NH. After being ordained a rabbi in 1978, I served North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe, Illinois, a congregation of more than 1,500 members, as Assistant Rabbi for three years with specific responsibility to oversee the youth programming in the congregation.

In 1981, I assumed the pulpit of Temple Emanu-El in Haverhill, Massachusetts. After thirty-six years of a rewarding and fulfilling tenure, I retired from Temple Emanu-El in June 2017.

I am a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the umbrella organization of Reform Rabbis which certified me as an Interim Rabbi. For many years I was an Associate Member of the Rabbinical Assembly, the umbrella organization of Conservative Rabbis until they discontinued that level of membership. I have had my feet in both the Reform and Conservative movements throughout my career. Even in practice, I have felt comfortable in both movements. Under my rabbinic leadership, Temple Emanu-El in Haverhill had a Shabbat evening service using Mishkan Tefilah, the new Reform prayer book. On Shabbat morning we used Siddur Sim Shalom, the same prayer book we use here at Temple Israel. And on the High Holy Days, we used Mahzor Hadash, the same High Holy Day prayer book used here in Portsmouth.

While I am aware that Temple Israel is going through a period of mourning over the loss of your beloved Rabbi David, it is my hope that I can lead the community with optimism and hope for a bright future. Please feel free to e-mail me at RabbiK@templeisraelnh.org to share some of your hopes for the future or call me to make an appointment at 603-436-5301.

Together with you, I look forward to helping our congregation go from strength to strength!

L’shalom, Rabbi Ira Korinow

Dear Fellow Congregants, We have all been through a tumultuous year since last May. After learning about the illness of Rabbi David, and then watching his dignified struggle, we mourned together his passing in December. That experience has brought our community together in ways that I cannot remember in the fifteen years that I have been part of this congregation. Despite our lingering sense of sadness, we are as unified and supportive of each other as any point in the history of our community.

We have not allowed our grief to define us or to prevent us from moving forward. As a community we cannot and have not stopped fulfilling our obligation to serve as a center of Jewish life and learning for the seacoast and broader New Hampshire and Maine communities. We have been blessed by the remarkable efforts of our ritual committee, and particularly Deborah Hirsch Mayer, Doug Danforth, and Jenny Rosenson, to keep our weekly religious services running and providing for the spiritual needs of our community. We also have had the good fortune to have two wonderful people, Cantor Shira Nafshi and Rabbi Ira Korinow, join us for most of our Saturday services and provide the professional leadership that we needed. I am also very happy to say that Rabbi Korinow will be joining us as our interim rabbi in June, and will provide for the pastoral, liturgical, and spiritual needs of our community.

But we have not only been reacting to events. Our community is also moving forward in many important ways. Our rabbi search committee under the able leadership of Helaine Roberts and MJ Shoer has begun the lengthy process of searching for a new full-time rabbi for our community. The

committee will be holding a number of open forums for congregants to get feedback about what you would like to see in our new spiritual leader. Just as importantly, we have embraced our friends, neighbors, and fellow Jews from the Dover community, and are forging ahead with the reintegration process. This time next year, I fully expect to report that many of the members of Temple Israel Dover have joined our community, are participating in our services, and have added their strength to the numerous committees that implement the many activities and events that enrich our Jewish lives.

In addition to sharing with you the major moments in the year of our community, I also would like to offer my thanks to two people who have given of themselves in extraordinary ways. Amy Hyett and Sam Berg are stepping down from the board this year. Amy has served on the board for the past seven years and has given energy, insight, and leadership throughout her tenure. Most recently, Amy has reinvigorated the adult learning program for our community. Sam has served for the last three years as our vice president for education and has played a major role in developing and shaping all of the wonderful Hebrew School programs for our children and community. His energy, humor, and common sense will be sorely missed.

To conclude, Temple Israel Portsmouth is a thriving community. We not only are blessed with a sound financial situation, but also with a congregation of committed and caring people who devote themselves to our synagogue with energy and passion. I am confident that we will continue to go from strength to strength.

David Bachrach

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Shalom Everyone! Happy June!

A note from the office:

The month of May was very short for the Hebrew School! We only had one Wednesday session, followed by Convocation Sunday on May 6.

Temple publications now available include:

And what a lovely day that was: After welcoming remarks from Sam Berg, our outgoing vice president of education, and myself, the children took turns leading the Sunday morning service. At times there were dozens of children on the bimah; from the youngest kindergarteners to the oldest 7th graders.

After a whole year of practicing they sang beautifully and looked so very comfortable up there!

Rachel Dennis, our wonderful 3rd grade teacher, helped us celebrate Israel’s 70th birthday by leading a fun Israel facts trivia game, followed by the singing of Hatikvah.

The program continued with presentations of siddurim to the 3rd graders and chumashim to the 6th graders. Hannah Rubin was the recipient of the Danielle Harman award! Mazal tov Hannah!

Also acknowledged were our wonderful madrichim, amazing teachers, lovely parents and a few special volunteers (Emily Schoonmaker, Kellisue Friedman, Jen Lehrer, Margie Friedman).

2017-2018 Annual Report, including budget and bylaws

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Updated Membership Directory

To receive in electronic or hard copy, please call or email the office, or stop by and pick up during business hours.

Please be mindful of fellow members’ privacy and refrain from sharing their contact information outside the congregation.

Thank you!

Shabbat Service Leaders Saturday, June 2, 2018

Cantor Shira Nafshi

Saturday, June 9, 2018 Rabbi Ira Korinow Followed by “Lunch and Learn” Torah study Saturday, June 16, 2018 Rabbi Ira Korinow With special guest shlicha Noam Wolfe

The day concluded with delicious cake (thank you Jeremy Kasten!) and refreshments in the social hall.

Saturday, June 23, 2018 Rabbi Ira Korinow Followed by “Lunch and Learn” Torah study

Oh yes, the children were given summer homework: Every day, do something kind, learn something new and do something Jewish! I have a feeling that they will accept my challenge. How about you?

Saturday, June 30, 2018 Cantor Shira Nafshi Haftarah will be chanted by Hebrew School students Madeline & Rachel Bachrach

As always, I welcome your questions and suggestions. Please feel free to call or email me at 603-969-2984 or egt9@aol.com. I can be available to meet with you by appointment most days.

Wishing you all a good summer, Elian Tackeff, Head of School

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A special thank you to April & May kiddush sponsors Liz & Matt Jacobs Loren & Todd Selig Laura & Michael Rubin Alissa & Stephen Holmes

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7:58 p.m.

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8:02 p.m.

June

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8:06 p.m.

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8:08 p.m.

June

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8:08 p.m.

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Welcome new members: Ashley Barajas of Rochester; Patty and Andrew Diengott of Dover; Phil Ginsburg and Carolyn Anderson of Newmarket; Richard LeSavoy and Jane Liemer of Newmarket; David & Denise Levin of Rye; Ron Mirsky of Rye; Paul Schneiderman and Karin Caruso of Stratham.

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Our condolences to Mark Satenstein and his family on the death of his father, Philip Satenstein.

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Our condolences to Jim and Jan Bailey on the death of Jim’s father, Walter Bailey.

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Thank you to Annual Meeting volunteers Jen Sebeny, Michael Singer, David Cline, Richard Collier, Don & Tobey Harman for organizing and preparing the hot dog dinner.

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Temple Israel Dover member Alan Goldfarb is organizing a spring 2019 “Classic Israel Tour.” For itinerary and more information, contact him at 603-661-3676, or via email at goldi82@comcast.net.

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Ritual Committee June is here with the first days of summer. Some things slow down in the Seacoast and many of you will be on vacation. Join us for a Friday evening service on your way to a night out in Portsmouth or on Saturday morning for services.

Whether attending services or not, everyone is welcome for the kiddush, which is held at noon.

The goal is to build community as a k’hal kodesh.

On Shabbat, let’s enjoy each other’s company in a comfortable and relaxing way.

Meanwhile we also will start planning for the upcoming High Holidays. The Yizkor Book sign-up form will go out with the annual dues statement.

This is the fourth year we’ve published this communal book of remembrance. I hope you will participate again, or if you have not yet participated, join us for the first time in this important Temple fundraiser.

Enjoy the summer days!

B’shalom, David Olken

Membership Committee Something (for) Old, Something (for) New The Membership Committee has two main jobs at Temple Israel: reaching out to prospective and new members, and helping existing members connect with one another so they will get the most out of being a part of Temple Israel. This season, we’re offering one program for each group.

“Way, way back many centuries ago, not long after the Bible began …” So begins “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which is coming soon to the Star Theatre in Kittery. It’s a wonderful musical that is suitable and enjoyable for both kids and adults. We’re hoping Temple Israel members will buy tickets to the 5:00 p.m. show on Sunday, June 24, and also join us for a reception beforehand. Buy your tickets at 207-4393800 or kitterycommunitycenter.org/star-theatre, then email Margie Wachtel at wachtelm@grinnell.edu to find out about the reception.

For people who are new to Temple Israel, we’ll hold an open house on Sunday, June 10, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is just before the Israeli Dance Party in honor of Israel’s 70th Birthday and our new interim rabbi, Rabbi Ira Korinow (from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Current members of Temple Israel-Dover and other new and prospective members will be invited by email. If you know any not-yet-affiliated Jews, please have them drop by, or send their email address to wachtelm@grinnell.edu so they can get an invitation.

Hebrew School registration for the 2018—2019 school year is happening now!

If you have a child in kindergarten or know of a family who might be interested in enrolling, please call Elian Tackeff at 603-969-2984 or email egt9@aol.com.

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Environmental sustainability, keeping Earth’s ecosystems in balance and protecting and preserving our natural environment for future generations, is currently a very passionate topic. This concept is embedded in our Jewish values. We are told in the very beginning of the Torah that we have a responsibility to develop the world, which has just been created, and to work and keep the land, l’ovda u’l’shomra, (Genesis 2:15).

Laura Sher Director, ELC

Acting as environmental stewards, the children of the Early Learning Center have embraced recycling efforts and worm bin composting. Each day we sort our trash and feed our food scraps to our very hungry red wiggler worms. The children are fascinated by the worms’ activity and sometimes even take a few of them out for a “walk” across their palms. And thanks to the worms, our uneaten organic material has turned into high quality vermicompost, which can now be used to enrich the soil in our raised bed gardens!

In conjunction with the holiday of Shavuot (also known as Chag Habikurim, Holiday of the First Fruits), the children spent time “working the land” by planting an early-season crop of sugar snap peas, pumpkins, kale, sunflowers, morning glories, and nasturtium. They even beautified the Temple courtyard with flowering marigolds and pansies.

We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Cultural Endowment Fund, which finances our gardening efforts. We are also thankful for our volunteers, who helped spread 10 yards of playground woodchips in our play space and around our gardens.

Tending the garden (especially watering it!) brings much joy to the children and enables even the very young to see how our actions positively impact our world.

We are still accepting enrollment for the 201819 school year. If you know someone looking for a preschool where their child can become a curious and creative learner, please have them contact me at preschool.director@templeisraelnh.org!

Wishing you a healthy and happy month ahead!

L’shalom, Laura

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All photos courtesy of Fred Feldman. These images and more can be viewed and downloaded at the website: https://fredfeldman.smugmug.com/Religion/Temple-Israel/TIP-Casino-NIght-552018/

Thanks to the generosity of the congregation, the annual spring fundraiser brought in almost three thousand dollars in contributions to Temple Israel.

This special evening was made possible by many dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly, both in advance and at the event itself, to cook, decorate, bartend, run the gaming and check-in tables, organize and play music, and prepare the program book.

Kudos to the lucky winners: Brian Hyett (Grand Prize), Mel Prostkoff (Second Prize), and Vince Lombardi (Third Prize).

We hope everyone had fun, and look forward to your suggestions to make next year’s event even bigger and better!

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Scenes from May’s “Casino Night” Spring Fundraiser

CULTURAL ENDOWMENT FUND David Olken in memory of his father, Harry Olken.

Gloria Turner in memory of her father, Julius Applebaum.

INSTITUTIONAL OPERATING ENDOWMENT FUND Al and Marlene Rubin, in loving memory of Mickey Allen. Gloria Moldoff, in memory of her mother, Cecilia Wolfson, and her grandmother, Mollie Fisher. Nancy & Mel Alexander in memory of dear friend Mickey Allen. Elaine & Shel Krasker in memory of Elaine’s grandfather, Samuel Shapiro.

HEBREW SCHOOL Sharon, Jason, & Aaron Roberts in memory of Shirley Katz, Sharon’s grandmother and Jason & Aaron’s great-grandmother. David & Michelle Baer, in memory of David’s mother, Johanna Baer.

Gloria Turner in memory of her father, Julius Applebaum. Jeffrey Owen Miller in honor of Sam Berg. Michael Rubin in memory of his grandmother, Lily Sorkin.

KIDDUSH FUND Myrna & Howard Promer in memory of Mickey Allen. Alissa & Stephen Holmes in honor of Jenny Rosenson.

PRESCHOOL FUND Lenny & Roberta Baer in memory of Samuel Kline, Gertrude Borden, Louis Baer, and Gertrude Baer. Selma Freedman in memory of her son, Mark Freedman, and also in memory of her good friend Mickey Allen. Burt Wolf in memory of his mother, Mollie Wolf. Naomi & Arnold Fishbein in memory of Mickey Allen. Lenny & Roberta Baer wishing Arline Koiles and Arnold Fishbein speedy recoveries.

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Arline Coles, in memory of her husband, Morris Coles.

TZEDAKAH FUND Sharon Roberts. Renee Levy wishing Arline Koiles and Arnold Fishbein speedy recoveries. Harriet Flashenberg in memory of Philip Satenstein, father of Mark Satenstein. Fred Feldman in memory of his mother, Frieda Feldman.

In loving memory of Mickey Allen: Diane Goulston; Renee Levy; Claire & Barry Siegel; Geri & Alan Hirsch; Howard J. Hirsch; Marcia & Morton Vinocoor; Dr. & Mrs. Neil Greenberg; Steven & Julie Weil; David Decter. Suzanne & Richard McNamara in remembrance of Mickey & Stan Allen.

“Chai Rollers” Casino Night Fundraiser: Donations are gratefully acknowledged from: Arthur & Mary Anker; Sam & Carole Berg; Fran Berman & Carl Wallman; Isabelle & Doug Danforth; Ellen Fineberg; Arnold & Naomi Fishbein; Selma Freedman; Phil Ginsburg & Carolyn Anderson; Susan & Stephen Grossman; Brian Hyett; Nancy & Andrew Jaffe; Glicka & Michael Kaplan; Vince Lombardi; Henri & Marilyn Quintal; David & Leslie Schwartz.

In addition, we are grateful to the following businesses for their support: Access Sports Medicine, Atlantic Digestive Specialists, Belknap Dental Associates, Club Boutique & City Shoes, Coastal Canine Resort, Cycle Fierce, Espresso Dave’s Specialty Coffee & Catering, First Street Business Brokers, Flower Kiosk, George & Phillips, Great Island Realty, Helen Hanan, Realtor, The Ice House Restaurant, Kilwins, Mezzanine Catering, Mulhern & Scott, Attorneys at Law, Portsmouth Neuropsychology Center, Puttin’ on the Glitz, Temple Israel Gift Shop, and Throwback Brewery. Thanks to all!

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June Yahrzeits

18 Sivan / 17 Tammuz

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May Tetenman, Shirley Katz

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Lizzie Weiner, Raymond Katz, Philip Weinberg

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Maurice Yoffee, Rabbi Aaron Goldin

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Minnie Gelman, Phillip Moldoff, Evelyn Paul, Anna Poyourow

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Hilda Dearborn

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Beatrice Lisagor, Sam Fisher, Herman Windt, Ann Bradbard

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Ruth Levin, Irving Shoer, Harold Fluster, Stanley Allen

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Elizabeth Pinn, Evelyn Poster, Edward Shaines, Molly Singer, Susie Seidner, Philip Atkins

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Miriam Rosenberg, Shelley DelGaudio, Muriel Leavitt, Nathan Hanan

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Adele Goodman Hoeflich, Ethel Gold

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Herman Wilson

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Fae Briskin, Dora Vetstein

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Philip Halprin

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Lionel Levitt, Fannie Green, Isaac Shamash, June Dinnerman

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Irwin Benjamin, Jeff Cowen

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William Kline, Barney Levenson, Frieda Schertz

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Charles Slome

25

Maude Bierhans, Ted Johnston

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Dorothy Berlin

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Fannie Zeidman, Benjamin Gurtman, Annie Klaiman

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Harry Teitelbaum

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David Levy, Eva Gutin

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Meyer Liberson

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Philip Cooper

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Robert Levy, Mary Goodman

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Vivian Rous

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Ethel Shapiro, Mandel Shoer, Nathan Feldman

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Alvin Collier

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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Celebrate at an Israeli Dance Party for All on June 10 Please join us on Sunday, June 10, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., as Temple Israel hosts an Israeli Dance Party in honor of Israel’s 70th birthday. Special guests will be our new interim spiritual leader, Rabbi Ira Korinow, and his wife, Sally Bock. Come and meet Rabbi Ira and Sally if you have not yet had the opportunity. All ages are encouraged to attend.

All dances will be taught by local dance mavens Aimee and Eli Levy. The event will also feature a make-yourown falafel sandwich station and birthday cake. This party is open to all, so invite your neighbors and friends -- but please RSVP to let us know you are coming.

If you have traveled to Israel and have digital photos of your trip, send some of your favorite digital photos to Heather at templeoffice@templeisraelnh.org to have them included in a slide show at the party.

Haifa Overview

Prospective temple members are also invited to an open house from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. that afternoon sponsored by the TI Membership Committee, which will include tours of the building and information about the temple’s various educational programs, activities, and volunteer opportunities.

Admission to the dance party is free, but we encourage donations to support the JFNH Shlicha program, which brings a young Israeli to live and teach in New Hampshire for the year. Current NH Shlicha Noam Wolf will be part of the afternoon’s celebration.

The Israeli Dance Party is sponsored by Jewish Federation of New Hampshire and Temple Israel’s Cultural Endowment Fund. For more information, call 603-436-5301 or email templeoffice@templeisraelnh.org.

Lost & found reminder: There’s a basket of “found” reading and sunglasses on a shelf in the downstairs coat closet.

Above—Jerusalem Hadassah Hospital Chagall Window Left—Amy Dinnerman covered in Dead Sea mud

Please check for raincoats and any other items you may have left behind such as umbrellas, children’s artwork, etc.

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

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

Temple Israel

For more information, contact Laura Sher at: 436-5301, ext. 23, or preschool.director@templeisraelnh.org.

David Bachrach, President

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.

The ELC is a unique preschool in the Seacoast area, the only place where Jewish values and concepts are integrated into everyday activities and Jewish holidays are woven into the curriculum.

Temple Israel Portsmouth Board of Directors

Proud member of USCJ

Preschool Registration is open for the 2018-2019 school year.