Temple Israel Doorpost November 2017

November 2017

Cheshvan / Kislev 5778

From the Rabbi’s Study. . .

Dear Synagogue family, The world has witnessed the recent and dramatic fall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. Mr. Weinstein has been accused of using his position of authority to abuse and exploit women. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences voted to expel Weinstein with these words, “We do so not simply to separate ourselves from someone who does not merit the respect of his colleagues but also to send a message that the era of willful ignorance and shameful complicity in sexually predatory behavior and workplace harassment in our industry is over.”

These words are very encouraging especially coming from an industry that has a long history of covering up such behavior at great professional and emotional cost to victims.

My mother-in-law grew up in show business. She relates, “when a woman was exploited, she had two choices, shut up or get out. Speaking out was not an option. There was no one to listen.” I pray that the Academy's words represent a true shift in the culture of one of our most visible industries. May the shifts in motion picture industry help the continuing evolution of our country's culture that enshrines “liberty and justice for all.”

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A Third Way of Thinking about Israel/Palestine 3:00pm Sunday, November 5, 2017 Social Hall

Ritual Committee Meeting 6:15pm Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Shmoozatorium

Executive Committee Meeting 7:30pm Wednesday, November 15, 2017 Virtual Meeting

Board Meeting 7:00pm Tuesday, November 21, 2017 Board Room

New Member Brunch 9:30am Sunday, November 19, 2017 Social Hall

House Committee Meeting 6:30 pm Tuesday, November 28, 2017, Shmoozatorium Tuesday Afternoon 5:30pm Friday Night 6:15pm Saturday Morning 9:30am Followed by Kiddush Luncheon

(Continued from page 1)

For the Jewish Community the Weinstein case hits close to home. Here we see a brother who has been accused of transgressing the moral and ethical teachings of our Torah in the most public arena.

How do we react?

Here are a few thoughts: 1 The Talmud teaches us Yisrael af al pi shechata, Yisrael hu – “A Jew who sins is still a Jew” (Sanh. 44a). That does not by any means make him a mensch or a good Jew. The measure of a good Jew is found in the Torah. Kedoshim t'heiu – “You shall be holy” (Lev. 19/2).

What must a person do to be holy? Rashi (medieval France) explains that one must abstain from immoral behavior.

2 In the Genesis narrative we read Vayivra elohim et-ha- adam b'tzalmo, b'tzelem elohim bara oto, zakhar un'keivah bara otam. “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created male and female created He them.” (Gen. 1:27).

This verse teaches us that both genders are created in the image of God. The Torah leaves little doubt that we are all equal in God's eyes.

Our role is to make sure that our children understand these core Jewish values. Our daughters can receive strength and self-worth from understanding these words. Perhaps more importantly, our sons will gain the strength of values and character to understand that there is no such thing as male privilege. May our children be the next step in the evolution of a culture that is truly one of equality.

With Torah blessings, Rabbi David Rafael

Temple Israel Blood Drive!

Tuesday, December 19th, 2017 9am - 2pm December is a critical month for the Red Cross. Consider joining us and performing this mitzvah.

Coordinator Sandy Roberts needs volunteers to help with sign-in and snacks (1-2 hours). Please call him at 603-361-4768 or connect via email at sabakarob@gmail.com. Thank you!

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.

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Dear Fellow Congregants, At the last board meeting, Rabbi Senter discussed the Jewish teaching that we are each our brother’s and our sister’s keeper. He did so in the context of the ongoing news reports about the horrible behavior of one of our co-religionists. Rabbi Senter pointed out that just as we take pride in the accomplishments of our fellow Jews, we also suffer embarrassment and even shame when Jews disgrace themselves publicly.

I am not a rabbi, and do not attempt to speak with authority on moral matters. As many of you also know, I am not a professional temple president. In my day job, I am a historian of medieval Europe. It is in this role I would like to share a few stories about Jews, whose heroism often is ignored but who can give us a sense of perspective and pride in our history.

The first story is about a rabbi named Kalonymos of Lucca. When Emperor Otto II of Germany came down to Italy to fight against the Muslims, he made contact with the Jewish community of Lucca, who provided him with money, supplies, and guides.

Among these guides was Rabbi Kalonymos, who accompanied the emperor into battle at Cap Colonna. Otto suffered a terrible defeat, and almost was captured by the Muslims. He was saved when Rabbi Kalonymos seized hold of the bridle of the emperor’s horse and dragged him to safety. In return, Otto granted extensive rights to Kalonymos and his family and invited them to establish a merchant colony in the city of Mainz in Germany. The Jewish community at Mainz prospered and in the 1070s, Bishop Rüdiger of Speyer sent an invitation to the Jews of Mainz asking them to send a colony to his city because, as the bishop wrote, “cities with Jewish communities prosper one-thousand fold.”

A generation later, however, the Jews of Mainz and Speyer and other cities in the Rhineland were attacked by crusaders on their way to Jerusalem. At Mainz, the Jewish community took refuge in their

quarter of the city, but the crusaders came to their gates, demanding that they either convert to Christianity or die. In order to give the women and children of his community a chance to escape, another Rabbi Kalonymos, a direct descendent of the man who saved Emperor Otto II, strapped on his armor, picked up his sword, and led 50 of his fellow Jews in a desperate assault against the crusaders.

Rabbi Kalonymos and all of his men died. But they bought precious moments in which numerous women and children were able to get away from the clutches of the crusaders.

Throughout history, Jews have demonstrated their bravery in victory and in defeat. When I hear news reports like those of the past several weeks, I remember that for men like both Rabbis Kalonymos, there was never any doubt about what it meant to be their brother’s and sister’s keeper.

David Bachrach

Parking at Temple Israel Parking is available at Temple Israel Portsmouth for all members in the Court Street lot. All members wishing to park at Temple Israel must display a TIP parking sticker in their back left window. Stickers can be obtained through the Temple office.

In the rare event that members park a car without a sticker, please make sure to leave a note visible inside the car to avoid towing. No towing will occur during Temple events where guests may be attending. However, before the events, unauthorized vehicles may be removed to make room.

The State Street (upper) lot is leased to tenants 24/7.

Members may only park there on the High Holidays.

Thank you so much for your cooperation.

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Ritual Committee As you are all well aware, preparations for this High Holiday season were challenging. Many individuals stepped forward and volunteered countless hours in order to make the High Holidays comfortable and spiritually uplifting for our members and visitors. I want to express my deepest thanks to all for your efforts.

Although our Rabbi, ever-present in temple affairs, was not able to be with us physically for the entire observance, his organizational and spiritual presence served as a guide and inspiration. We worked off his detailed notes and timeline. He rolled the Torahs to the right place before the holiday and coordinated how the service was to run with Rabbi Mars, Jeff Salloway, and Doug Danforth. Then he delivered a powerful sermon on Rosh Hashanah and led Yizkor on Yom Kippur.

Jeff was such a comforting presence on the Bimah. His insightful comments and warm caring demeanor were evident, but even more impressive were the hours he spent to implement the Rabbi's timeline precisely.

Not only did he help lead the service, but he and Jennifer Beard adapted a play by Merle Feld, “The Gates are Closing,� and organized its reading for our Selichot service this year. If you were around for Mincha on Yom Kippur you also heard the short story that he wrote as a commentary to the book of Jonah.

Rabbi Mars was responsible for much of the embellishment of the service, offering many words of wisdom.

He set the spiritual tone for Yom Kippur with his opening remarks before Kol Nidre.

Doug once again did a heroic job preparing and leading the cantorial portions of our service. We are lucky to have such a talented and motivated individual in our midst. He coordinated the musical interlude for voice, violin and bass on Kol Nidre, which included his son on violin, and David Hirsch on bass. It was just so uplifting and special. And behind the scenes, Doug and his wife Isabel have taken on chairing the ritual committee. It is a tremendous gift to the community and major support to me personally.

And then there are all the people from House. Joanne Samuels has done so much to get the building ready for the holidays, from the flowers outside to the clean closets inside! Dick Grossman handed out honors, ably assisted by David Cline, Ken Kowalchek, and crew. Jim Bailey changed over all the Torah covers.

David Cline and Bob Bradbard assisted with getting the books into the pews. Jenny Rosenson was everywhere behind the scenes. She set up the Oneg for Selichot, she helped me get the Torahs ready for Kol Nidre, ushered, was there early to open the building, and read Haftorah on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.

The crew from the Brotherhood, as they have done in the past, efficiently set up and took down the Sukkah.

Cheryl Berman and Laura Sher once again organized the Family and Children's services. For many in our congregation, this is their Temple Israel High Holiday experience. I heard many wonderful comments about the services. The Sisterhood provided child care so parents could attend in the Sanctuary.

And finally, I just want to mention the people who made the Yizkor book happen this year. Sharen Eidelberg Spratt and Ellen Fineberg were responsible for getting the form out in the mailing—no small task given all the changes in the office. Sue West made the beautiful art work for the cover. Margie Wachtel updated the layout, proofed the book, and got it to the printer. Jen Sebeny and Beth Salzman also pitched in. Many congregants donated and helped make it a successful fundraiser.

Yes, we are truly blessed to have such a dedicated and talented group of individuals that make up our Kehillah! Yasher Koach!

David Olken

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November

3rd

5:13 PM

November

10th

4:05 PM

November

17th

3:58 PM

November

24th

3:54 PM

“A Third Way” 3:00—5:00 pm Sunday, November 5, 2017, in the Social Hall What comes to mind when you think of Israel now and in the future?

Members of Temple Beth Jacob in Concord listened to Israelis and Palestinians tell their stories and their hopes. We will hear these narratives read by members of our community and share our own perspectives.

A Compassionate Listening presentation led by TBJ members and sponsored by the Israel Affairs Committee. (Coincides with Restaurant Week.)

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Shalom Everyone! Happy November!

Youth Group had a wildly successful and fun event on Sunday, October 22nd.

Fifteen boys and girls, in grades 4th through 7th, went to Firefly Pottery in Portsmouth, where they not only painted their very own Chanukkah menorahs, but they actually made them out of clay!

After almost two hours of fueling their imaginations with pizza, debating the merits of different designs, carefully painting the dried clay, and lots of conversation mixed in with intense concentration, we were delighted with the amazing results! I will put up the before pictures on the bulletin board and in two weeks we will have the “after” pictures! We will use the Chanukkiot on Saturday evening, December 16th, when we have our Youth Group Chanukkah Party!

A big thank you goes to my amazing volunteers, Debbie Berger, David Bachrach, Emily Schoonmaker and Jodie Aviles (and Michael Rubin for being on call!).

As always please feel free to call or email me at 603-969-2984 or egt9@aol.com with any questions or suggestions.

L’Shalom, Sculpting menorahs at Firefly Pottery

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Elian Tackeff, your friendly youth person

Laura Sher Director, ELC

Incorporating kindness (chesed) into our daily way of being is a lifelong journey and resonates deeply with our preschoolers. An important act of kindness is welcoming guests (hachnasat orchim). This Jewish (and universal) value dates to biblical times when Abraham graciously opened his home (literally his tent), to three strangers (interpreted as messengers from God). Offering hospitality is paramount to human interconnectedness and the building of meaningful relationships, friendships and a strong community.

And this past month at the Early Learning Center we welcomed many guests into our classroom and into our lives: Phil Kliger, our musical enrichment specialist, Kyle McCord, a professional soccer player, currently playing in Sweden (and uncle of one of our preschoolers), and Jessica Leff, gardener extraordinaire (and preschool mom), who shared the fun of planting garlic! Our visitors also included several parents and siblings, who joined us as chaperones on our field trip to The Music Hall for the Mermaid Theatre production of “Guess How Much I Love You?” And lastly, we welcomed three preschool alumni, who loved returning to their roots and basking in the attention and joy that our current preschoolers gave them!

We also spent time this month honoring the agricultural elements of Sukkot. We decorated mini sukkot (berry baskets), built an outdoor “farm stand,” and harvested lots of seeds from our string bean, sunflower and morning glory plants. We planted some seeds indoors (we just couldn’t wait!) and are saving the rest for spring. We explored the changing leaves through scientific investigations (sorting and classifying) and creative expression (collages and rubbings). And we even went on a nature scavenger hunt through the Victorian Children’s Garden at Strawberry Banke.

And even though we are currently in the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, the only month with no holidays or festivals, there is always rejoicing in our preschool classroom.

Wishing you a wonderful month ahead, L’Shalom, Laura

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Hebrew School News Shalom Everyone and Happy November! After the High Holiday bustle of September, October brought a welcome sense of order to the Hebrew School. That’s not to say things got boring! Highlights include: — a week of Sukkah decorating, lulav & etrog shaking, and eating popcorn in the Sukkah, followed by dancing with the Torah and eating ice cream on Simchat Torah!

— art with Jody Kahn for the 4th and 5th graders (duct tape Hebrew School bags) and 2nd graders (Challah covers and Shabbat candlestick holders).

— Sefer B’Sakeet (library program) twice for K, 1st and 2nd graders – how lucky we are to have Margie Fisher (our kindergarten teacher Jodie Aviles’ mom) reading stories to the little ones in our library!

Also, the 6th graders started to learn haftarah trope with Deborah Hirsch Meyer, the 7th graders continued to lead services, owning that bimah, and the 3rd graders took their first turn at tidying up the Sanctuary, being valuable members of the community!

There was also a Gesher meeting for post bar/bat mitzvah teens. Kudos to Andrew Share and Brian Hyett for restarting this valuable program! If you are a parent or grandparent of a teen, do encourage them to join; it’s a great way to learn and socialize with other Jewish kids in a region where there are not that many opportunities to do so!

Lastly, Noam Wolf, our Israeli schlicha (informal ambassador to NH) will have made her first of four visits to the Temple Israel Hebrew School, on October 29th. More on her “Passport to Israel” program in the December Doorpost!

Save the date: Friday, December 1st is the Hebrew School led Kabbalat Shabbat dinner and service! A joyous time for all!

Please feel free to call or email me at 603-969-2984 or egt9@aol.com with any questions, suggestions, or if you would like to volunteer to cook for the above dinner!

L’Shalom, Elian Tackeff, Head of School

Member Survey & New Member Brunch Happy new year from the Membership Committee, and welcome to all the new members who recently joined our congregation. On Sunday, November 19 at 9:30am, we will host a brunch to welcome new members. Please save the date if you are a new member -- or if you are an “old” member who wants to help welcome the new members.

Thank you to everyone who completed the TIP member survey about volunteer interests. It appears there were some technical difficulties with the survey, and some responses came in without a name or contact info filled in. If you filled out a survey and do not hear back from anyone by the time you are reading this Doorpost, please accept our apologies and fill out another survey, at tinyurl.com/TIPhelp.

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INSTITUTIONAL OPERATING ENDOWMENT FUND Paula and Stuart Boxer in memory of Paula’s mother Ruth Rosengard. The Holmes family in honor of Rabbi Senter. Marilyn Mars in memory of William Gross. Claire and Barry Siegel in memory of Robert Turner. Michael Miller in memory of his father Keven Miller. Myrna and Howard Promer in memory of David Kravetz. Ira Schwartz; Nancy and Melvin Alexander; Bert and Deborah Freedman; Laura and Sherwood Spelke; Ellen Fineberg and Vince Lombardi.

FLOWER FUND Howard Levingston in memory of his mother Bernice Levingston.

CHARITY FUND Jeannette Goodman in memory of her mother Minnie Lederman. Fran Berman in memory of her father Jacob Berman. Philip Rosenfield in memory of beloved son Mathew “Dewey” Rosenfield.

Shirley Fishbein in memory of her mother Lillian Lessow. Bernice Richman in memory of her father Abraham H. Richman.

CULTURAL ENDOWMENT FUND

KIDDUSH FUND

Jeannette Goodman in memory of her mother Minnie Lederman. Fran Berman in memory of her father Jacob Berman. Philip Rosenfield in memory of beloved son Mathew “Dewey” Rosenfield.

Shirley Fishbein in memory of her mother Lillian Lessow. Bernice Richman in memory of her father Abraham H. Richman.

Sandra Riback Wilson in memory of her parents Rose and Harry Riback. Bernard Zeidman in memory of his father Jacob (Jack) Zeidman.

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Carl and Cathy Jackson in memory of Carl’s daughter Sarah Jackson. Al and Adina Linden in memory of Al’s brother Fred Linden and Adina’s father Carl Prietz. Claire and Barry Siegel in memory of Barry’s father Abraham Siegel. Donations received in memory of Susan Goldin: Catherine and Gary Levine; Jack Tatelman; Jill Greenberg; Sandra Kayton; Barbara Adler; Arnold and Naomi Fishbein.

DINNERMAN/ROTTENBERG EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND Rabbi Senter and Elissa Kaplan Senter in honor of Elian Tackeff. Myrna and Howard Promer in memory of Mary Rottenberg. Gregory Hankin; Linda Welles. Arlene and Donald Presel in memory of Mary Rottenberg.

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November Yahrzeits

12 Cheshvan / 12 Kislev

1

Rivka Meyerson, Philip Borwick, George Zitomer, Keven Miller, Yitzchak Rabin

16

Ida Black, Solomon Israel

2

Judith Wiseman, Paul Pollack

17

Harry Abrams, Morris Osher

3

Anna Borwick, Fred Kaplan, Evelyn Trotsky

18

Nana Vero, Dorothy Pollack

4

Bessie Halprin, Harry Bratter, June Feldman

19

Mollie Ebb, Leib Haritonov, Alice Berit

5

Harry Cutler

20

Rabbi Moshe Poleyeff, Robert Freedman,

6

Nellie Willar

21

Jaclyn Simchik

7

Esther Winer, Bruce Fox, Martha Wein

22

Donald Albert, Dorothy Feitelson, Benjamin Gold, Naomi Bluestone

8

Florence Seidner, Rosilyn Steinberg

23

Abraham Hooz, Benjamin Fineberg

9

Solomon Bernat

24

Lewis Hooz

10

Samuel Weisner, Abraham Baisuck, Frieda Boxer

25

Alex Belostock, Milton Weiner

11

Ida Feldman, Tania Moroze

26

Harry Liberson

12

Bessie Porter, Clement Wyle

27

Max Resnick, Mildred Golden

13

Minnie Kline

28

Robert Goodman, Annie Tober

14

Julia Lesser, Martin Singer, Sarah Emmer

30

Esther Sharansky

15

Aaron Salden, Rebecca Freedman

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 Portsmouth Board of Directors

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.

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

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.

Amy Borne, Treasurer Robert Bradbard, Director Amy Hyett, Director Steve Sacks, Director

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, extension 10. When the office is not open, please call Steve Sacks at 603-812-1427.

Ira Schwartz, Director Margie Wachtel, Director Mel Prostkoff, Director

Proud member of USCJ Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday, Friday

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