January 2016
Tevet/Shevat 5776
From the Rabbi’s Study… The first time I laid eyes upon Temple Israel’s historic sanctuary was in July of 2013. Elissa and I were on vacation in the area when we came upon “New Hampshire’s First Permanent Jewish House of Worship.” Upon entering the sanctuary I remember speculating about the “people who walked these steps before us.” That speculation and curiosity has never left me. Fortunately, Temple Israel’s history is well documented thanks to the painstaking work of Temple Historian George Sherman (1917-2007). George was the proprietor of Sherman’s Pharmacy (now Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café). George is still fondly remembered by the librarians at both the Portsmouth Public Library and the Athenaeum, where much of his research is documented. The result of his efforts is a spiral bound book that tells the story of a community that grew from the dreams of a handful of Russian immigrants who lived in the Puddle Dock section of Portsmouth (now Strawbery Banke Museum). For years our founders met in people’s homes as a roving minyan (prayer group). In 1905, they formalized as Temple of Israel and rented meeting space on the second floor of 252 State Street (now Newburyport Savings Bank). In 1910, the group became aware that the Methodist Church was interested in selling their building located at 200 State Street. An offer was extended by the Temple and the building became the home of Temple of Israel in 1912. The Torahs were escorted to their new home by the Navy Yard Band and dignitaries.
TOT-ally Shabbat & Kiddie Kiddush Friday, January 8th, 5:45pm Regular service at 7:30pm
Board Meeting Tuesday, January 19th, 7pm, Board Room
Brotherhood ‘Guys Night Out’ Thursday, January 21st, 6pm, Details to Follow
Grade 7 Led Shabbat Service Saturday, January 23rd, 9:30am, Sanctuary
Hebrew School Tu B'Shevat Seder Sunday, January 24th, Social Hall
Preschool Tu B'Shevat Family Celebration Wednesday, January 27th,11:30am, ELC
Community Kabbalat Shabbat & Tu B'Shevat Seder
Friday, February 5th The details contained in the pages of George Sherman’s history never cease to amaze me. One Shabbat at kiddush we were talking about various expansions of the building. Richard David Grossman said “you know the first expansion was in the 1950s when they dug out the basement.” I was amazed to learn this. How could they have excavated a basement under an existing building? I revisited Sherman’s history to examine the details. My amazement turned to absolute awe. To meet the needs of a growing congregation Temple Israel excavated under the existing building to create the Cohen Vestry. The project required the blasting of ledge from underneath the building. Continued on Page 2