Temple Israel Doorpost - December 2016

December 2016

Kislev/Tevet 5777

From the Rabbi’s Study…

Dear Synagogue family, Our congregational trip to Israel was nothing short of amazing. As we traveled through the Holy Land we visited many of the sights that draw people from around the world to Israel, the Kotel (Western Wall), archeological sights and the wonders of modern Israel. One of the things that made our trip unique was the opportunity to have personal encounters with the people of Israel. We met Secular Israelis, Mesorati Jews, Ethiopian Jews, Arab Israelis, Druze and Bedouin.

Throughout Israel, people were constantly asking “What are Americans thinking about the recent elections?” Talk about a loaded question. Talk about a question that cannot possibly be answered. The unique nature of this election has proven that no one is in a position to definitively state “what are Americans thinking.” I'm certain that historians will examine this election for generations to come.

The challenge that lies before us is not one of understanding the recent election. Our challenge is one of processing that reality in a manner consistent with the values of democracy.

Those who truly believe in the democratic process must accept the result of the process for better or worse. The alternative is infinitely worse.

This election has been historic in many ways. It is clearly the most divisive in my lifetime. The challenge that stands before us is one of uniting America and reconnecting with the values that make our democracy the greatest country in the world.

People on both sides of the aisle must approach their counterparts in reconciliation with gratitude. Reconciliation is self explanatory, however, why would gratitude be warranted? Our system of government is predicated on free and fair elections. Such elections only take place when multiple candidates are presented to the American people.

Americans passionately and sincerely engaging in the process are integral to the democratic process. We must assume that

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Hebrew School Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, December 2nd, Dinner 5:45pm Note: Change in Services Time 6:45pm

No Hebrew School: Limmud Boston Teacher Workshop, Sunday, Dec 4th

Judaism: The Basics & Beyond Tuesdays, Nov 29th - Jan 10th, 4pm OLLI Classes with Rabbi Senter, Chapel

(New!) Junior/Senior Youth Group Movie & Comedy Night!

Saturday, Dec 10th, 5-8pm, Social Hall

Adult Ed Parenting Discussion Group Sunday, Dec 11th, 9:15-10:45am, Social Hall

Community Chanukah Latke Party Sunday, Dec 18th, 11:00am, Social Hall

Board Meeting Tuesday, Dec 20th, 7pm, Board Room

Temple Israel Blood Drive Wednesday, Dec 21st, 9am-2pm, Social Hall

School Winter Break Dec 25th-Jan 1st

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

TIP Community Chanukah Celebration & Latke Party, Sunday, December 18th, 11am Chanukah starts on Saturday night, December 24th this year!

Join us a little early to eat latkes, spin dreidels, play games, make fun crafts and get in the mood to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Continued from page 1 people on either side of the fence have approached the enterprise of democracy with sincerity. As such we owe them our gratitude.

Many have been moved to protest the outcome of the election. I humbly suggest that such protests may compromise the democratic discourse that follows. For better or for worse the election is over and we have a President-Elect who was elected according to the law of the land.

Should we speak out on specific issues and/or appointments? As Americans we must continue to engage in the democratic discourse that is integral to a process that guarantees “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” It is up to us to make sure that our discourse focuses upon issues of substance that can be addressed within the context of law. In the words of Pirkei Avot, “Chachamim, hizaharu b’divreichem,” wise people must exercise care in their words.

May we be blessed to come together as “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

With Torah blessings, Rabbi David Ross Senter

Rabbi Senter’s Office Hours Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday*

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10am-5:30pm 10am-3pm 9am-12pm 9am-12pm

* when Hebrew School is in session

Temple Israel Blood Drive!

Wednesday, December 21st 9am - 2pm Last year’s blood drive was a big success. December is a critical month for the Red Cross. Consider joining us and performing this mitzvah.

To schedule an appointment log on to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Branches & Trees

By Fran Berman, President Trees follow their own path in nature. They reach toward the sun or sources of water and sometimes their branches tangle in power lines, overhang rooftops and skylights, or block beautiful views. And sometimes they drop branches. If your house is in a tightly built, in-town neighborhood and the tree has grown large, the branches might fall onto a neighbor’s house or lawn.

If you talk to your neighbors frequently, they might casually mention that they are concerned about the falling branches. You might stand together in the yard looking up at the tree, realize there is a problem, discuss it, and call in an arborist to check it out and cut out any weak branches. But if the face to face interaction doesn’t happen, the problem could grow, and the tree might eventually drop a branch right onto someone’s roof, causing property damage or, worse yet, injury to a person.

Here at Temple Israel, we are a relatively small community. We have the opportunity to speak directly with each other, and I think that is one of the reasons our congregation is as cohesive as it is.

All of us who spend time at the temple have probably had insights about something that could be done better, or something that is missing. Rather than filing away your discontent or ideas about the temple, I invite you to speak up about problems you see in our little neighborhood of Temple Israel. And if you have an idea of a way to address a problem or a shortcoming, let us know.

If you have an idea for the temple or an observation about something that needs to be changed, I invite you to give a call to me or another board member, or to write it up and drop it into our new TI suggestion box, located just outside our Temple office. This is an initiative of the Membership Committee, and I applaud them for getting it going. Speaking on behalf of the board and staff at Temple Israel, we want to hear from you! Let us know what is on your mind. And don’t wait until the branch falls to get in touch.

December December December December December

2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th

3:50pm 3:50pm 3:51pm 3:54pm 3:59pm

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Membership

Ritual

Thanks to everyone who attended the New Member Brunch and helped to make it such a success!

Thanks to Helen Hanan for decorating the tables and social hall so beautifully. Thanks to Margie Wachtel, Jen Sebeny, Barbara Levenson, and Brian Hyett for helping to cook on Sunday morning! We love welcoming our new members and getting a chance to chat with so many congregants. In our committee, we have been discussing the fact that we love getting feedback from members, and we decided that we want to make feedback easier to give. This discussion led to our purchase of a brand new Suggestion Box, which will live in the lobby.

This box is a place to put suggestions that will be collected by our Administrative Director and directed to the appropriate person or committee. We hope that you will be more likely to communicate your thoughts and feelings this way.

It’s hard to believe that December has arrived. You will have the entire month to recover from Thanksgiving before it’s time to think about eating latkes on Chanukah. We light the first Chanukah candle on December 24th. Please check the Doorposts and Temple website for candle lighting times and activities. The holiday falls right in the middle of school December vacation. If you happen to be home for the holidays, please come help us celebrate. We can always use a few more folks to help light candles and sing songs. Chag Sameach! B’Shalom, David Olken

B'Shalom, Amy Hyett

Education Greetings from the Education Committee!

Attention teenagers: Students in 7th and 8th grade are eligible for Junior Youth Group. Senior Youth Group is for students in grades 9-12. Our aim is to provide opportunities for teenagers to get together with friends in a comfortable setting, discuss a wide variety of topics, have a lot of fun!

Come explore Jewish humor with Temple Brotherhood as we kick off Junior and Senior Youth Groups at Temple Israel 2016. Bring 1 or two jokes (if you'd like) to tell at an open mike before we launch into comedy movie night.

Movie Night Event: Sat Night, Dec. 10th, 5-8pm in the Social Hall. All youth grades 7-12 welcome to be dropped off. Refreshments will be served.

To RSVP, vote on the movie being shown or for more info: samuelberg@gmail.com, 603-828-4236.

Warm regards, Sam Berg, Education VP

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Adult Ed Parent Discussion Group Review Laura Rubin, Ph.D. We held our third Adult Ed discussion group reflecting on the book The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel, Ph.D. in mid-November. The discussion focused on the challenges in setting limits with our children, especially with being able to consistently provide reinforcement or consequences based on their behavior. Additionally, we talked about how the ways in which we honor our own parents sets the stage for respect and appreciation in our own families. Participants shared openly about their struggles in parenting as well as success stories. It was wonderful to see both familiar and new faces join in the discussion.

Next Meeting: Sunday, 12/11 from 9:15-10:45 in the Social Hall. Even if you did not attend the earlier meetings feel free to join us! We will be discussing Chapter 4 from The Blessing of a Skinned Knee – “Why G-d Doesn’t Want You to Overprotect Your Child.” Refreshments will be served.

Pancake Breakfast a Success!

Seacoast Family Promise

The Hebrew School and Education Committee offer their deep appreciation and thanks to the sponsors of the 2016 Pancake Breakfast and to the wonderful volunteers who made it all work. A special thanks to CycleFierce, Club Boutique, Gastroenterology Professional Association, Dr. Ira Schwartz, Timberland, Michael Rubin, and Sam Berg for their support of the Hebrew School. The breakfast would not have been possible without the pancake flipping skills of Hank Beresin and Vic Sunshine, the serving skills of Brian Hyett, Matthew Oliff, and Elyse Bachrach, the cleaning ferocity of Andrew Share, Michael Rubin, Sam Berg, and the whole crew, the great back of house work by Alissa Holmes and Rachel Bachrach, who did all of the artwork and designs, and all those who came to eat pancakes and ice cream. Thanks to you, we raised $900 for Hebrew School programs.

Our team of 40 Temple Israel volunteers did a great job during our five “host weeks” in 2016 – cooking for, talking with and generally supporting the homeless families of Seacoast Family Promise while they work to get back on their feet. To everyone who helped, a big thank you! If you aren’t involved yet and would like to be, the biggest need right now is for people to stay overnight with the families, at the Methodist Church on Miller Avenue in Portsmouth. It’s not luxurious, but it’s only one night every 6-8 weeks, so think about it.

Also, Seacoast Family Promise is in the final stages of a capital campaign for its new Day Center in Exeter. If you’d like to include this in your end-ofyear giving, go to SeacoastFamilyPromise.org. For info about volunteering, please contact Margie Wachtel at may12@comcast.net.

Celebrate Chanukah! in

Come light the lights of Chanukah in the Temple Israel Courtyard!

All are invited for Public Candle Lightings using

The Hands of Hope Menorah Every Night of Chanukah, Dec 24th–31st Blessings will be followed by Chanukah songs, stories or snacks. Activities will be indoors in event of rain or snow.

Saturday, 12/24 5:30pm Sunday, 12/25 5:30pm Monday, 12/26 5:30pm Tuesday, 12/27 5:30pm before minyan Wednesday, 12/28 5:30pm Thursday, 12/29 5:30pm Friday, 12/30 4pm before early 4:30pm Shabbat Service Saturday, 12/31 7pm

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Seacoast Family Promise

Cooking Classes

Our team of 40 Temple Israel volunteers did a great job during our five “host weeks” in 2016 – cooking for, talking with and generally supporting the homeless families of Seacoast Family Promise while they work to get back on their feet. To everyone who helped, a big thank you! If you aren’t involved yet and would like to be, the biggest need right now is for people to stay overnight with the families, at the Methodist Church on Miller Avenue in Portsmouth. It’s not luxurious, but it’s only one night every 6-8 weeks, so think about it.

Also, Seacoast Family Promise is in the final stages of a capital campaign for its new Day Center in Exeter. If you’d like to include this in your end-of-year giving, go to SeacoastFamilyPromise.org. For info about volunteering, please contact Margie Wachtel: may12@comcast.net.

Hi everyone, I have been asked to do cooking classes again, but I need your input. If you are interested, please contact me.

The class(es) would be on Sunday morning from 9:30-11:30am. Also, is there anything special you would like me to teach? Ethnic foods, pastry, cake decorating, holiday foods?

Thank you, Lorrie Grossman beachmaven131@gmail.com Tree of Life: Have you noticed the beautiful Tree of Life in our sanctuary? Did you know it was created by one of our own congregants? Many leaves are still available. Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, New Baby… Honor the mitzvah of a loved one today. $180/each

This past week the children of the Early Learning Center began an intergenerational partnership with our neighbors at Wentworth Senior Living, a residential community located just a short walk away on Pleasant Street. Our preschoolers (and siblings and parents) met their “grand pals” for the very first time, and had fun singing a welcome song, engaging in conversations, and listening to a Native American story. Once a month, from now until June, we’ll be Laura Sher visiting our “grand pals” and enjoying an activity Director, ELC together as we connect and build friendships.

Partnering young children with older adults through intergenerational programs, and even housing preschools and nursing homes on the same campus, is gaining in popularity throughout the United States. Research suggests that for older adults positive interactions and social engagement with young children can decrease loneliness, delay mental decline, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of disease. And the benefits for children are even more far reaching: increased self-esteem, enhancement of social and personal development, and an understanding and appreciation of their elders and of people with impairments and disabilities of all kinds.

We would also love to partner with our Temple Israel seniors! Please let me know if any of you are interested in spending time engaging with our preschoolers. All are welcome!

We also spent this past month actively investigating pumpkins of various shapes and sizes. We weighed them, measured them, and of course, cut them open! We roasted the seeds, cooked the pulp, and made the most delicious muffins. We also made pumpkin soup spiced with curry, which was our Thanksgiving gift to the residents of Cross Roads House, a transitional shelter for the homeless in the Seacoast area.

How wonderful it is that the children were able to engage in several mitzvot this past month, Kavod, honoring and respecting the people with whom we interact, and Hazan et HaKol, feeding those who are hungry.

Wishing you all a good month ahead! L’Shalom, Laura

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Shalom Everyone! Happy December! I hope you all had a happy and meaningful Thanksgiving!

Youth Group went to Fox Run Mall in November! Whaaat, shopping??

No, not exactly! On Sunday, November 20th, a group of 4th – 7th grade kids had a blast at Glow Golf: A fun, semi dark, neon accented indoor mini golf and laser maze venue for all ages!

The hungry group started the fun by wolfing down the cheese pizzas that the lovely Amy Borne picked up and delivered from Roman Delight in the food court!

An emerging game of Flip the Bottle was cut short in favor of starting a rousing round of mini golf.

The group decided to forgo scorekeeping and simply play for fun. They cheered each other, they laughed and shrieked, and they were considerate of other children and parents sharing the venue. A hole in one in the loop de loop by Evan B, the discovery of the neon machine that made your golf balls glow, and Ethan C’s winning of a free laser maze game were the highlights of the first part of the afternoon!

Mini golf was followed by 2 rounds of laser maze. As each one went through the curtain in hopes of reaching the end without braking the laser beams, the rest of us followed their quest on a screen. Once again there was a lot of cheering, encouraging and unsolicited coaching! Everyone emerged with big grins on their faces!

We finished up back in the function room, with M&Ms, followed by half the group picking up the interrupted Flip the Bottle game, and the other half laughing with bewildered amusement at the Bottle Flippers who were trying in vain to get them to land upside down! It was funny, loud and crazy and everybody left happy! Yay! A big thank you to Amy Borne and Rachel Farber-Caracoglia for driving, and their husbands for taking care of their other children! Can’t do this without you!

Youth Group will be taking a break in December as we have a short month due to vacations, conferences, etc, but we’ll resume the fun in January. As always, please feel free to call or email me with any questions or ideas at 603-969-2984 or egt9@aol.com.

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Wishing you all a Happy Winter and a Happy Hanukkah!

L’Shalom, Elian Tackeff, your friendly youth group person

INSTITUTIONAL OPERATING ENDOWMENT FUND David Forman, Claire & Barry Siegel in memory of Abraham Siegel, Eric Weinrieb, Mel & Nancy Alexander in memory of his parents John & Marcia Alexander, Allen & Adina Linden in memory of his mother Bella Linden

TZEDAKAH FUND Agnes Cabot in memory of her aunt ‘Nana’ Emma Frankl, Goldie Fink in memory of her father Harry Bratter, Lorrie & Dick Grossman in memory of Maureen Sher, Lorrie & Dick Grossman in memory of Shirley Fleischman, Lorrie & Dick Grossman in memory of Roz Steinberg RABBI’S FUND Janet Fox and family in memory of husband, father and grandfather Bruce Fox, Susan Goldin

PRESCHOOL DONATION FUND Cynthia Freedman & Marcia Blacker in memory of their mother Rebecca Freedman, Naomi & Arnold Fishbein speedy recovery to Izzy Bratter

DINNERMAN/ROTTENBERG FUND Jim & Nancy Sears in memory of Rosilyn Steinberg, Marlene & Alan Rubin in memory of Rosilyn Steinberg, Naomi & Arnold Fishbein in memory of Rosilyn Steinberg, Josephine & Frank Catalino in memory of Rosilyn Steinberg LIBRARY FUND Frances Lampert in memory of her father Abraham Baisuck HEBREW SCHOOL DONATION FUND Veta Stone in memory of her mother Alice Berit, Marcia Blacker in memory of her mother Rebecca Freedman, Veta & Ira Stone in memory of her father Harold Berit BUILDING MAINTENANCE FUND Irving Bratter in memory of his Harry Bratter

father

KIDDUSH FUND Leonard & Roberta Baer speedy recovery to Izzy Bratter

CULTURAL ENDOWMENT FUND Sherwood & Laura Spelke, Jewel Davis in memory of her father Bernard Davis, Bernice Richman in memory of her father Abraham H. Richman, Ira Schwartz, David & Monika Olken

Condolences to: The Fleischman Family on the passing of Shir ley Fleischman Marilyn Gorman and The Steinberg Family on the passing of Rosilyn Steinberg Mazel Tov to:

Ira & Veta Stone on their 50th Wedding Anniversary

Thank You:

The Sher family expr esses their gr atitude for the condolences on the passing of Maureen Sher

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December Yahrzeits: 1 Mollie Ebb, Leib Haritonov, Alice Berit

18 Jacob Heller, Mary McCrensky

2 Rabbi Moshe Poleyeff, Robert Freedman, Eugenia Klarova

19 George Gelman, Joseph Partoll, Harold Berit

3 Jaclyn Simchik

20 John Alexander

4 Donald Albert, Dorothy Feitelson, Benjamin Gold, Naomi Bluestone

21 Gerald Sher, Harry Gross, Aaron Finkelstein, Herman Spaien, Jacob Mason

5 Abraham Hooz, Benjamin Fineberg

22 Rabbi Louis Finkelstein, Morris Zack, Allen Koiles

6 Lewis Hooz 7 Alex Belostock, Milton Weiner 8 Harry Liberson 9 Max Resnick, Mildred Golden

10 Robert Goodman, Annie Tober 12 Esther Sharansky 13 Melvin Partoll, Samuel Levy, Jeanne Slass

23 Pauline Lisagor, Jacob Goldstein 24 Joseph Sack, Nedra Loeb 25 Bess Rammer, Samuel Lederman, Richard Grace

26 Sarah Avergun, Bella Linden, Abraham Mittelman 27 Anna Glaser, Sam Goldstein, Rose Glick

14 Arno Fleisher, Jennie Shoer

28 Eli Borwick, Lillian Lorde, Florence Slater, Bernard Levitz

15 Rachel Kushious, Cyril Ball, A. Harold Seidner

29 Rabbi Morris Shoulson, Bernice Gordon

16 Harry Yoken 17 Harry Cantor

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Kislev 1 / Tevet 2

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

30 Vernon Byus, Jr, Lee Fruman 31 Daniel Cline, Etta Winick

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Temple Israel Portsmouth Board of Directors Fran Berman, President Barney Share, Immediate Past President David Olken, VP Ritual Robert Bradbard, VP House Sam Berg, VP Education Mel Prostkoff, Recording Secretary Matthew Herman, Financial Secretary Howard Rubin, Treasurer David Bachrach, Director Sue Goldin, Director Amy Hyett, Director Alan Lincoln, Director Ira Schwartz, Director Jennifer Sebeny, Director

Monday 8:30am –1pm Tuesday 8:30am –1pm Wednesday 11am-5pm Friday 8:30am-12pm OFFICE HOURS 200 State Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-436-5301

Temple Israel