Temple Israel Doorpost - February 2015

February 2015

Tevet/Shevat 5775

From the Rabbi’s Study…

By Rabbi David Ross Senter We live in a world of increased stress and diminished opportunities to relieve our stress. Fiscal realities have led to dual income families being the standard. Our children are over programmed and academic concerns seem to have shifted. Dance, hockey, lacrosse, football, and drama club - all have to be juggled in a schedule that makes room for academic tutoring. It appears that parents begin planning their child’s college career with their entrance to preschool. The sports they choose, the tutors they select, and yes, even the preschool, had been said to impact their entrance to college.

On the other end of the spectrum, our parents, and grandparents are living longer, and we have a responsibility to provide for their care. Families are struggling with issues of parents facing retirement without proper assets, dementia, eldercare, and a multitude of end-of-life issues. These issues are often complicated by the fact that families are geographically separated.

These are only a few of the many life situations that add to the everyday stress of our lives. Many turn towards religion to help deal with the stress of life. Turning towards religion does not mean hiding in a building behind stained glass. The concept of spirituality as an escape from reality is far from a Jewish concept of spirituality. We are a people who have a history of engaging the world and seeing God in the world.

If Judaism and Jewish life are to be restricted to the four walls of the synagogue, they are doomed to a swift demise.

Judaism is beneficial to our lives only if its lessons can be integrated into our daily lives. If we find some meaning in the lessons and values that Judaism has to offer, and we are able to integrate these lessons and values into our lives,

then, and only then, does Judaism continue to function in its integral role as a means of bringing spirituality into our lives.

Temple Israel is proud to offer a series of pastoral care publications, through Lifelight Publications, designed to help the reader begin exploring issues of Jewish CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Tu B’Shevat Seder Wine & Cheese Friday, February 6th, 6pm

Tot-ally Shabbat & Kiddie Kiddush Friday, February 13th, 5:45pm

5th Grade Led Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, February 13th, 7:30pm

Board Meeting Tuesday, February 17th, 7:00pm, Board Room

Save the Date: Brotherhood Speaker: Jennifer Shoer Sunday, March 22nd, 10:30am Reconnecting With Your Jewish Roots: Methods and Techniques for Getting Started in Jewish Genealogy

Save the Date: 5/9 Spring Fundraiser Save the Date: 5/29 Shabbat at Home

Rabbi Senter’s Office Hours Wednesday 10:00am-5:30pm Thursday

10:00am-3:00pm

Friday

9:00am-1:00pm

Sunday 9:00am-12:00pm (when school is in session)

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thought on challenging life issues. These publications have been prepared by renowned authors on each subject matter, and contain resources as well as information. A complete list of topics covered by these publications follows this article. As always, my door is open for discussion of these and all other topics.

May we grow together as individuals who compose a kehillah kedosha, a holy community. May we understand that Jewish spirituality occurs by integrating Jewish values into our lives, seeking out God in the world and focusing on that journey when we are together in our kehillah kedosha (sacred community).

These are all available free of charge in the Temple lobby.

Would you like to sponsor these? Call Rabbi Senter.             

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Abortion and Judaism: Rabbinic Opinion & Jewish Law Are You Being Hurt by Someone You Love?

Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s Meaning: Preparing Spiritually with Your Child Bringing Your Sadness to God Caring for Your Aging Parents Caring for Yourself/When Someone Is Ill Choosing a Congregation That Is Right for You Considering Judaism: Choosing a Faith, Joining a People Coping with the Death of a Spouse Doing Teshuvah: Undoing Mistakes, Repairing Relationships and Finding Inner Peace Do Jews Believe in the Soul’s Survival?

Easing the Burden of Stress Exploring Judaism as an Adult

Tuesday Afternoon 5:30pm Friday Night 7:30pm Saturday Morning 9:30am Followed by Kiddush Luncheon

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Facing and Recovering from Surgery Facing Cancer as a Family Finding a Way to Forgive Finding Spiritual Strength in Pain or Illness Finding the Help You Need: Psychotherapy, Pastoral Counseling, and the Promise of Spiritual Direction From Death through Shiva: A Guide to Jewish Grieving Practices Grandparenting Interfaith Grandchildren Healing Estrangement in Your Family Relationships Interfaith Families Making Jewish Choices Jewish Adoption: Unique Issues, Practical Solutions Jewish Approaches to Parenting Teens Jewish Hospice: To Live, To Hope, To Heal Jewish Meditation: How to Begin Your Practice Jewish Response to Dementia: Honoring Broken Tablets Living with Cancer, One Day at a Time Looking Back on Divorce and Letting Go Making Sacred Choices at the End of Life Mourning a Miscarriage Parenting through a Divorce Praying in Hard Times: The Soul’s Imaginings Raising a Child with Special Needs Recognizing a Loved One’s Addiction, and Providing Help Surviving a Crisis or a Tragedy Taking the Time You Need to Mourn Your Loss Talking to Children about Death Talking to Your Children about God There’s a Place for Us: Gays and Lesbians in the Jewish Community To Meet Your Soul Mate, You Must Meet Your Soul When Madness Comes Home: Living in the Shadow of a Loved One’s Mental Illness When Someone You Love Is Dying When Someone You Love Needs Long- Term Care Yearning for God

February February February February

6th 13th 20th 27th

4:44pm 4:54pm 5:03pm 5:12pm

New Member Spotlight: Welcome Jacobs Family!

Liz and Matt Jacobs live in Hampton with their daughters Emeri, 11, and Baylee, 9. Matt grew up in NY and is General Counsel for Black Duck Software in MA. Liz grew up in the area and attended our own Temple Israel. She is an independent fashion consultant who represents Cabi clothing. Liz and Matt were looking for a real sense of religious community and family so they decided to join TIP. TIP was the only Temple that Liz ever knew. Her grandparents were some of the founders and her dad, Bruce Fox, grew up in Portsmouth and was a member of TIP his whole life. Liz's grandfather was president, her grandmother was sisterhood president, and her dad was on the board of directors. Liz's mom, Janet, is happy to be attending events with the family now as well.

The Jacobs family has loved getting together with other families they've met through the religious school, Sunday morning events and services.

They are hoping to build upon the people and connections they've made already, and to help out where they can. Emeri and Baylee love the Hebrew school and have had an easy transition to TIP. They recognize a huge difference in terms of substance and experiences from their previous Hebrew school. Liz is very happy to come home to Temple Israel, and the whole family is excited to be in a place where they belong. If you see Liz, Matt, Emeri or Baylee around TIP, please introduce yourself!

Building Community at Temple Israel

by Fran Berman, Ritual VP & Acting President A number of years ago, we ran focus groups at Temple Israel to find out what our members were looking for from their synagogue and what they in fact were experiencing. It’s important to ask those questions of ourselves from time to time, and the winter is as good a time as any. But rather than holding focus group sessions, I invite you to participate on your own by answering these questions:    

What am I looking for from my temple affiliation?

How often have I spoken with someone I don’t know when I am at the Temple?

How often have others greeted me when I am at the Temple?

Have I engaged in activities with Temple members outside of the synagogue?

For me and many others, a major answer to the first question, the thing we are seeking, is a Jewish community, and the answers to the next three questions reflect how well we are creating that community.

Building that community does not happen on its own, and it can’t be done by a rabbi alone, or by a board alone.

It requires all of us, creating a culture of community and participation. If community is important to you and you find that you have not connected fully within the Temple community, you can do a few small things to help build that community.    

Introduce yourself to someone new when you see them at the temple.

Go out of your way to greet the people you know and learn more about them.

Volunteer on a committee, help out at an event, or join a group at the temple.

Make plans to get to know other members better, whether by planning an activity together, sitting down for coffee, sharing a Shabbat dinner, or just chatting on the phone.

Of course, Temple Israel can and should be more than a Jewish community. It can be a place of spirituality, learning, ritual observance, and more. But without the community, those other functions will fall flat. So, I invite you to take an active role in building our community at Temple Israel in the months ahead. It can be as simple as saying hello.

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Come to a Tu B’Shevat Seder Wine & Cheese, February 6th All are invited to partake in a celebration of Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees, on Friday, February 6th from 6-7:15pm.

We will enjoy fruits, wines, cheese, crackers and juices (no nuts, however) during the Tu B’Shevat seder, which will include readings that connect the natural world with Jewish practice and spirituality. Regular Kabbalat Shabbat services will follow at 7:30pm. Please let the office know if you plan to attend so we can have enough food and printed materials for all. RSVP to 603-436-5301 x10 or templeoffice@templeisraelnh.org.

Cooking Class: Oh No, It's Passover and I Will Starve!!

Does your family look forward to Passover food with dread? Our 2nd Sisterhood cooking class (sorry if you missed "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Latkes”) will make yummy french toast with fresh fruit compote, "spaghetti" with home made fresh tomato sauce, and much more.

Stay tuned for date and time - class will take place in the Temple kitchen.

Cost: $10.00 The class is open to only 10 people.

Please let me know any dietary restrictions in advance.

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- Lorrie Grossman

Mitzvah Opportunity: Sponsor a Kiddush Thank you to all who have donated in the past months!

Each week, Temple Israel puts on a lovely Saturday Kiddush Luncheon and Friday Night Oneg Shabbat.

Please consider sponsoring a kiddush in honor of a loved one, special occasion, or just because. The suggested donation is $150, but any donations to the kiddush fund are always welcome and appreciated!

Etz Hayim & Siddurim Fundraiser Every year the school purchases a number of Etz Hayim books for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah class. These are the red books in the sanctuary that contain the Torah and Haftorah readings for the entire year. This year, we’ve been offered a discount if we order 25 or more. The school only needs 12 and the sanctuary is always in need of additional copies. If you are interested in this opportunity to purchase and dedicate an Etz Hayim book (Chumash) for the sanctuary please contact the office. The cost is $65, which covers the price of the book plus a small donation to the Temple.

Siddurim (prayerbooks) are always available, as well, to dedicate a nameplate in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost per siddur is $50.

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

We learn in Pirke Avot that “The world stands on three things: Torah, worship, and acts of lovingkindness.” Helping each other willingly and with care is not only a good thing to do, it’s a Jewish thing do, and our preschoolers at the Early Learning Center are learning to perform large and small acts of kindness every day. From inviting a friend to help design a castle, to extending a hand so one can walk with a partner, to phoning a friend who is out sick, Laura Sher ordinary obligations are transformed in to acts of Director, ELC G’milut Chasadim. And when these kindnesses are integrated into the classroom in a natural daily way, every activity that we do, every concept we learn, and every book that we read are moments filled with a positive Jewish value and behavior.

Another important act of kindness is Hachnasat Orchim, “bringing in guests.”

This past month we welcomed Ellen McQueeney, who began teaching us some beautiful Israeli dances. In March we’ll be welcoming Deborah Levine as our yoga instructor, and later in the spring, Elissa Kaplan Senter will lead us in a very special movement and music program.

Even though there is snow on the ground, it’s time to start thinking about Summer Camp!

We are planning a twoweek summer camp, July 14, 15, 16 and July 21, 22, 23. Our themes will be “Summertime Fun,” and “Let’s Go Camping.” If someone you know is interested in joining the youngest members of our Temple Community, please have them contact me at 436-5301, ext 23 or preschool.director@templeisraelnh.org.

Wishing you a healthy and happy month ahead!

L’Shalom, Laura

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Youth Group Shalom everyone! Youth Group planned to meet on January 25th for the popular annual Trivia Sundae, but was cancelled due to the weather. The event will be rescheduled.

Get ready for the Purim Carnival! Save the date for March 8th for fun, games and prizes. Do save the date and let me know if you can bake hamantaschen! More information to come. As always, please feel free to call me with any questions or suggestions at 603-969-2984 or email me at EGT9@aol.com.

L’Shalom, Elian Tackeff, your friendly youth person

Gesher Gesher planned to meet on January 25th, but the weather did not cooperate, so the event will be rescheduled.

The topic will be the Role of Music in the Modern State of Israel: pioneer songs, political protest songs, music with its roots in all the many countries Jews have called home. We will look at what type of music has been popular when, and which songs are so iconic that they have almost become the country's soundtrack. Stay tuned for the new date.

Passover Candy Fundraiser!

The Annual Temple Israel Candy Sale is Underway Did you know that we keep 40% of the money raised from this popular fundraiser and it all goes directly to the Hebrew School? Consider supporting the kids by purchasing candy for your own Seder, to bring to a friend or family member or just to get you through the week! Contact the office if you’d like to buy candy but don’t know any current students and we’ll take care of you.

Klezmatics in Portsmouth March 12, 2015!

On Thursday, March 12, the Klezmatics will make their Portsmouth debut at the Music Hall as part of the Boston Jewish Music Festival, a multi-city, month-long music series that brings a wide range of Jewish music to the greater Boston area.Temple Israel and Greater Seacoast Jewish Federation are the local co-sponsors of the concert, and a committee from Temple Israel is engaged in local outreach to ensure great attendance that night. Tickets: $20/$25/$36. http://bostonjewishmusicfestival.org/ The Klezmatics are a Grammy Award-winning klezmer music group based in New York City who have achieved fame singing in several languages, most notably mixing older Yiddish tunes with other types of more contemporary music of differing origins. According to their website, “In the course of over 20 years and nine albums, they have stubbornly continued making music that is wild, mystical, provocative, reflective and ecstatically danceable.” So mark your calendars now! It should be the biggest gathering of Jewish music lovers in Portsmouth in many years — or ever.

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INSTITUTIONAL OPERATING ENDOWMENT Bernard Zeidman in memory of his father and mother Jack and Ida Zeidman, Marc & Agnes Cabot, Shel & Elaine Krasker in memory of their daughter Kathy Ramras, his mother Mollie Krasker and her grandmother Chaya Shapiro KIDDUSH FUND Myrna & Howard Promer in memory of his mother Rachel Promer HEBREW SCHOOL DONATION FUND Gail Bradbard in memory of Don Bernstein

LOTSA HELPING HANDS (LHH) LHH: What is it?

RABBI’S FUND Mikhail Klarov LIBRARY FUND Marjorie Cypres in memory of her mother Lillian Lorde DINNERMAN/ROTTENBERG ENDOWMENT FUND Rachel Dennis in memory of her aunt BettyRose Leader PRESCHOOL FUND Arnold & Naomi Fishbein in memory of his mother and father Lena and David Fishbein, Arlene Scampini in memory of her grandmother Mary Saklad CEMETERY FUND Suzanne Sherman in memory of her husband George W. Sherman CULTURAL ENDOWMENT FUND Elliott & Naomi Fishbein in memory of his mother Lena Fishbein, Gloria & Harold Moldoff in memory of her aunt and uncle Rose & Harold Fisher, Barbara Levenson in memory of her mother Shura Levenson, uncle L. Allen Levenson, grandmother Sophie Sandler and grandfather Jacob Simon

A new web based support program in which Temple members, once registered, can sign up to help fellow congregants with meals, rides, or any other critical need or short-term assistance.

Visit: templeisraelnh.org/volunteer to register.

If you know of a member of the community who could use financial assistance, please call the Rabbi at (516) 450-5117 and leave a message with contact information.

We can provide short-term help for utility bill payments, etc. and all will be kept in the strictest confidence.

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, when school is in session, at the Wednesday school minyan at 5:00pm or Sunday children’s learning service at 9:15am.

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Ritual Clarifying Shabbat and Holiday Music Policies The Ritual Committee continues to work with Rabbi Senter on guidelines for Shabbat and holiday observance at Temple Israel. Here is a brief look at the guidelines for use of music in the temple on Shabbat and holidays.

Instrumental music incorporated into services: By its very definition and context, instrumental music during the services enhances the spirit of Shabbat. Temple Israel has permitted and encouraged the use of instrumental music to enhance Shabbat and holiday services for at least 20 years. Instrumental music may continue to be incorporated into services under the direction and approval of the Ritual Committee and the Rabbi.

Instrumental music on Shabbat/Holidays outside of services: The committee has approved the use of Shabbat or holiday-appropriate acoustic instruments during Kiddush/Oneg celebrations in Temple Israel (i.e., Bar/Bat Mitzvah) subject to several limitations. 

Music may begin only after Birkat Ha’Mazon following the meal.

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Music must be consistent with the peaceful spirit of Shabbat or the spirit of the holiday.

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A specific set list must be submitted two weeks in advance of the event and is subject to approval by the Ritual Committee and the Rabbi.

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If instruments require setup, it must be completed before noon on Friday.

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No additional amplification is permitted on Shabbat beyond the microphones already in place in the Social Hall.

Recorded music on Shabbat/Holidays: The volume and style of recorded music can vary extensively, and screening the content is not within the means of the committee or the Rabbi. The Ritual Committee believes we cannot ensure that the spirit of Shabbat would be maintained if we permit the use of recorded music in our building. After significant 8 consideration and discussion, we have determined

that the use of recorded music should not be permitted on Shabbat in the synagogue.

The use of a DJ on Shabbat: The use of a DJ is not in accord with the spirit of Shabbat and detracts from the quality of Shabbat. Therefore, the use of a DJ is not permitted in Temple Israel on Shabbat.

Sisterhood Sunday 2/15: Sisterhood Spin at CycleFierce Come join us at 1:15pm for a 50 minute “spin.” For those interested, we will go for a bite to eat after.

Cycle Fierce, 2454 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth (in the McKinnon’s Shopping Plaza ).

This is my very first indoor cycling class. What can I expect? What is so unique about indoor cycling is how accessible it is to all fitness levels. It’s YOUR ride! As a beginner, the studio staff will help you set up and adjust your bike so you are comfortable and properly positioned. You can ride at your own pace and modify your resistance on the bike as needed. The instructors will coach and guide you during the ride and will always demonstrate modifications for all fitness levels.

In lieu of a fee for this class, donations will be accepted for the Temple Israel Educational Endowment.

Women Talking will be meeting on Sunday, February 8th. Contact Rachel at rachelkurshan@gmail.com for more information.

For those who have not already paid their $25 annual dues, kindly send a check payable to “Temple Israel” with a note in the memo that says “Sisterhood”. Mail to Temple Israel, 200 State Street, Portsmouth NH 03801. Thank you!

Brotherhood On Sunday, March 22, our own congregant Jennifer Shoer, a professional genealogist, will discuss Reconnecting With Your Jewish Roots: Methods and Techniques for Getting Started in Jewish Genealogy.

Jennifer is the next speaker in the Temple Israel Brotherhood Sunday breakfast series. More details coming in the March Doorpost.

Seacoast Family Promise As our team of Temple Israel volunteers completed our most recent host week in mid-January, one guest family was moving into a permanent home, and another one was almost ready to do the same. Out of the 14 families served by SFP In 2014, 80% secured permanent or transitional housing before leaving the program, and the average stay in the program was 94 days. During their stays, volunteers from TIP and other congregations provide meals, company and overnight support to the families, who stay at the Methodist Church on Miller Ave. in Portsmouth. For more info about Seacoast Family Promise, go to templeisraelnh.org and look under the Volunteer tab.

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February Yahrzeits: 1 J.Z. Shafran, Shura Levenson 2 Fannie Greenberg 3 David Bauer, Nathan Roffman 4 Jacob Simon, Anne Singer 5 Fannie London, Harry Riback, Louis White 6 J.L. Cohen, Joseph Posternak 7 Michelle Robbins, Joseph Steinberg, Daniel M. Berman, Mary Blum

Shevat 12 / Adar 9 17 Anna Dinnerman, Elizabeth Stone, Leonard Gordon 18 Albert Isselbacher, Ann Goodman, Frances Danforth 19 Selma Schwartz, Lillian Roberts, Frances Davis 20 Harry Halprin, Jeanette Black, Werner Loeb 21 David Fishbein, Robert Shaines 22 Louis Taube

8 Gilda Koeppel, Nathan Klaiman

23 Jacob Segal, Steven Israel

9 Rebecca Schwartz, Isaac Goodman, Frances Leavitt, Nordia Kay

24 Katie Grossman, Bessie Abrams, Pauline Applebaum, Victor Ohayon, Phyllis Klaye, Gerald Goldstein

10 Frances Schultz, Beatrice Downs, Ruth Shaines 11 Jewell Schiffman, Sam Rottenberg, Israel Trubowitz 12 Leonard Levy, Dorothy Katz 13 Mary Weiss 14 Kate Shaines

25 Idel Mackles 26 Sarah Simmons, Frances Kniaz 27 Peggy Aaby, Joseph Cohen, Marie Mayer 28 Michael Fox, Morris Klaiman, Morris (Murray) Marcus, William Shoer, Mendel Feldman

15 Sydney Parker

Memorial Lights Remembering our dear departed is an important Jewish tradition. A beautiful way to memorialize our loved ones in perpetuity is with a plaque in our sanctuary. Memorial plaques can be reserved or ordered for $250.

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FEBRUARY 2015

Temple Israel 200 State Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-436-5301 OFFICE HOURS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday

9:00 am 9:00 am 11:00 am 9:00 am

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1:00 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 pm 1:00 pm