Temple Israel Doorpost - February 2016

February 2016

Shevat/Adar 5776

From the Rabbi’s Study…

It is hard for children to understand the perspective of their parents until they become parents. After high school, I lived in Israel for one year. My parents were profoundly concerned each time unrest was reported in the news. Often, my dad would express his concern to which I would reply, "Dad, I am safer here than I would be in New York City.”

Each of my children has followed in my footsteps, inasmuch as they spent a year (or more) in Israel after high school. Suddenly, I was the parent profoundly concerned every time unrest was reported in the news. As much as I would try to mask my concern, my daughter saw through my poker face. And then my words came through my daughter's mouth, "Dad I am safer here than I would be in New York City.

Is her statement still accurate? Is one still safer in Israel than in New York City? I was curious to compare the statistics.

In comparing the violent crime rates in Israel to those in America, the US Department of Diplomatic Security reports, “Cities throughout Israel generally tend to experience lower rates of violent crime in comparison to most similarly-sized metropolitan cities in the U.S. The most commonly reported crimes include: vehicle thefts, petty larcenies, and residential burglaries."

The raw data backs up my daughter's statement. The UN Office of Drugs and Crime maintains a database containing homicide rates for most countries. Looking at their data we see that Israel has a much lower rate of death by violent crime (including terrorism) than the United States and many other countries.

Continued on Page 2 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

Community Kabbalat Shabbat & Tu B'Shevat Seder Friday, February 5th, 6:30pm

Summer Camp Fair Sunday, February 7th, 9am-12pm For Current 2nd - 9th Graders

TOT-ally Shabbat & Kiddie Kiddush Friday, February 12th, 5:45pm Regular service at 7:30pm

Grade 6 Led Shabbat Service Saturday, February 13th, 9:30am

Board Meeting Tuesday, February 16th, 7pm, Board Room

February Break 2/21-28 No Preschool, Hebrew School, Office Closed

Rabbi Senter’s Office Hours Wednesday 10:00am-5:30pm Thursday 10:00am-3:00pm Friday 9:00am-12:00pm Sunday 9:00am-12:00pm

(continued from page 1) This graph shows us some of the statistics.

So why do we always hear about violence in Israel? Perhaps this is because news reporting creates that perception. A stabbing in Jerusalem makes the headlines internationally, yet a stabbing in New York City or Baltimore does not necessarily make the news. Perhaps this is specifically because the violent crime rates in both New York and Boston far exceed the corresponding rates in Jerusalem. In short, a stabbing in New York or Boston is not necessarily newsworthy, unless the involved parties are newsworthy.

If you are considering a trip to Israel and are intimidated by the news reports, please consider the following. The goal of Terrorism is to alter the behaviors of free people through intimidation. As a result of recent headlines there has been a decline in tourism and the impact on Israel's economy has been devastating.

Choosing to stay away contributes, albeit indirectly and unintentionally to aiding the terrorists in their effort to harm Israel.

Most of all, remember that the US Department of Diplomatic Security reports, "Cities throughout Israel generally tend to experience lower rates of violent crime in comparison to most similarly-sized metropolitan cities in the U.S." In short, the statistics tell us that a trip to Israel is safer that a trip to Boston, New York City or Los Angeles. The best way to stand with Israel is to visit Israel. L'shana Hazeh B'Yerushalyim. This year in Jerusalem!

February February February February 2

5th 12th 19th 26th

4:43pm 4:52pm 5:01pm 5:10pm

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

Behind the Boardroom Door

By Fran Berman, President Each month the Temple Israel Board of Directors gathers in the windowless board room on the upper level to conduct official temple business. Even thought these meetings are open to all congregants, the 15 board members generally had a single spectator listening in -- Al Spaien -- but our meetings also include participation by Head of School Noa Bourke, Administrative Director Alissa Holmes, and Rabbi Senter. With Al’s departure, the room seems strangely cut off from the rest of the synagogue. So let me take a few moments to share with you what goes on at the board level.

This group of dedicated volunteers includes doctors, lawyers, academics, finance professionals, retirees, business owners, high-tech workers, mothers, fathers, and grandparents. They give not only those two hours a month, but most also give many other hours chairing or serving on temple committees or otherwise volunteering at the temple. I am proud to say that our current board is made up of extremely thoughtful, effective people who work really hard for the good of our community.

The week before a board meeting, key committee chairs send out reports, and the Executive Committee meets to formulate the agenda for the meeting. The reports usually includes a Treasurer’s report detailing revenue and expenses; a House Committee report on repairs and maintenance projects under way or in the offing; a Ritual Committee report concerning issues such as upcoming holidays and special Shabbat observances; an Education Committee report on plans and events in our religious school, preschool, and adult education; a Membership Committee report on outreach to new and potential members; and reports from assorted other temple committees, such as the Library Committee or Security Committee. We read these reports in advance of the meeting, and at the meeting we accept them all at once as part of a “consent agenda.” That leaves the bulk of our meeting time for discussion of new issues and plans for the future of Temple Israel.

The meeting opens with some words of Torah from Rabbi Senter. This really sets a thoughtful, respectful tone in which to conduct temple business. We make a

serious effort to listen to one another at these meetings and to keep the synagogue’s mission of being a holy community or kehilla foremost in our deliberations.

Some of the board’s most interesting discussions are sparked by suggestions from congregants. We recently took a look at membership categories and dues structure, and in January we approved a change to our bylaws concerning membership that will come before the congregation for a vote at the May Annual Meeting. The January meeting also included a detailed discussion of plans to repaint the sanctuary, focusing on keeping costs as low as possible while getting the job done with speed and professionalism. We hope to complete this project in February, when there are no major events requiring the use of the sanctuary.

This year and last the board has been examining our temple committees, seeking to clarify the mission, goals, and responsibilities of each. We believe that this effort will make it easier to attract new people to our temple committees and make their work more productive.

In recent months, the board has created several new committees. Among these is the Chesed Committee, which aims to extend care and kindness to members of our community who may be facing a difficult time. That committee got together a few months back to prepare kosher food and put family-sized servings in the temple freezer, for use by families during times of bereavement or illness. The Israel Affairs Committee was also formed by the board last year. In December that committee presented a program offering different perspectives on the state of Israel and gathered ideas from those attending for future Israel-focused programming. Look for new Israel Affairs programming coming up in the months ahead. We also formed the Holocaust Torah Committee, which is exploring how best to utilize our newest Torah in a meaningful way.

In November, the board bid a fond farewell to Harvard Sitkoff, who resigned his board seat due to personal and health issues. We will miss his passion for fairness and his commitment to public service. Harvard’s departure leaves at least one opening on the board. If you think you might be interested in volunteering as a member of the board, please get in touch. We will be opening up the nominations in a few short months and look forward to welcoming some new members next May. If you decide to join us, I guarantee it will be time well spent. 3

Ritual

Membership

Here are a couple of things to look forward to as we watch the days slowly get longer. The Tu B’shevat Seder/Community Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner is on Friday February 5th at 6:30pm. Come celebrate the holiday of the trees and sample some of the fruits and grains that are commonly found in Israel. The program is free of charge and is sponsored by the Cultural Endowment Fund. On March 4th, Cantor Nafshi will join us once again to lead Friday night services. She has a beautiful voice and it is always a treat to hear her sing. Everyone is of course welcome to join one of our regular minyans – Tuesday afternoon, Friday evening or Shabbat morning. Stay warm and before you know it spring will be here.

Save the date! Our spring Shabbat at Home will take place on March 11th. Look for an invitation in your email to arrive next month. If you have not yet participated, now is the time! There is no better way to get to know other members of our congregation while enjoying a meaningful and fun Shabbat dinner. We hope you will join us. The membership committee has also been busy revisiting our new member application and process. Our new application is shorter and more streamlined, and we plan to follow up with a “new member profile” where members can tell us a little more about themselves if they wish. New member are continually joining throughout the year, so please welcome a new face when you see one.

Sisterhood Save the date and come join us on Friday, March 25th at 7:30pm for Shabbat. The Sisterhood will be leading the service and sponsoring the Kiddush.

We hope you will consider participating in the service and sign up to lead a part of it. You can participate and lead in either Hebrew, English, or both.

Please contact Amy Borne for more information on the Sisterhood Shabbat or future Sisterhood events at TIsisterhoodNH@yahoo.com.

Great News from Seacoast Family Promise!

Seacoast Family Promise recently reported that ALL of the families who participated in the program in 2015 went to stable housing when exiting the program! About 35 Temple Israel volunteers helped make this happen by cooking for the families or serving as dinner or overnight hosts. If you would like to be part of it too, contact Margie Wachtel at 603-498-0473 or may12@comcast.net. For more info on SFP, visit www.sfpnh.org.

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Spring Event Committee Casino Night, Sat, April 9th Save the date for this year’s spring fundraiser—the ever popular Casino Night! We have booked lots of gaming tables and will have congregant croupiers all ’decked’ out for the big night! If you’d like to volunteer to be a dealer for one of the games, contact the office. We’ll have two shifts available.

Look forward to some fun raffles this year, including an ‘eat local’ themed restaurant gift card basket as well as baskets donated by the Hebrew School and Preschool—plus a basket of select wines donated by your TIP Board of Directors.

Invitations will go out in early March—but mark your calendars now!

SAVE THE DATE: Sephardic Music & Stories Sunday, March 6th @ 2pm Sunday, March 6th at 2pm, Temple Israel will host “Three Sides to Every Story,” a program of music and stories from the Sephardic Jewish communities in the Balkans and beyond.

This concert, presented as part of the Boston Jewish Music Festival, features the award-winning Guy Mendilow Ensemble and the Philadelphia Girls’ Choir. The concert is presented with the help of the Temple Israel Cultural Endowment Fund and the Greater Seacoast Jewish Federation.

The program takes the listener on a musical trek from bustling Mediterranean ports and resplendent Balkan capitals to communities shattered in the Second World War and all but forgotten. Follow stories of orphan poets, vagabond queens, and sailors lost to the sea, all set to spellbinding arrangements worthy of symphonic film scores. Wrap these tales up with lush choral harmonies and soulful vocals evoking flamenco’s gutsiness, set to heart-pounding percussion and intricate soundscapes.

Journey through the Balkans to the Mideast, beginning in Sarajevo and winding through war-torn Salonica.

“Three Sides to Every Story” is a sonic adventure masterfully brought to life by the Guy Mendilow Ensemble, an award-winning quintet of world class musicians from Israel, Palestine, Argentina, and the United States, and the Philadelphia Girls’ Choir, quickly establishing itself as one of the foremost American girls’ choirs for the purity and warmth of its sound.

In a semi-theatrical performance ranging from epic to irreverent, narration and songs in Ladino and English weave seamlessly to stir vignettes of struggle, of light in the darkest hours, and, ultimately, riotous celebration, reminding us that, indeed, there are at least three sides to every story.

To commemorate the seventieth anniversary of the end of World War II, this show includes new arrangements of pieces written both during and about wartime experiences, including seldom-heard Ladino songs giving voice to experiences historically left out of World War II conversations, as well as new arrangements of children’s poetry from Terezin camp.

Advance tickets are $20 ($10 for students), available through the Boston Jewish Music Festival website (www.jartsboston.org). Families may buy a group ticket for $50 in advance. Tickets will also be on sale at the door for $25. For more information, contact Temple Israel at templeoffice@templeisraelnh.org. or 436-5301.

OVERNIGHT HOSTS NEEDED Overnight hosts are needed March 5-6 to house the teenaged girls from the Philadelphia Girls’ Choir. If your family has a spare bedroom or two and would like to be part of this exciting weekend, sign up to be an overnight host. Families with teens are especially sought. The hosts may even become part of the program by sharing some of their own families’ stories with the girls. To volunteer as an overnight host, contact Fran Berman (f.berman@comcast.net, 603-772-3995).

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New Membership Directory Reminder: if you are listed in the old directory and any of your information has changed—please contact the office at templeoffice@templeisraelnh.org or 603 436 5301 with an update. If you are a new member who has not yet provided complete contact information, please also contact the office. New directories will be available very soon!

teaches at the Jewish Theological Seminary in NYC. His 2013 Like Dreamers discusses the 1967 reunification of Jerusalem. This video presentation will be followed by a discussion.

Israeli Affairs

Presentation on "Birthright" by a TIP-sponsored Birthright alum, Jeremiah Berman. This program is designed for young adults and parents who want to learn more about Birthright‌.and anyone who wants to hear about the Birthright experience.

Please join us for the following events: Brunch, Sunday February 14th, 10am-12pm " People-to-People Peace Building Between Israelis and Palestinians Dr. Ned Lazarus of the Israel Institute will present reflections from two decades of engagement in grassroots Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts. Ned served as Middle East Program Director for Seeds of Peace, based in Jerusalem, from 1996-2004; his doctoral dissertation traces the long-term impact of peace education for more than 800 Israeli and Palestinian youth. In recent years, Ned has conducted evaluations of dozens of Israeli-Palestinian peace initiatives on behalf of USAID, the US Institute of Peace, and the European Union. Ned has taught Conflict Resolution at Georgetown, George Mason and George Washington Universities; he is the son-in-law of TIP members Emma and Walter Rous.

Brunch, Sunday, March 27, 10am-12pm Israeli and Palestinian Narratives: Understanding the Obstacles to Peace In this video, Yossi Klein Halevi discusses differences between Israeli and Palestinian understandings of the situation the two peoples face. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Halevi is an Israeli journalist who has written for Jerusalem Post, New York Times, L.A. Times, Washington Post, and New Republic. He is a fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and also

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Sunday, April 10, 10am, Chapel Learn About Birthright

Brunch, Sunday May 8, 10am-12pm A talk by Matan Zamir, Israeli Deputy Consul General in Boston. Topic TBA

Laura Sher Director, ELC

In biblical times, it was customary to welcome desert travelers with water to wash their dusty feet, an elaborate meal, and a place to rest. Our patriarch, Abraham, opened his home (actually his tent) in this manner, and because of this we learn that ”bringing in guests,” Hachnasat Orchim, is an important act of kindness. This past month at the ELC, we practiced this ancient custom, as well as more traditional ways to offer hospitality as we welcomed several new families who were visiting our preschool!

The children were also busy this past month preparing for the holiday of Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees.

The mitzvah of Tikkun Olam, partnering with G-d to repair the world, is intimately connected to Tu B’Shevat. One can easily fulfill this mitzvah by planting a tree. And as if on cue, the acorns that we planted last fall, sprouted into saplings just this past week! The children also learned about the importance of nutrient rich soil for optimal plant growth, and then created an edible soil horizon of weathered rock (crushed cookies), decomposed organic material (chocolate pudding), and living organisms (gummy worms and other such creatures). Now the children were truly ready to plant carrot, beet, and radish seeds! They used clear cups, as well as an old fish tank, and are patiently waiting to observe the growth of (and of course, eat) these colorful root vegetables. We also celebrated trees through song, movement and yoga poses, as we rooted our feet into the earth and reached our arms towards the sunlight! And we expressed ourselves artistically using various watercolor techniques to paint trees in winter.

Lastly, we invited our families to join us for a Tu B’Shevat seder. According to the Kabbalists, eating fruit on Tu B’Shevat is a way to improve our spiritual selves, and I’m sure sparks of divine energy were released as we thoughtfully tasted almonds, figs, dates and many other fruits native to, and currently growing in Israel! Wishing you a healthy and happy month ahead!

L’Shalom, Laura

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Kvetcher’s Club Interested in discussing current events and other issues of our time?

Join in Sunday mornings at 9:30am in the Schmoozatorium. For info contact: Irwin or Audrey Bierhans (603) 436-5096

LIBRARY HELP WANTED! If you have an hour or two each month, consider assisting in the Nancy Mae Shaines Library at Temple Israel with: - Check ins and check outs in the catalog - Shelving books - Overdue calls - Book processing (cataloging, label printing, labeling, stamping, making checkout cards) - Periodical Processing (adding periodicals to the catalog as they arrive weekly) Training will be provided. If interested, contact Alissa Holmes, Administrative Director, at templeoffice@templeisraelnh.org or call 436-5301.

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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INSTITUTIONAL OPERATING ENDOWMENT FUND Marlene & Alan Rubin in memory of Howard Siegel, Elaine & Shel Krasker in memory of his mother Mollie Krasker and her grandmother Ida Shapiro, Gloria Moldoff in memory of her aunt and uncle Rose & Harold Fisher, Peter James Sharfman & Bettina Silber, Leonard & Roberta Baer in memory of Howard Siegel, Renee & Gary Levy in memory of Howard Siegel, Marc Siegel in memory of Howard Siegel, Robert Chaikin in memory of his mother Rose Chaikin, Adam Gurwitz in memory of Howie Siegel, Agnes & Mark Cabot, Doreen & Peter Rogers, Stuart & Paula Boxer in memory of his father Louis Boxer CULTURAL ENDOWMENT FUND Barbara Levenson in memory of her mother Shura Levenson, uncle Allen Levenson, grandfather Jacob Levenson and grandmother Sophie Sandler, Jewel Davis in memory of her mother Frances Lowe Davis, Barbara Levenson in memory of her parents Russell & Shura Levenson, Dana & Shaula Levenson in memory of their mother/mother in law Shura Simon Levenson KIDDUSH FUND Myrna & Howard Promer in memory of his mother Rachel Promer

TZEDAKAH FUND Diane Goulston in memory of Marlene and Alan Rubin’s Niece, Diane Goulston in memory of Howard Siegel, Ellen & Bill McQueeney in honor of Rhoda and Fred Feldman’s 50th Anniversary LIBRARY FUND Barbara Fein in memory of her father Leon S. Fein, Doris Freedman in memory of her mother Beatrice Downs PRESCHOOL DONATION FUND Naomi & Arnold Fishbein in memory of Howard Siegel, Cynthia Freedman and Marcia Blacker in memory of their mother Rebecca Freedman RABBI’S FUND Helen Hanan in memory of her husband Julian Meltzer and mother Ann Hanan, Howard Steinberg in memory of his father Joseph Steinberg, Robert & Carolyn Siegel DINNERMAN/ROTTENBERG EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND Barbara Fox in memory of her grandmother Dora Segal, Barbara Fox in memory of her granddaughter DUES ABATEMENT FUND Sharon Roberts in memory of her father Irving Katz

Mazel Tov to:

Howard Silverman on his milestone birthday, Alissa Gold on her milestone birthday, Marty Brown on his four grandchildren being accepted into Harvard, Northeastern, Stanford, & University of Southern California

Condolences to:

Cookie Siegel and the entire Siegel family on the passing of Howard Siegel

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February Yahrzeits: 1

Jewell Schiffman, Sam Rottenberg, Israel Trubowitz

2

Esther Cohen, Dorothy Katz

3

Mary Weiss

4

Kate Shaines

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Sydney Parker, Natalie Resnick

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Michael Goodman

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Anna Dinnerman, Elizabeth Stone, Leonard Gordon

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Albert Isselbacher, Ann Goodman, Frances Danforth

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Selma Schwartz, Lillian Roberts

Shevat 22 / Adar I 20 16 Sarah Simmons, Frances Kniaz 17 Peggy Aaby, Joseph Cohen, Marie Mayer 18 Michael Fox, Morris Klaiman, Morris (Murray) Marcus, William Shoer 19 William Woolfson, Lazar Kantor, Jack Lessow, Perla Ohayon, Mendel Feldman 20 Ann Belinsky, Abraham Levitt, Benjamin Gersh, Sam Rosenfield, Harry Fleischman, Barney Roach 21 Benjamin Cohn, Rose Osher, Jack Shulman, Bessie Stromer, Jonathan Brann, David Davidson 22 Philip Cohen, Henry Greenberg, Louis Forman

10 Harry Halprin, Jeanette Black, Werner Loeb

23 Lillian Greenfield, Solomon Levine, Robert Leavitt, Alexander Vero

11 David Fishbein, Sophie Sandler, Robert Shaines

24 Lena Gorman, Shirley Ginsberg

12 Morris Salden 13 Jacob Segal, Steven Israel 14 Katie Grossman, Bessie Abrams, Pauline Applebaum, Victor Ohayon, Phyllis Klaye, Gerald Goldstein 15 Idel Mackles

25 Sylvia Kahn Hillson, Louis Boxer 26 Dorothy Schwartz, Milfred Kniaz 27 Lottie Nannis, Ann G. Schwartz 28 Jacob Krasker, Norman Geller 29 Sarah Greenberg, Rose Koiles, Harriet Berman

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 5pm or Sunday children’s learning service at 10:30am.

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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 Sue Goldin, Director Amy Hyett, Director Stephanie Ilberg-Lamm, Director Alan Lincoln, Director Ira Schwartz, Director Jennifer Sebeny, Director

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday

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

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