Temple Israel Doorpost - March 2016

March 2016

Adar I / Adar II 5776

From the Rabbi’s Study…

Bernie Sanders is the first Jew to win a presidential primary.

This appears to be a historic event, not so much...and that's huge.

I first met Bernie Sanders (then a member of the House of Representatives) at a synagogue function in Burlington, Vermont. There is no denying the fact that he is Jewish.

Everything about him reminds us of our Jewish uncles who are of that generation. In our first encounter, Bernie presented as a cultural Jew who wore his Judaism as a badge of honor much like the revered Mayor Ed Koch. During his term as mayor, he lit Burlington's city menorah reciting the blessings in a flawless Hebrew.

But that was in the late 90's. Fast forward to the 2016 presidential campaign and we see a Bernie Sanders who totally downplays his Jewish identity. To my knowledge, Bernie has only referenced his Jewish identity twice in the campaign: 1. In denouncing Islamophobia he said “Let me be very personal here if I might. I’m Jewish. My father’s family died in concentration camps. I will do everything that I can to rid this country of the ugly stain of racism which has existed for far too many years.”

2. In a Saturday Night Live sketch, Bernie introduced himself as “Bernie Sanderswitsky.” But, he added, “We are going to change it when we get to America so it doesn’t sound so Jewish.” Larry David responds “Yeah, that will trick them.”

For the most part, Bernie has not played the Jewish card and neither has the American public. People who like him cite his progressive ideas, the fact that he is an outsider his and his grass roots image. People who don't like him cite his socialist agenda, consider his ideas unrealistic and feel that he will not be able to rally the support needed to implement his ideas. Never once has his Judaism been cited as a rational for support or opposition.

Continued on Page 2

Musical Shabbat with Cantor Shira Nafshi Friday, March 4th, 7:30pm, Sanctuary

Boston Jewish Music Festival: Sephardic Music & Stories Sunday, March 6th, 2pm, Sanctuary Tickets $20/each or $50/family at jartsboston.org

Tot-ally Shabbat & Kiddie Kiddush Friday, March 11th, 5:45pm, Sanctuary

Shabbat at Home: Postponed Friday, March 11th, new date TBD

Girl Scout Shabbat Saturday, March 12th, 9:30am, Sanctuary

Gr. 5/Kitah Hay Led Shabbat Service Friday, March 18th, 7:30pm, Sanctuary

Purim Services & Carnival Services, Wed, March 23rd, Sanctuary Carnival, Sun, March 20th, Noon, Social Hall

Sisterhood Shabbat Friday, March 25th, 7:30pm, Sanctuary

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)

Spring Event Update

The candidates who ran in our recent NH Presidential Primary demonstrated that ethnicity, gender and cultural identity are non-issues to the voters of New Hampshire.

We looked at candidates who are Hispanic, Female and Jewish based on the platforms they presented. Their ethnicity, culture and gender seemed to be non-issues.

The democratic discourse surrounding this primary prove that the voters in this great state truly believe in and perpetuate the vision of the founders as reflected in the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” That my friends is huge.

This year, the Spring Event Committee is pleased to announce the proceeds of the evening’s ticket sales, ad book and chip purchases will go to redoing the tile work in the Temple’s Court Street entrance. Last year’s severe winter conditions have left the foyer floor in need of a facelift, so we are looking forward to having funds raised by Casino Night go toward this impactful restoration effort.

May God bless this great nation with the vision to select our next president based his or her fitness for the position. May God bless our next president with wisdom courage and vision.

Additionally, there will be four major gift baskets up for raffle, rather than a live or silent auction. Each of these baskets is being sponsored by a different part of the Temple, and the proceeds from each one will go directly to support their efforts. Stay tuned for more information on these amazing baskets soon and look for your formal invitation in the mail next week!

With Torah Blessings, Rabbi David Ross Senter Please note that the March 11th Shabbat at Home has been postponed. Look for a new date soon.

Tuesday Afternoon 5:30pm Friday Night 7:30pm Saturday Morning 9:30am Followed by Kiddush Luncheon 10

2

March March March March

4th 11th 18th 25th

5:19pm 5:27pm 6:36pm 6:44pm

Thinking About Priorities

By Fran Berman, President How many times have you heard someone say that in life, it’s all about priorities? For most of us, our priorities start with earning a living, building and maintaining personal or family relationships, and taking care of loved ones (children, aging parents). Some of us add to our list of priorities service to our community or country -- that might mean political activities, military service, or volunteering. We may prioritize expanding our knowledge through studies or travel, or creating beauty in the world through artistic expression. We each have our list.

Where does Temple Israel fit into all of this? The answer is quite different depending on whom you ask.

Looking back at my own experience, I see an evolution.

When my late husband and I first joined TIP nearly 30 years ago, our children were in the primary grades, and we joined TIP to give them a Jewish education and to introduce them to Jewish peers they would not find easily in our small NH town. The importance of those goals raised our TIP commitment to a moderate level in terms of priorities. We spent many hours driving the kids to and from religious school and services, and we also made it a priority to come to family-friendly social and holiday events at TIP so our kids could experience Judaism as a communal religion, not just something practiced in isolation in our home. I still remember my son’s sense of wonder the first time he went to Hebrew school and found out that yes, there were other Jewish children in the Seacoast. He was truly amazed - and delighted.

As we spent more time at TIP because of our children, we began to get involved for our own benefit as well. I began to address my lack of a Jewish education by taking adult education classes, even though I was working full-time and commuting to Boston, and that led me to join and later chair the Adult Education Committee. My husband joined the Education Committee, where he spent long evenings in discussions of curriculum and educational approaches.

Meanwhile, my studies of alef bet led me to enjoy my time at services with my children more. Attending Shabbat services became a priority, not only because of the value to my children, but because of the value to

me. I can recall many days at the oneg or kiddush with a child tugging at my arm to leave. The kids had fulfilled their temple attendance requirement and wanted to run out the door (their priority being free play), while for me and my husband, the social time after services was a highlight of the day, a rare chance to chat with other Jewish adults, to form new social bonds.

During those years, I joined Kol Dodi, a Jewish singing group formed by TIP parents to provide music at our children’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah Friday night services.

The group rehearsed weekly in various members’ houses, and we came to know each other musically and as friends. As our repertoire of Jewish music grew, so did our friendships. Kol Dodi became a very high priority in my life, especially once I became the group’s leader.

Even when the rest of my life was shaky, Kol Dodi was a source of emotional support and personal friendship.

After my children became Bar and Bat Mitzvah, my life at TIP changed. Freed from the temple attendance requirements, we no longer had to go to services, but by then my own interest in Judaism had taken over, and I started attending because being at services gave me a sense of peace and fellowship with other Jews. My husband’s health was declining in those years due to the ravages of multiple sclerosis, and the temple was one of the only places in our community where we were assured of the support and friendship we needed. A friendly smile or a warm hug went a long way toward centering us at this difficult time.

After my husband passed away, TIP held an even more important place in my life. In the midst of that major transition from wife to widow, the temple was a safe and nurturing place. Shabbat services became a high priority in my week, fulfilling a need for social contact (my work life is solitary) and spiritual peace. I went from being an occasional attendee to a Shabbat regular, then a gabbay, helping ensure that services ran smoothly. I joined the Membership Committee, then the Ritual Committee.

And three years ago, I joined the Board of Directors, and the Temple moved even higher among the priorities in my life.

My priorities continue to shift and change, just as I do.

But regardless of where TIP stands among my priorities today, I am confident that Temple Israel will be there to meet my needs -- and yours -- when my priorities shift tomorrow. It is my sincere hope that it will continue to 3 be there for all of us far into the future.

Education We are happy to see the continued spiritual and scholarly growth of the students here at Temple. You may have observed the Kitah Vav and Zayin (sixth and seventh grades) leading Shabbat services in the shul recently. Our classes have also been having great success learning modern Hebrew phrases as well as part of the curriculum. At Hebrew School during the week, the students are also immersed in services and prayers led by Noa, the Rabbi, and our teachers. Personally speaking, at our house, we always enjoy our children spontaneously humming or singing a prayer to themselves as they go about their day. It is meaningful.

School time remains vibrant and busy. There was a lovely Tu B'Shevat seder at Sunday School last month for the classes and many thanks to the parents who volunteered to help prepare and cleanup for that event.

Also, hard to believe, but summer camp registrations are beginning soon. The school invited several of the nearby camps to come in for an open house during Sunday School recently and you can find their brochures in the Temple lobby or by contacting the office. Regardless of which camp, if any, your child may be attending this summer, it was great to have our guest camp directors present how truly awesome a Jewish summer camp experience can be.

day of fasting by over 40 individuals and a community wide Torah study project.)

You donated enough materials to fill 200 bags of supplies that children will take home with their weekend food distributions (End 68 Hours of Hunger is not allowed to purchase non-food items with their monetary donations). In addition, you donated over $250 in cash contributions which will be used to purchase additional materials (hand sanitizer, hand tissues and band aids) that will be included in our donation. My thanks go out to everyone who donated and participated in the project. Thank you! I want to especially thank Jen Sebeny and her children for taking on the task of sorting the materials and organizing their packaging and delivery.

Our continued thanks to our teachers and staff for all the hard work they put into making our school top notch. As always, if you have any questions or comments about our school, please get in touch.

Kind regards, Sam Berg, VP Education

Ritual Here is a brief update on our project to support End 68 Hours of Hunger/Portsmouth. As you might recall these donations of dental and health related supplies were part of our community response to when a Sefer Torah fell during our High Holiday services last year. (The other components were a

4

On June 12th, we’re planning a community luncheon after Shavuot services to mark the completion of our “When a Sefer Torah Falls” project. For those who have fasted, studied Torah or donated to End 68 Hours of Hunger, we hope you will come join us to celebrate!

L’Shalom, David Olken

Israel Affairs Committee

Sisterhood

The Israel Affairs Committee now has an "Israel" heading on the Temple website with info about upcoming events, full readings and outlined notes for the Tuesday evening study-discussion sessions, plus info about the TIP trip to Israel in Fall of 2016.

We hope you can join us at one of our many upcoming events!

IAC sponsored events continue in March with a brunch and video presentation by Yossi Klein Halevi, author and teacher, on Israeli and Palestinian narratives, 10am-12pm, Sunday, March 27th.

The second Tuesday evening study-discussion session will focus on Israeli history from 1948 to the 1990's, 7pm in the Boardroom. Readings and notes are available on the Temple website. Come when you can and come even if you did not do the reading: we'll review the material at the start of each session.

Friday, March 25th @ 7:30pm Sisterhood Shabbat – Come join us for Shabbat and some treats for Purim. We hope you will also consider participating in the service. You can participate and lead a part of the service in either Hebrew, or English, or both. For more info, contact TIsisterhoodNH@yahoo.com .

Wednesday, April 6th @ 3:45pm – “Almost Your Bubbie’s Stuffed Cabbage.” Come learn how easy cooking for Passover can be with Lorrie Grossman. $10/person to cover the cost of ingredients. Please RSVP to Lorrie at beachmaven131@gmail.com so we will have enough materials for everyone interested. RSVP REQUIRED. Wednesday, April 13th @ 3:45pm – “Go Italian for Passover with Melanzana Ripiana, or Meat Stuffed Baby Eggplant” that even the kids will like. This is a second opportunity to learn how easy cooking for Passover can be with Lorrie Grossman. $10/person to cover the cost of the ingredients. Please RSVP to Lorrie at beachmaven131@gmail.com so we will have enough materials. RSVP REQUIRED. Sunday, March 27th @ 1:30pm, “Women Talking” will meet in the Temple Israel Shmooze. The topic is “The Jewish Personality.” This encompasses stereotypes such as the Jewish Mother and neuroses a la Woody Allen, etc. Please contact Rachel Kurshan at rachelkurshan@gmail for more information.

Friday, March 11th @ 11:45am, “Ocean View Yoga” in York, ME. Please contact Deborah Levine for more information. Dlevine12@yahoo.com.

Sunday, March 13th, Book Club will meet and discuss “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande. Please contact Pat Moreinis Dodge for more information. pat@pmid.org.

Questions? Email TIsisterhoodNH@yahoo.com.

5

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

6

Engaging children in activities that fuel their curiosity and stretch their learning, in a community that provides a sense of belonging, is key to the development of the complete child, and our mission at the Early Learning Center. Our classroom and our natural world serve as our laboratories, where we learn to think, reason, question and experiment. Our curriculum is as diverse as a New Hampshire winter (yes, we began the balmy month of February jumping in leaf piles and exploring tree bark, Laura Sher and ended the month investigating the properties of Director, ELC snow)! In between, we painted (with straws, brushes and eyedroppers), built rocket ships and transformers, learned about magnetism, practiced the art of flower arranging, and danced and sang. And without even knowing it, we fostered teamwork, social awareness, and friendships.

The Early Learning Center is a unique preschool in the Seacoast area. It’s the only place where Jewish values and concepts are integrated into everyday activities, and Jewish holidays are woven into the curriculum. We begin each day with blessings and honor new experiences with the Shehecheyanu, (which we recited frequently this past month as we welcomed a new sibling into the world, a new child into the classroom, and honored several children who became a year older)! And of course, the children love to do (and receive) the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim, phoning their classmates (and even teachers!) when they are sick, to wish them R’fuat HaGuf (healing of the body) and R’fuat Ha Nefesh (healing of the spirit). And believe me, their heartfelt wishes are just as good as chicken soup!

Looking ahead… we are now accepting enrollment for the 2016-2017 school year. If you know of anyone who may be interested in joining our community, please have them contact me at preschool.director@templeisraelnh.org or 436-5301, ext. 23. We welcome diversity and children of all faiths.

Wishing you a healthy and happy month ahead, with warm thoughts of spring!

L’Shalom, Laura

7

Shalom Everyone! Happy March & Happy Adar!

After a busy fall, Youth Group took a hiatus during the months of January and February. Vacations, bad weather and mostly aggressive germ sharing, all contributed!!!

Now for the good news: SPRING officially starts at 6:29am, on Sunday, March 20th, followed by our annual PURIM CARNIVAL at 10:45am. There will be games, prizes, a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Youth Fund and, of course, Hamantaschen! All other important information is on the flyer!

Children AND adults are strongly encouraged and invited to dress up as your favorite Jewish characters! Anyone who comes in costume will get 2 free game tickets. If you don’t want to play a game, you can always share with a child!

The games will be run by the 7th graders, madrichim and Gesher participants, but for the Carnival to be a success we need many more volunteers!

Please let me know ASAP if you are available to bake MANY Hamantaschen a few days before the carnival. If baking is not your thing, you and/or your children could also help me set up games, blow up inflatable prizes, etc.

I will be setting up on Thursday, March 17th: 9 am - 5 pm and Friday, March 18th: 1:45pm – 5pm.

We also need volunteers to sell game or raffle tickets, set and/or watch the hamantaschen and refreshment table, help with the prize table, and help with clean up, on the day of the carnival.

As always, please feel free to call or email me with any questions, ideas or offers of help, at 603-969-2984 or EGT9@aol.com Hag Purim Sameach, Elian Tackeff, your friendly youth person

8

INSTITUTIONAL OPERATING ENDOWMENT FUND David Forman in memory of his father Louis Forman, Renee & Sheldon Goodman in memory of Stephen Bauer, Renee & Sheldon Goodman in memory of Eleanor Josephson, Ira Stone in memory of his mother Elizabeth Stone, Bert Freedman in memory of Paul Shoer, Harold & Gloria Moldoff in memory of her father Albert Woolfson and his mother Sarah Moldoff, Paula & Stuart Boxer in memory of her father David Rosengard, Rosilyn Steinberg & Marilyn Gorman in memory of their mother Lena Gorman CULTURAL ENDOWMENT FUND Elliott & Shirley Fishbein in memory of Paul Shoer, Elliott & Shirley Fishbein in memory of Iris Moss, Al Spaien in honor of Rhoda & Fred Feldman’s 50th Anniversary, Elliott & Shirley Fishbein in memory of Eileen Foley, Ira Schwartz in memory of his mother Selma Schwartz TZEDAKAH FUND Shirley Fleischman in memory of her husband Harry Fleischman and mother Bessie Stromer, Agnes Cabot in memory of her father Alexander Vero, Renee * Sheldon Goodman in memory of her brother

PRESCHOOL DONATION FUND Selma Freedman at time of yahrzeits, Arnold & Naomi Fishbein in memory of father and mother David Fishbein and Bessie Partoll RABBI’S FUND Joan Hankin in memory of her father Ben Gersh, Arline Coles in memory of her mother Sarah Simmons, Peter Schultz in memory of his mother Carol Schultz, Alan & Merrianne Leff in honor of Solomon Ephraim Leff’s bris DINNERMAN/ROTTENBERG EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND Jacqueline Ross in memory of her parents Arthur & Jeanette Black, Mary Rottenberg and Joyce Meenes in memory of beloved husband and father Sam Rottenberg, David Effron in memory of his father Alvin Effron, Stan & Rita Robbins in memory of Bessie & Morris Marcus HEBREW SCHOOL DONATION FUND Paula & Stuart Boxer in memory of Paul Shoer

KIDDUSH FUND Bernard Zeidman in memory of his mother Ida Zeidman

Condolences to:

The Shoer family on the passing of beloved husband and father Paul Shoer

9

March Yahrzeits:

Adar I 21 / Adar II 21

1

Hyman Levy, Barbara Silverman, Jacqueline Boibeaux

2

Ira Goldberg, Seth Lampert, Henry Glick, Paul Rubin

3

Gus Cronheim, Megan DuPrie, Arthur Shaver

4

Isaac Rottenberg

17 John Selden, Edward Goldman

5

Katherine Goldberg, Ruth Heller, Irving Katz, Loretta (Lucky) Levy, David Rosengard, Ida Rubin, Louis Poyourow

18 Bessie Partoll

6

Irving Tober, Louis Schopick, Norman Freedman, Carol Schultz, Celia Weinberg

20 Louis Baer

7

Abraham Prostkoff, Frances Dricker

8

Rose Green, Jack Naparsteck, Alvin Effron, Stephen Bauer

9

Sarah Moldoff, Benjamin Tober, George Freedman, Harvey Ludwig, Stanley Epstein, John McQueeney

12 Ida Blank 14 Hilda Benjamin 15 Clarice Yoken, Daniel Schwartz, Albert Woolfson, Hebert Greene 16 Robert Berman

19 Lena Ackerman, Bessie Marcus

21 Margaret Levine 22 Frances Goodman 24 Richard Goldberg, Joseph Fritz 25 Hester Schwartz 27 Morris Greenfield

10 Harry Klein

29 Susan Freedman Knussen

11 Baby Berlin, Roberta Segal Ohlemacher

31 B. Shafran, Sarah Trubowitz

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.

Memorial Lights

10

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.

11

: Postponed

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

9:00 am 9:00 am 11:30 am 9:00 am

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

Temple Israel

- 1:00 pm - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm - 12:00 pm