February 2019
Shevat / Adar I 5779
From the Rabbi’s Study‌ Dear Chaverim, For centuries the Jewish community has survived because of two essential institutions. The first is the synagogue. Called beit knesset (house of assembly) in Hebrew, the synagogue has served as a place where Jews gather for a variety of reasons, primarily to pray, to study, and to celebrate both personal and communal milestones. Many members of Temple Israel as well as many visitors to our community say that the sanctuary is one of the most beautiful spaces in our building. The sanctuary evokes a warm feeling which is both necessary and conducive to prayer. It is the part of the building which defines our being a beit tefilah, a house of prayer. Our synagogue is also a beit midrash, a house of study. Talmud Torah, or studying, is another important part of synagogue life. Temple Israel is home to two schools: The Temple Israel Hebrew School and the Temple Israel Preschool. However, Talmud Torah is not limited to young people. Opportunities for adults to engage in serious study include our weekly Torah study (Lunch and Learn) almost every Saturday morning after the kiddush luncheon following the Shabbat morning service, a continuous course on Basic Judaism, a Hebrew grammar and reading class taught by Kathryn Mulhearn, a prayerbook Hebrew class co-taught by Jennifer Beard and Kathryn Mulhearn, and other Continued on page 2
Basic Judaism Class with Rabbi John Borak 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, Board Room Executive Committee Meeting 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, Virtual Meeting Development Committee Meeting 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 17, Library Israeli Dance Club 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 17, Social Hall Board of Directors Meeting 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 19, Board Room
Spring Event Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 21, Shmoozatorium The Temple Office, Preschool, & Hebrew School will be closed for winter break from Sunday, February 24 through Sunday, March 3 House Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 26, Shmoozatorium Basic Judaism Class with Rabbi Ira 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, Board Room Sisterhood Meeting 6:45 p.m. Thursday, February 28, Shmoozatorium
Save the Date! Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Mark your calendar for the annual spring fundraiser, an evening of good food, friends in community, music, and laughter with special guest, standup comedian Rabbi Bob Alpert.
events during the year. You will find books, movies, and other resources in our richly stocked library, which contributes tremendously to our being a beit midrash. The second institution which has helped guarantee Jewish survival for centuries is Jewish community or kehilah, represented today by Federation. Federation, as we know it today, is a relative newcomer to the Jewish scene. The first Jewish Federation in America, the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston (originally the Federation of Jewish Charities of Boston), was founded in 1895. But the concept of kehilah has existed for centuries. The kehilah, an extensive communal support organization, has historically been there to help Jews in need both far and near. Similarly, Jewish federations have provided both the human energy and the monies to support for Jews around the world. Our local federation, the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire, represents the Jewish community as a whole in our state and provides essential funds for humanitarian needs in Israel and around the world. It also provides financial support for local institutions and is the much-needed voice of a united Jewish community to be heard by our neighbors. Good relations between synagogues and federations are essential if we want our grandchildren and our grandchildren’s children to be Jewish. Federations, including our own JFNH, have come to realize the pivotal role that synagogues play in Jewish continuity and in furthering the goals of the Jewish community. Good relations between synagogues
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and federations must begin with synagogue members. By generously supporting both Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire, you will be helping to assure a vibrant Jewish community in our corner of the United States and around the world. The Talmud states: “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh ba-zeh.” (All Jews are responsible for one another.) Please join your fellow congregants in supporting both the synagogue and the Federation to the best of your ability. The Jewish world is depending on you! L’shalom, Rabbi Ira Korinow
February & March 2019 Schedule for Basic Judaism Class February 13
“Journey to Judaism: An Exodus of the Heart” with Rabbi John Borak Rabbi Borak will share his personal story of how a boy born to a secular Christian family found his way to Judaism and the bimah.
February 27
“Understanding Israel and the Conflict in the Middle East”
March 13
“Purim: It’s Not for Kids Only”
March 27
Topic to come
Basic Judaism meets on selected Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room on the second floor, is free, and is open to everyone in the community.
Dear Fellow Congregants, The not-so-secret element of Temple Israel’s success over the years has been the commitment of countless volunteers to conceive, plan, organize, and run religious services, educational and cultural programs, and the many acts of tikkun olam for which our community is well-known throughout the Seacoast. Volunteers are also crucial for both the day-to-day and long-term operations of our synagogue. Working committees include House, Ritual, Membership, Cemetery, Financial Oversight, Education, Social Action, Development (fundraising), and many many more including, naturally, the board of directors.
Shabbat Service Leaders Friday, February 1 Rabbi Ira Korinow with Hebrew School Students in Grades 4 & 5 Saturday, February 2 Rabbi Ira Korinow Followed by “Lunch & Learn” Torah study Friday, February 8 Jennifer Beard and Jeff Salloway lead a “Magical Mystery Tour” Saturday, February 9 Lay Leaders Friday, February 15 Saturday, February 16
Jennifer and Jeff Lay Leaders
Friday, February 22 Saturday, February 23
Jennifer and Jeff Cantor Shira Nafshi
At our last meeting, the board of directors appointed a nominating committee co-chaired by Steve Sacks and Marc Hiller to recruit members to fill seats on the board for next year. There are a number of seats that will be open, including president-elect, vice president for ritual, financial secretary, and a director’s position. If you are interested in any of these positions, would like to learn more about what they involve, or know of someone whom you think would be a good fit for one of these roles, please contact Steve or Marc directly. You can also send an email to me or to any other member of the board. In addition to seats on the board, all of the committees mentioned above need additional help and participation from members of the community, and all benefit greatly from a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds. If you have interest in serving as a volunteer, and would like to know where or how you can help, please contact me, Heather Tomlinson in the office, or any member of the board of directors. David Bachrach
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Shalom Everyone and Happy February! There is always learning going on in Hebrew School, whether it is learning new letters, practicing prayers and blessings, or finding out about our long history. But it is the special events that we all remember long after we turn 12 or 13!
Here are some of the highlights of the month of January which coincided with the Jewish months of Tevet and Shevat: On Sunday, January 6, Noam Wolf, our Israeli shlicha (informal ambassador), returned to TIP for the first of her three visits this year. We learned a lot of Hebrew words during a Tel Aviv beach-themed bingo game, after which volunteers from different grades acted out funny skits using their newly acquired Hebrew vocabulary and phrases. At the end of the session, Noam taught us a song that all the children sang together. We can’t wait to have her back in March! The week of January 13 was all about Tu B’Shevat. Grades K, one, and two, and their families, all celebrated the birthday of the trees with a seder in the K – 1 classroom. Third through seventh graders had their seder in the social hall on Wednesday, January 16. Blessings were said, 4 cups of wine / juice (white, pink, dark pink, and red) were drunk,
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and different fruits (fruits with pits, fruits that are edible inside, and fruits that can be eaten whole) that grow in Israel were tasted. We left the tables sated and with a new appreciation for trees and our environment. Elissa Kaplan Senter taught us some cool Tu B’Shevat songs, Kindergarten and first grade enjoyed “Breakfast with the Rabbi,” and lastly, on Saturday, January 26, sixth graders helped Rabbi Ira lead Shabbat services. It was a busy month! Coming up this month: Grades four and five help lead Friday night services on February 1. We hope to see you there! May the groundhog not see his shadow on February 2 so we can have a milder winter and fewer snow days! L’shalom, Elian Tackeff, Head of School
February
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4:37 p.m.
February
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4:47 p.m.
February
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4:56 p.m.
February
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5:05 p.m.
Mazel tov to Rachel and James Burdin of Dover, on the naming of their daughter Miriam Elizabeth.
Welcome new members: Tovy Kamine, Rebecca Baron, and baby Jesse of Portsmouth.
Condolences to the family of Stuart Shaines, who passed away on January 9 in St. Augustine, FL.
Condolences to Raina Roy on the passing of her father, Dr. Len Edelman.
Tuesday afternoon 5:30 p.m. Friday night 6:15 p.m. Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. followed by kiddush and lunch Kosher for Passover Chocolate Fundraiser Benefits the Hebrew School For a Miss Chocolate order form, please contact the temple office. Deadline February 17.
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Ritual Committee The Magical Mystery Tour is coming to take you away, coming to take you away — take you away. The bus is waiting Friday evening, February 8th for the first trip on the Magical Mystery Tour. It’s Kabbalat Shabbat and there will be at least three mysteries revealed at Temple Israel during the Friday evening services of February 8th, 15th, and 22nd. Your conductors are Jennifer Beard and Jeff Salloway. Lifted in song and story, you’ll visit some of the mysteries hidden in Temple, waiting in Torah, within the walls and in the Garden of Delights. You’ll see your synagogue with eyes opened and secrets revealed. You’ll never see the Temple the same way again. Come along. No need to make a reservation, just meet us at 6:15 in the sanctuary. The Magical Mystery Tour — it’s coming to take you away.
Attention families with young children! We are organizing some programming for young children and families and would love more families to join us. We are still coming up with a calendar of events, but aim to include •
Tot Shabbats
•
family gatherings with different holiday-themed programs
•
Havurah style meet-ups at various homes
Please be in touch if you wish to be added to an email list or if you want to get involved. Email Jenne at jenne.wax@gmail.com .
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Nominating Committee Seeks Candidates for 2019 Election to Board of Directors The Nominating Committee of the TIP Board of Directors is seeking eligible members interested in serving on the board, beginning in June, 2019. The election for board members will take place at the annual meeting on May 13, 2019. The open officer positions will be:
President-Elect
Vice-President for Ritual
Financial Secretary
Officers serve terms of two years (2019-2021). The duties of each position are set forth in the TIP bylaws. (To obtain a copy, please contact the temple office.) The bylaws do require that every officer must have been a member in good standing of TIP for at least one year prior to assuming office. There will also be one open at-large director position. While directors serve for 3 years, this seat will only be for one year, to finish a partial term. The responsibilities of the director are also explained in the temple bylaws. Directors must have been TIP members for at least a year prior to assuming office. Names can be submitted either by interested candidates themselves, or by members wanting to nominate a particular candidate. The names of all eligible candidates will be submitted to the membership for election at the annual meeting. Names of all nominees, as well as any questions, should be sent to either Steve Sacks (stevenrsacks@gmail.com) or Marc Hiller (marc.hiller@unh.edu), the board members serving on the Nominating Committee.
January highlights from the Early Learning Center: We spent the first part of January learning about Tu B’Shevat which is the 15th day of Shevat, lovingly known at the “Birthday of the Trees.” The mitzvah of Tammy Labonté Shomrei Adamah, partnering Director, ELC with God to be guardians of the planet (and of all physical surroundings), is easy for preschoolers to understand and connect to, especially when we have composting worms to take care of and plants to water in the classroom. We learned what plants and trees needed to grow: soil, water, and sunlight. We examined a tree cutting to count the rings and determine how old the tree could be before it was cut down. We created trees by tracing our arms and hands as the trunk and branches and then used our fingers to stamp the leaves on our trees. The children also learned the importance of nutrient-rich soil and its different layers. We created edible “soil layers” with rocks (chocolate-covered raisins), weather rock (crushed graham crackers), composting organic materials (chocolate pudding), top soil (crushed chocolate cookies), and our live component (kosher gummy worms), before planting our “tree,” a strawberry
with its green top attached. We also put together a seder plate for Tu B’Shevat and tried examples of the different foods that grow in Israel, including dates, figs, almonds, pomegranates, oranges, strawberries, wheat, and olives. We made a family tree outside the classroom with pictures of students’ relatives and pets. We will finish the month learning about how we can help the world in other ways such as “reducing, reusing and recycling,” both here at the ELC and at the children’s homes. Wishing you a warm, healthy, and happy month ahead! Shalom, Tammy & Elian
Students enjoyed their strawberry “trees” planted in edible “soil layers.” Learning can be delicious!
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Say Shalom and Save the Date
We’re Invited… to a Gathering of Torahs
A friendly request from the Membership Committee to EVERY TIP member: It doesn’t take much to make a newcomer decide that we are a friendly, welcoming place … or, God forbid, the opposite! Whenever you’re in the building, for whatever reason, if you see someone you haven’t met yet, please make it a point to introduce yourself. If you're at a Shabbat service, invite that person to come downstairs afterward for the Oneg Shabbat and lunch. Being warmly welcomed into the community can be a big factor in whether a prospective member decides to join us, a newer member decides to renew, or a long-timer decides to stay with us year after year.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019, from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El in New York City
Maybe you are new yourself and you think everyone else knows each other, but fortunately we have a lot of new members, and many of us haven’t met each other yet. So, please: Reach out and be the first to say shalom. And, for a chance to “say shalom” in a more intimate setting, save the evening of April 13 for a Havdalah at Home celebration. Informal gatherings will be held that evening at members’ homes throughout the Seacoast. Mark your calendar now, and watch the Doorpost and your email for more information.
Israeli Dance Club Starts Strong! A note from organizer Veronica Conley: The first meeting enjoyed a wonderful turn-out. Instructor Lessa did a fantastic job teaching us the dances for Mayim, Zemer Atik, and Hineh Ma Tov. The session lasted about an hour and a half and was very fun. I recommend wearing light clothing, as we can work up a sweat. Everyone is welcome: men, women, and children regardless of experience. Also, please don’t be shy if you have a dance to share!
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To highlight the Bernard Museum’s Spring 2019 exhibition: “The Guiding Hand – Torah Pointers Past and Present,” the Memorial Scrolls Trust and Temple Emanu-El are hosting the first-ever gathering of MST Scrolls in New York City. Temple Israel congregants have been invited to attend, along with our Czech Memorial Scroll #486. The Procession of MST Scrolls will take place in Temple Emanu-El’s Sanctuary. Afterwards, all the MST Scrolls will be displayed in the museum or in the Social Hall, including an information card about each Torah scroll and its current host congregation. Seventy-five MST Scrolls are expected to be exhibited from within the NY Metro area and beyond. Over 1500 people are expected to attend this unique and inspiring celebration of Torah scrolls saved from the Holocaust. Although the event is free, all attendees must register for security purposes at: http:// emanuelstreickernyc.org/events/the-guiding-hand/ For more information including hotel discounts, parking arrangements, etc., please contact TIP delegation leader Mel Prostkoff via email at mprostkoff1@gmail.com or 603-781-6903.
CULTURAL ENDOWMENT FUND Marc and Agnes Cabot. The David Goldstein Foundation, Amy Borne and family. Elliott & Shirley Fishbein in memory of Lena Fishbein. DANIELLE HARMAN FUND Joanne Samuels, in honor of Joe and Julia Samuels, and all of the children. DINNERMAN/ROTTENBERG EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND Barbara Fox in memory of her grandmother, Dora Segal. Anonymous visitor. INSTITUTIONAL OPERATING ENDOWMENT FUND Bruce and Katharine Freeman. Ira & Jennifer Schwartz. Bob & Marilyn Zimman. Nancy & Mel Alexander in memory of Nancy’s mother, Ruth Sussman. Elaine & Shel Krasker in memory of Elaine’s grandmother, Chaya Shapiro, and Shel’s mother, Mollie Krasker. Evelyn Miller in memory of her father, Jack Lasky. Marlene & Alan Rubin wishing Ira Schwartz a speedy recovery. Carole Krassner in memory of her husband, Bruce Krassner, her mother, Ruth Talisman, and her father-in-law, Matthew Krassner. KIDDUSH FUND David Olken in memory of his mother, Charlotte Olken. Mel Liston & Cathi Cherry-Liston in memory of Mel’s father, Robert Liston, Sr. Howard & Myrna Promer in memory of Myrna’s parents, Eva & Mannie Weisner, and Howard’s parents, Arthur & Rachel Promer.
Leon S. Fein. Abraham Burton Trust and Stephanie Shaines. Arnold & Naomi Fishbein in memory of Stuart Shaines. PRESCHOOL FUND Adina & Al Linden in memory of Adina’s sister, Nordia Kay. Arnold & Naomi Fishbein in memory of Arnold’s father, David Fishbein. RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Douglas Tilton in appreciation for Rabbi Ira Korinow’s officiating at the unveiling of Susan Goldin’s grave marker. “His presence was deeply appreciated.” Howard Steinberg in memory of his father, Joseph Steinberg. Charles & Sarah Steindel, in honor of Miriam Burdin’s naming. SECURITY FUND Cathy Smilovitz-Jackson & Carl Jackson. Naomi & Arnold Fishbein. Barbara Levenson. Diane & Barney Share. TZEDAKAH FUND Ellen & Bill McQueeney in memory of Ellen’s father, Burton Kreisworth. Rita & Stan Robbins in memory of Michelle Robbins. Goldie Fink in memory of her brother, Irving Bratter. Jacqueline Ross in memory of her parents, Arthur & Jeannette Black.
LIBRARY FUND Karl Singer in memory of his mother, Anne Singer. Adina & Al Linden in memory of Adina’s mother, Betty Prietz. Barbara Fein in memory of her father,
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February Yahrzeits 1. Sydney Parker, Natalie Resnick, Rosalyn Schwartz, Minnie Senter, Paul Shoer, Ida Siegel, Jack Cook, Libby Rothstein 2. Michael Goodman, Milton H. Cooper, Irving Thorner, Ellen Silverman 3. Anna Dinnerman, Elizabeth Stone, Leonard Gordon, Betty Karnefsky 4. Albert Isselbacher, Ann Goodman, Thomas Brahms, Robert Davis, Jr., Anne Gray, Ree Becker, Jacob Potter 5. Selma Schwartz, Lillian Roberts, Theodore Davis 6. Harry Halprin, Jeanette Black, Werner Loeb, Jack Farber, Lillian Miller, Sam Glosserman 7. David Fishbein, Sophie Sandler, Robert Shaines 8. Louis Taube, Golda Zarrow, Shirley Traven 9. Jacob Segal, Steven Israel, Beatrice Newton, Marjorie Ellen Ryder, Robert Fox, 10. Katie Grossman, Bessie Abrams, Phyllis Klaye, Pauline Applebaum, Victor Ohayon, Gerald Goldstein, F. Mark Reinhart, Norman Brill, Louis H. Silverman 11. Idel Mackles, Rabbi Seymour Siegel, Sima Gagh, Bruce Krassner, Micki Pastor, Joseph Nicole 12. Bernard Frim, Sarah Simmons, Frances Kniaz, Rachel Leah Tayyabkhan, Peter L. Hooz 13. Peggy Aaby, Joseph Cohen, Marie Mayer, Louis Horwitz 14. Michael Fox, Morris Klaiman, William Shoer, Morris (Murray) Marcus, 15. William I. Woolfson, Lazar Kantor, Jack Lessow, Perla Ohayon, Mendel Feldman, Estelle Cooperman
26 Shevat / 23 Adar I 16. Harry Fleischman, Abraham Levitt, Benjamin Gersh, Sam Rosenfield, Barney Roach, Ralph Harrison, Stephen Stocklan 17. Bessie Stromer, Benjamin Cohn, Rose Osher, Jack Shulman, Jonathan Brann, David Davidson, Edward Baer, Margaret Levor Gutman 18. Fivesh Grossman, Henry Greenberg, Louis Forman, Philip Cohen, Ari Legerstee 19. Minnie Brown, Solomon Levine, Robert Leavitt, Alexander Vero 20. Lena Gorman, Shirley Ginsberg, Bertram Marks, Michael Stocklan, 21. Sylvia Kahn Hillson, Louis Boxer, Danielle Newman 22. Dorothy Schwartz, Milfred Kniaz, Helen Ruth Levy 23. Ann G. Schwartz, Elaine Rosenfeld, Lottie Nannis, Louis Samuels 24. Jacob Krasker, Henry Robbins, Pearl Rosenthal, Rabbi Norman Geller 25. Sarah Greenberg, Rose Koiles, Harriet Berman, Sophie Feldman, Sondra Rechy 26. Harry Rosen, Barbara F. Silverman, Jacqueline Boibeaux, Bette Aschkenasy, Sumner Levy, Esther Bavman 27. Ira Goldberg, Seth Lampert, Henry B. Glick, Paul Rubin, Roslyn Albert, Frank Anker, Max B. Sanders 28. Gus Cronheim, Megan DuPrie, Arthur Shaver, Reb Aaron Rosenbaum, Sarah Atkins, Ethel Trubowitz, Celia Pindrus, Ida Isacoff
When you are observing a family member’s yahrzeit, you are welcome to say kaddish at Shabbat services Friday night or Saturday morning, at Tuesday minyan (5:30 p.m.), and when Hebrew School is in session, on Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. or Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.
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Dear Congregation, The Rabbi Search Committee (RSC) has been incredibly busy and hard at work in December and the first two weeks of January, despite the holiday, school vacations, and exodus to warmer climates (for some). This is an amazing group of dedicated and motivated temple members! In early December, the RSC completed and submitted the Rabbinical Assembly Congregational Questionnaire (“RAQ”). As described in our November update, the RAQ is a comprehensive document used by the Rabbinical Assembly as our “job description/posting” for potential rabbicandidates. We are happy to report that the RSC submitted Temple Israel’s RAQ on time and that the RAQ was posted without any requests from the Assembly for revisions, additional information, etc. Immediately after the submission, the RSC continued its work finalizing the congregational survey, a questionnaire that will provide important information regarding the congregation’s needs and interests in a rabbi and in the continued growth of our congregation. The congregation’s feedback on the survey is critical. Complete it online at https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/C7SXWQY . During our last search, our candidates visited in February and March. Thus, the RSC has set up sub-committees that are working in parallel to prepare for the eventual visits from rabbicandidates. These subcommittees will be reaching out to the volunteer base to assist with all aspects of the visit: logistics – i.e., getting the candidate here, housed, and back home; hospitality – i.e., kiddush event, hosting dinner(s), meet/greet events; and weekend planning – i.e., a pro forma, but flexible, sequence of events that the rabbi-candidate will officiate/lead. There are many details to each of
these aspects, so we ask you to be proactive in contacting us with your availability/interest to help. Finally, during our last search, the majority of rabbicandidates’ resumes seemed to arrive in late January and early February, likely accounting for the time needed post-new-year to settle things down. The RSC has been preparing diligently – again, an amazing group of volunteers doing a mitzvah for their congregation. Please remember that you can email questions, suggestions, etc. to TIPRSC2018@gmail.com. L’shalom, Rabbi Search Committee
Reserve your tickets now for the 7:00 p.m. concert on Saturday, March 9, 2019, benefiting TIP’s Musical Shabbat Fund.
From Bimah to Broadway with Cantors Micah Morgovsky & Shira Nafshi Suggested donation per ticket:
Adults Children Donor Patron Sponsor
$ 36 $ 18 $ 72 (includes 1 ticket) $180 (includes 2 tickets) $360 (includes 4 tickets)
Temple Israel Portsmouth Board of Directors David Bachrach, President Fran Berman, Immediate Past President Amy Hyett, President-elect David Olken, VP Ritual Joanne Samuels, VP House Seth Wizwer, VP Education Beth Salzman, Recording Secretary Jennifer Sebeny, Financial Secretary Amy Borne, Treasurer Robert Bradbard, Director Tobey Harman, Director Marc Hiller, Director Mel Prostkoff, Director
Tu B’Shevat story time with Elissa Kaplan Senter. ELC students
Steve Sacks, Director
celebrated nature and trees through stories, songs, and the movement of
Ira Schwartz, Director
rooting our feet to the earth & growing our bodies up to the sky for sunlight.
Margie Wachtel, Director
Proud member of USCJ Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. OFFICE HOURS 200 State Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-436-5301
Temple Israel