Your philanthropy and dues combine to sustain Temple Israel’s commitment to building an engaging and diverse Jewish community.
Donate Now to the 2025 Annual Appeal
Imagine what we can do in 5786 with your continued support!
In 5786 your tzedakah will be deposited directly into our operating account. We rely on operating funds to support our mission through key programs and retention of talented personnel, who make Temple Israel a Jewish center of learning, prayer, and community.
This year we aim to offer more joyous holiday gatherings, a vibrant religious school,
inspired adult education (featuring rabbinic intern Jacob Chatinover), and family programming for all ages. At the same time, we will invest in our historic building so it is here for generations to come.
Each of our endowment funds has a particular focus. As is usual with endowments, principal investments are untouchable and are invested for perpetuity. Only the interest earned is spent annually. Click on the Endowment Fund title to donate to one of Temple Israel’s Endowment Funds.
Our newest endowment was established in 2023 in order to maximize and promote social justice efforts in our temple, our Seacoast region, and beyond. Its hope is to “repair the world” and make it more peaceful, tolerant, and equal through acts of charity, kindness, and social and political action.
The Tikkun Olam Committee’s recent activities include supporting Team Temple Israel in the Seacoast Walk to End Alzheimer’s, organizing food drives at Yom Kippur and Purim to support Seacoast Family Promise and regional food pantries, and hosting a Seacoast-wide fundraiser to support a local Afghan refugee family.
The interest on this fund, established in 1988, supports multiple cultural and educational events taking place at the Temple and in the community each year. Recent examples include the klezmer band at Simchat Torah, Community Passover Seder, Break the Fast after Yom Kippur, bus trips to Boston cultural events, speakers at Yom Hashoah commemoration, new member dinner and multiple Sisterhood and Hebrew school events and programs.
The interest on this fund directly supports our Religious School. Substantial growth of this fund may eventually allow our Religious School to be free for all students.
The interest on this fund directly supports the operating budget of Temple Israel. The principal will never be spent. This fund will assure the continued presence of a Jewish community on the seacoast in perpetuity.
Please click below to donate to one of the following funds. Dedication information will be collected.
Danielle Harman Fund supports K-12 arts education.
Hebrew School Fund supports educational programming provided by the Religious School for grades K-7.
Israel Experience Fund provides grants subsidizing Israel trips for young people in the congregation.
Library Fund supports the acquisition of books and other media for the Nancy Mae Shaines Memorial Library.
Preschool Fund provides equipment and enhanced enrichment activities for the Early Learning Center.
Youth Group Fund supports staffing and leadership of activities for Grades 4-7.
USY / Gesher Fund supports staffing and leadership of activities for grades 8-12.
Dues Plus / Dues Abatement Fund supports dues adjustments for temple members.
Kiddush Fund supports the meal and beverages following weekly Shabbat morning services.
Music Fund brings in musicians to enhance Temple Israel’s regular religious services, holiday observances, and special concerts.
Prayer Book Fund buys new prayerbooks for use in our temple.
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund meets community needs as determined by the rabbi (e.g., charitable, educational).
Rabbi Senter Memorial Fund supports projects that benefit the temple, particularly educational and cultural programming. Established in memory of Rabbi David Rafael Senter Z”L.
Tikkun Olam / Social Action Fund supports projects which improve life in the wider community.
Tzedakah / Charity Fund assists members in need and responds to natural disasters.
Building Maintenance Fund supports capital facilities projects and improvements to our historic building.
Landscape Fund supports improvements to the Temple grounds, including hardscape and plantings.
Security Fund supports staffing and infrastructure to protect the temple and congregants.
Celebrate a joyous occasion by engraving a leaf on either of our two beautiful Trees of Life:
Sanctuary Tree of Life order form
Remember family members with a permanent memorial plaque in the sanctuary.
Submit the Yahrzeit Sanctuary Memorial Lights Plaque order form.
Exciting news—Temple Israel Portsmouth will soon launch a Planned Giving Program, offering a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy and support our vibrant Jewish community for generations to come. Stay tuned for more details on how you can make a lasting impact.
