Holidays

Tisha b’Av Gathering Monday, August 12

Posted on July 10, 2024

Please join us at 8:00 pm for a Tisha b’Av Gathering in the Temple Israel Chapel. On the fast day of Tisha b’Av (the ninth day of the Hebrew month Av), we recall the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and we grieve for the many losses endured by the Jewish people throughout the ages and through to this very moment. 

Celebrating Shavuot, June 11 and 12

Posted on June 7, 2024

Tikkun Leil Shavuot features a blintz buffet and teaching about the Torah of music, 6:30 pm Tuesday, June 11. Shavuot service with Yizkor in our flower-bedecked sanctuary, 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 12. Meet Reb Beni Summers, our 2024-25 rabbinic intern, who will be leading the services with Rabba Kaya.

Community Passover Seder April 23

Posted on March 7, 2024

Tuesday, April 23, 6:00 pm, Come one and all for our traditional Passover seder, led by Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman, with songs, prayers, and stories. The evening features a delicious catered kosher meal, with menu options that include vegetarian, vegan, or nut-free meals. 

Purim Begins March 23

Posted on February 11, 2024

Please join us Saturday evening for a musical Megillah reading, and Sunday morning for carnival games, prizes, activity stations, refreshments, and a very special magic show!

Hanukkah begins the evening of Dec. 7

Posted on November 30, 2023

We plan to light candles at the temple on seven of the eight nights of Hanukkah. Please join us to usher in the light, together.

Rabba Kaya

Yom Kippur 2023 Sermon

Posted on September 27, 2023

Yom Kippur 2023 Sermons “Israel – The Hope” Sermon for Yom Kippur, 5784/2023, by Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman Looking about in this room, we see a beautifully diverse community with members from varied Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds. Our synagogue is affiliated with the Conservative movement, but we have members who come from Reform, Reconstructionist and Orthodox Continue Reading »

Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman

Rosh Hashanah 2023 Sermons & Videos

Posted on September 27, 2023

Rosh Hashanah 2023 Sermons “Birds, Bees and Butterflies” Sermon for Rosh Hashanah Day 1, 5784/2023 by Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman I want to begin by thanking Pastor David Clark whose ideas greatly influenced my sermon today. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place, where each season brings its treasures and where in Continue Reading »

Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman

High Holiday Message

Posted on September 12, 2023

Dear Friends,

As we approach the High Holidays I am reminded of a powerful statement in one of our essential prayers.

Figure 1 Kira & Cayden, Rosh HaShanah 2019

High Holiday Rundown

Posted on September 6, 2023

Everything you need to know about High Holidays at Temple Israel in Portsmouth.

Rabba Kaya

Yom Kippur 2022 Sermons

Posted on September 6, 2023

Yom Kippur 2022 Sermons “On Shame and Forgiveness” Sermon for Kol Nidre 5783/2022, by Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman The following is a Midrash – a Rabbinic Legend: On the 6th day of creation, when God was ready to create human beings, God decided to give human beings a special gift. Each one of them would receive Continue Reading »