Posted on April 25, 2023
Dear friends, As we move from Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s memorial day, into Yom Ha-atzmaut, Israel’s celebration of independence, many of us are filled with mixed emotions. We all yearn for peace and security for the land and our people, yet many of us, including tens of thousands of Israelis, have serious anxieties about the current government and Continue Reading »
Posted on April 23, 2023
Join us for an afternoon of field games, archery, low ropes, gaga, and of course a bonfire with s’mores! Let’s celebrate the middle of the Omer the way it was meant to be… with lots of fun! Pack a picnic dinner, we’ll provide the rest! This event is open to the entire community so invite Continue Reading »
Posted on April 4, 2023
Matzah – Opening to Compassion Dear friends, This is the season of redemption. In springtime, the whole earth attests to the natural power of rebirth with the return of birdsong, the blossoming of new green life, a redemption from darkness into light, and from oppression to freedom. The rabbis taught that in the month of Continue Reading »
Posted on December 16, 2022
The root of the word Chanukah, Chet-Nun-Khaf (ח–נ–כ), means dedication, but the root of this root is Chen, Grace (חן). The light we celebrate at Chanukah expresses grace in two ways. First, there is the miracle of the light that lasted for eight days, that is, the gift of grace by God that allowed the Continue Reading »
Posted on December 2, 2022
Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday, December 18. Activities are planned for all ages, beginning with candle-lighting every evening in the “Hands of Hope” menorah in the garden courtyard. (In the case of inclement weather, the festivities will move indoors.) Don’t miss these special events! Sunday, 12/18, 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Hanukkah Story Time with Continue Reading »
Posted on November 4, 2022
The 2022 Annual Fund Appeal preserves our sukkat shlomekha — shelter of peace — keeping us safe from the storms of nature and offering a welcoming center for Jewish study, prayer, celebrations, and culture. This year’s Annual Fund focuses on two essential areas identified by our Temple Board. Roof and Air Handlers After 35 years, the air handlers that cool Continue Reading »
Posted on October 13, 2022
The fall festivals conclude with Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Please join us for an evening of reflection, community, music, and fun! Sunday, October 16, schedule of services and events: 5:30 pm: Shemini Atzeret service with Yizkor, in the sanctuary and via Zoom (using the regular link for services) 6:15 pm: Community potluck supper in Continue Reading »
Posted on September 7, 2022
Please join Temple Israel for this interfaith, community-wide gathering at Portsmouth’s African Burying Ground on Chestnut Street. Offerings of prayer, poetry, music and Selichot liturgy will address the spiritual aspiration to recognize the Divine Image in every human being. September 17th at 7pm Sponsored by Temple Israel Learn More and Register Continue Reading »
Posted on September 7, 2022
Dear friends, Elul is the name of the Hebrew month that precedes Rosh Hashanah. It is a time for cheshbon ha-nefesh or “soul accounting” – looking inward and reflecting on the year that has passed. Our tradition offers us this intentional time to prepare for the new year, so that we may enter fully into Continue Reading »
Posted on July 8, 2022
Please join us for a Tisha b’Av Gathering on Saturday, August 6, at 8:30 pm in the Temple Israel Courtyard (or indoors in case of rain). At Tisha b’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. The destruction Continue Reading »
