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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. At the conclusion of  the U’netaneh Tokef prayer, in which the liturgist asks the questions, “Who shall live and Who shall die? Who by fire and Who by water…?”  we join the cantor in singing, “but teshuvah (repentance),  tefilah (prayer) Continue Reading »

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. It’s been a grueling couple of weeks in the synagogue office – as many of you may have noticed. Kol hakavod (good job!) to Heather and everyone on the various committees working SO hard to make everything come together for the holiday Continue Reading »

Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman

From the Rabbi’s Desk

Posted on September 1, 2023

The wind rushes through the trees at our new home, creating a swishing chorus of dancing branches and leaves. We are so grateful to be putting down roots in our new home in the woods of Eliot. We wonder how each season will present itself; how the cycles of time will play out in the Continue Reading »

Water from the well

New Moon, Animals and Music

Chesbon Hanefesh
Posted on August 18, 2023

Hodesh Tov! Today is the new moon (Rosh Chodesh) of the month of Elul. This last month of our Jewish year sets into motion, a period of introspection known as Cheshbon Hanefesh- taking an account of the soul. This month is dedicated to the inner work of assessing how and where we may have fallen Continue Reading »

Register for the High Holidays

Posted on August 14, 2023

Shalom, The High Holidays are coming up! If you plan to attend High Holiday services at Temple Israel, either virtually or in person, we need to know! So please sign up today. Learn More About High Holidays at TIP Register for High Holiday Tickets Register for the Yom Kippur Community Break-Fast If you need assistance Continue Reading »

Jerusalem stones

Tisha b’Av Service

Posted on July 5, 2023

Please join us 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. In our days Continue Reading »

President message jared nabel

President’s Message June 28, 2023

Posted on June 30, 2023

Fellow Congregants, As we head into summer and put more space on the calendar since the federal Covid-19 Public Health Emergency declaration ended on May 11, I thought it time to address the current landscape. As many have stated, we’re facing a “new” normal. Covid-19 will not subside completely, but the United States government at Continue Reading »

back to shul fest banner

Back to Shul Fest

Posted on June 20, 2023

Back by popular demand! Last year’s event was a huge success and we’re going bigger and better this year. Join us as we mark the end of the summer with an afternoon of live music, crafts, games, food, and much more! Mark your calendars, and bring your sunscreen for this end of summer bash! LIVE Continue Reading »

Summer Outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat Services

Posted on June 20, 2023

JULY 21 SERVICE WILL BE HELD INDOORS IN THE SANCTUARY (due to the weather forecast) Please join us this summer at Strawbery Banke for three Kabbalat Shabbat services led by Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman. Bring a dairy / pareve / vegetarian picnic dinner and your own lawn chair. Services will be live streamed on the TIP Continue Reading »