We join together to celebrate our holidays throughout the year, including Rosh Hashanah, a sweet beginning; breaking the fast as a community after the final blast of the shofar on Yom Kippur; gathering in our sukkah for songs and snacks; dancing to a live klezmer band on Simchat Torah; eating latkes and lighting candles together on Hanukkah; greeting Purim with groggers, hamentashen, Megillah reading and a Purim carnival; holding community seders for Pesach and Tu B’Shevat; and learning a bit of Torah together on Shavuot.
Temple Israel has a great lineup of holiday programming.
Candle lighting on each of the nights of Hanukkah (December 14-21, 2025)
Purim festivities, March 2, 2026, with Purim Shpiel and Megillah reading; Purim Carnival March 8, 2026
Passover, April 2-9, 2026 with Community Seder April 2
Shavuot, May 22, 2026 with a night of learning May 21, Shavuot services May 23
Watch our Calendar for Upcoming Events
Join Temple Israel for the High Holidays!
Come to Temple Israel for our second night Community Seder on Thursday, April 2. Doors open at 5:30 to join a family-style seder led by Rabbi Rosalind Glazer and featuring a delicious catered meal by Mezzanine Catering. Join in this night of songs, stories, and community as wel explore our people’s journey from slavery to Continue Reading »
Passover begins at sundown on April 1, 2026. This is a time for families and friends to gather at seders to celebrate our people’s story of liberation. If you are hosting a first night seder on Wednesday, April 1, and have room at your table for a few more, let us know and we will Continue Reading »
Celebrate Purim at Temple Israel Portsmouth! Purim is almost here, and Temple Israel Portsmouth is ready to celebrate with two exciting events that bring the story of Esther to life through music, laughter, and community. Erev Purim Celebration – Monday, March 2 | 6:30–8:00 PM | Sanctuary Kick off Purim in costume—the wilder, the better! Continue Reading »
