From the Rabbi’s Desk

Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman

Portsmouth Stands Together

Posted on April 28, 2023

Dear friends, As mentioned in today’s “This Week” bulletin, a suspect has been charged in connection with the February vandalism at Temple Israel and other Portsmouth locations. We are grateful for law enforcement, whose members have been working hard to serve justice, find the perpetrator, and hold them to account; for the courage and strength of Continue Reading »

Yom HaZikaron & Yom Ha-atzmaut

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 »

Matzah – Opening to Compassion: A Passover Message

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 »

hanukkah doughnuts menorah

A Bridge of Light – A Chanukah Message

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 »