Written by: Ian Kaner
Temple Israel Portsmouth
March 2025
Dear Temple Israel Community,
As we embark on the process of hiring an interim rabbi, we are excited to welcome three outstanding candidates to our synagogue over the coming weeks. Each candidate will spend time with our community, leading services, engaging in discussions, and meeting with congregants. Your participation in these events is vital, as it will provide valuable insight into each candidate’s strengths and allow them to experience the warmth of our community.
We invite you to attend as many of these sessions as possible and share your feedback to help us make this important decision. Each rabbi will also have meetings with temple leaders and staff. Below is the schedule of community events for each candidate’s visit:
Rabbi Matt Marko
Read Resume (PDF)
FRIDAY, MARCH 21
7:15 p.m.: Community Meet & Greet following Kabbalat Shabbat Youth Service*
*Service followed by a community-wide potluck & Meet & Greet (dairy or vegetarian only, please)
SATURDAY, MARCH 22
10 a.m.: Shabbat services led by the rabbi including torah and d’var (Sanctuary)
12:15 p.m., Shabbat kiddush luncheon & congregational Meet & Greet (Social Hall) (Register here)
Rabbi Raphael Kanter
Read Resume (PDF)
TUESDAY, MARCH 25
5:30 p.m.: Tuesday Minyan led by Rabbi Kanter (in sanctuary & zoom)
6:15 p.m.: Congregational Meet & Greet (Shmoozatorium)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26
12pm: Lunch with the rabbi (Social Hall – Details TBD) (Register Here)
4pm: Community Rabbi Meet & Greet (Shmoozatorium)
4:30pm: Torah Study – How We Can Apply Jewish Teachings to Today’s Issues (Shmoozatorium)
Rabbi Douglas Sagal
Read Resume (PDF)
FRIDAY, APRIL 4
6:30pm: Erev Shabbat Service Led by the rabbi (Sanctuary)
7:15pm: Rabbi Meet & Greet Oneg (Schmoozatorium)
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
10am: Shabbat services led by the rabbi, including torah service and d’var (Sanctuary)
12:15pm: Shabbat kiddush luncheon & congregational Meet & Greet. (Social Hall) (Register Here)
There are other very qualified candidates who are being considered and who may visit at a later date. We will update this information throughout the process.
We encourage you to attend these events, ask questions, and engage with each candidate to help us find the best fit for our community. After each visit, congregants will be invited to provide feedback through a SurveyMonkey form, available on the website and by QR Code posted throughout the synagogue, or submitted hardcopy to the office. Your input is invaluable in this process! Our interim rabbi will begin on July 1st, so we will be making a decision as soon as possible.
Additionally, if you are interested in volunteering to give synagogue / city tours, invite a candidate into your home for a meal, or help with transportation, please email rabbisearch@templeisraelnh.org.
To RSVP for specific events or if you have any questions, please visit our website at www.templeisraelnh.org.
Thank you for your support and involvement in shaping the future of Temple Israel.
L’shalom,
Ian Kaner
President – Board of Directors
Temple Israel Portsmouth
