From Brit Milah and baby namings to Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, weddings and funerals – whatever your stage of life, we will do all we can to support you and your family.
Baby namings are a special delight, with the congregation joining in the family’s joy. Let us know and we will arrange to invite you and your new baby onto the bimah during Shabbat services so the rabbi can officiate as they receive their Hebrew names.
Celebrate a special birthday or anniversary by sponsoring a special kiddush in honor of the event.
B’nei Mitzvah marks the culmination of many years of study for our young people. It is a moment of joy for the student, their family, and the entire community. Learn more about our B’nei Mitzvah experience.
Getting married? We will welcome you to the bimah for an aliyah during services on the Shabbat before the wedding to observe the tradition of the aufruf. You can also plan your wedding in the historic sanctuary, which makes a beautiful and memorable setting for your exchange of vows. The Social Hall (with kosher kitchen) is also available for your reception.
The rabbi and Cemetery Committee work closely to support member families as they arrange a funeral and observance of shiva for loved ones. Our Chevra Kadisha (burial society) takes on the sacred responsibility of preparing our loved ones for burial, one of the highest callings in Judaism. Temple Israel maintains both Jewish and interfaith cemeteries on Banfield Road in Portsmouth. Plots are also available in Dover’s Pine Hill Cemetery. Member families may reserve plots by arrangement with the Cemetery Committee. Learn more about the Temple Israel Cemetery.
We also assist members in observing the yahrzeits of loved ones each year on the anniversary of their passing with a printed reminder listing the date for lighting a memorial candle and the services at which they can recite the Mourner’s Kaddish. If a mourner is unable to attend services, a personal Kaddish may be recited at home.
You can commemorate a joyous life-cycle event — the birth of a baby, a special birthday, B’nei Mitzvah, wedding — by purchasing a leaf on either our beautiful Chapel Tree of Life or Sanctuary Tree of Life.
Please contact the Rabbi or Temple Administrator to make arrangements for your life-cycle event at Temple Israel.
