Overview

The rabbi is the sole religious leader for the congregation, fulfilling roles that include being a prayer leader, Torah reader, conducting life cycle observances, pastoral care, member engagement, outreach to potential new members, and being a major voice for the Jewish community in the wider region.

Timing Expectations: One year position while we conduct a search for a permanent rabbi.
Rabbi Qualifications: Oversee kashrut of the temple kitchen; serve as our Mara D'atra; officiate at life cycle events; lead Shabbat and holiday services.
Community Description:

Temple Israel is a congregation of over 320 families located in the historic seacoast city of Portsmouth, NH, about one hour north of Boston. The congregation,which is over 100 years old, honors its long history while also embracing modernity. Our egalitarian community is affiliated with United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, and our members come from a broad range of backgrounds and maintain various levels of Jewish practice in their daily lives. Our membership includes congregants from the former Reform synagogue in nearby Dover, NH, which closed in 2018. Temple Israel includes many interfaith families and is welcoming and affirming to our LGBTQ+ members. As the only synagogue in the area, Temple Israel has members from some 20 communities in New Hampshire, southern Maine, and northern Massachusetts.

Work Remotely: no
Qualifications:
  • Rabbinic ordination
  • At least 3 years of pulpit experience
  • Membership in the Rabbinical Assembly preferred but not required
  • Musical skills a plus
Position Start Date: July 1, 2025
Benefits:

5 weeks of paid vacation
matching contributions to a retirement plan
health insurance subsidy of up to $5,000 per year

Salary Range: $150,000-$170,000
Send resumes and cover letter to:

Fran Berman and Rich LeSavoy, Interim Search Co-Chairs,

rabbisearch@templeisraelnh.org