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.

Tagged as: life cycle, pastoral care, prayer leader, rabbi

Timing Expectations: One-year position while we search for a permanent rabbi.
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:
  • Ordained as a rabbi
  • At least 3 years pulpit experience
  • Skilled as a prayer leader using Lev Shalem
  • 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:

Interim Search Cochairs: Fran Berman and Rich LeSavoy

About Temple Israel

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.

Temple Israel’s religious school meets on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, enrolling 55 students grades K-7, and it is led by a full-time head of school/family programming director. The temple  also operates a Montessori-style preschool (Early Learning Center) that is open to the community, led by a preschool director. The temple employs a full-time administrative director.