Welcome to Temple Israel!

photo: Francis Levy

Welcome to Temple Israel—of Portsmouth New Hampshire that is. Jews had settled in New Hampshire since colonial times but Temple Israel, established in 1910, was the first permanent settlement. In these parlous times Temple Israels are at a premium and you’re taken aback at the site of the stately but at the same time reserved looking structure shuttered in anticipation of a Sabbath and set back from the curb. A simple plaque tells its story amidst the hustle and bustle of a port which has become a major tourist destination.1827 is the date on the cornerstone so apparently the temple had another iteration in another life. Though it's a port city, no Goodbye, Columbus here. 

read Joan Baum's review of Francis Levy's The Kafka Studies Department with Illustrations by Hallie Cohen

and listen to "Many Rivers to Cross" by Jimmy Cliff