Temple Israel - Dover, NH || Description of Congregation

Our Congregation

Temple Israel of Dover is a vibrant congregation of individuals and families – old and young, with varying connections to traditional practice – who are drawn to Judaism for a variety of reasons.

Temple Israel of Dover is a proud member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ).

Shabbat Observance

First Friday of Each Month: 5:30 tot Shabbat, 6:00 Pot-luck dinner , 7:00 Early Service
Other Fridays: 7:30 Regular Service
Saturday services and programs begin at 10:30 AM.

Saturday mornings vary among monthly formal worship services, Shabbat study on the Torah portion, examining the prayer book and service structure, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
All non-Bar/Bat Mitzvah programs and services are followed by a pot-luck Kiddush meal.

Religious School

The Religious School at Temple Israel offers learning and socialization for children from pre-kindergarten through High School. All students are encouraged to make Judaism a deep and meaningful part of their lives.

Classes meet Thursdays from 4:00—6:00 PM. The curriculum includes Hebrew, Torah, Jewish history, Israel, and customs and practice taught through a variety of enjoyable and creative activities and study.

Rabbi Sam prepares each Bar/Bat Mitzvah student individually.

Students in grades 8-10 meet monthly for the Eitz Chayyim/Tree of Life & Confirmation program.Religious School teachers and aides (madrichim) receive supervision and instruction.

Adult Education Programs

Temple Israel recognizes that its members are active, interested people with a desire to learn and grow!

Classes in beginning or conversational Hebrew are offered based on interest.
Basic Judaism classes are held in the Temple and in Durham for members, UNH students, and all interested participants.
Our Saturday morning non-service Saturdays include a study session on the worship service and/or the Torah portion for the week.
Other topics and guest speakers will be featured on the website calendar and the monthly Kesher.

Suggestions for presenters or topics are welcome! We hope you will join us in our programs of lifelong learning!

Highlights from our annual calendar

High Holy Day worship and observance
Weekly Shabbat evening and morning
Sukkot and Simhat Torah celebrations
Uplifting Chanukah & latke party
Educational/experiential Tu B’Shevat
Purim: Megillah reading and carnival
Community Passover Seder
Shavuot service, dessert, and learning
Birth ceremonies
Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations
Confirmation class and service
Weddings and aufruf opportunities
Birthday and anniversary events