Welcome to Temple B'nai Israel

Temple B’nai Israel has been the hub of Jewish activity in central New Hampshire for the past eighty years. Our congregation is affiliated with Reform Judaism, however our members’ beliefs and traditions range from traditional conservatism to modern versions of Reform practice.

We are active participants on the lakes region interfaith council of religious groups and play a positive role in the community at large.

Our Rabbi

After forty years of having rabbinic interns to lead our congregations, we engaged Rabbi Hannah Orden, our most recent student rabbi, as our permanent, part time religious leader. The Rabbi’s avowed lifetime goal is to continuously broaden her connections to Judaism and to guide others to share this goal.

In addition to Shabbat services on alternate Fridays at 7:30 pm, Rabbi Orden leads High Holiday services, regularly conducts substantive adult learning classes and works with B’nai Mitzvah students. She is Director of Education for the religious school and is deeply involved with students and with the members of the congregation.

She is available to perform weddings, baby namings, b’nai mitzvah and funerals, as well as pastoral counseling.
The Rabbi’s activities are enriched by a strong foundation of decades as a Jewish communal leader, published author of fiction and non-fiction, editor, teacher, tutor.

Our Cantorial Soloist

Melody Funk’s magnificent voice adds warmth and spirituality to High Holiday and Shabbat services. She is also B’nai Mitzvah coordinator and familiarizes candidates with the rites and rituals of the service, each according to his or her strengths.

All About Religious Worship

Shabbat services are held on Friday evenings at 7:30 pm, on alternate weekends. Check the website calendar for specific dates.
Holidays and festivals are celebrated at appropriate times and are always enhanced by traditions that various members bring to the community. The outside bulletin board, the “Temple Tablet”, our temple newsletter and e-mail are all utilized to bring you detailed information about service times, as well as our other activities.

About the Temple Facilities

Temple B’nai Israel was founded at the turn of the century and has had a rabbi since the 1920s. The original building was dedicated in the late 1930s, the Max Chertok Social Hall was built in 1955 and the Nathan and Jennie Brindis Learning Center, consisting of classrooms and a library, was completed in 2001.

A special section of the Union Cemetery in Laconia was consecrated for the exclusive use of Jewish burials in 1986.

About Guests

Guests and friends are always welcome at Temple B’nai Israel. We encourage visitors to identify themselves to the Rabbi or other members of the congregation so that we can welcome you.