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Etz Hayim Synagogue
Derry, New Hampshire |
Our History
The Etz Hayim Synagogue evolved out of a Torah Study Group taught
during the winter of 1991. Soon the students and their families were
gathering with Rabbi Bruce Diamond for the Sabbath Eve dinner. In
April 1992, the group offered its first public Shabbat evening service.
Nearly 100 individuals joined in, making it clear that Derry was ready
for its own synagogue.
By June a working group of 12 households drafted by-laws and received a
charter from the state. In September 1992, Etz Hayim Synagogue
attracted a large gathering of worshippers for its first High Holy Day
services, held at Derry's Masonic Temple. The synagogue soon outgrew
its first home and rented the Oddfellows Hall in Derry. In the fall of
1992, Etz Hayim expanded its offerings to include a midweek youth
education program.
By June 1993 Etz Hayim had attracted nearly 50 member households and
elected officers and a board of directors. Once again the synagogue had
outgrown its quarters. A warm relationship had developed between the
Etz Hayim Synagogue and Derry's Episcopal Church of the
Transfiguration. They had co-sponsored a Thankgiving Service the
previous year. Now agreements were reached for the synagogue to share a
home for the next Autumn in the Church of the Transfiguration.
Etz Hayim now provides a Jewish spiritual home for more than 80
households covering a wide radius around Derry. Our approach honors the
integrity of each individal within the community: their desire to
participate in thejewish community; their choice to frame their Jewish
life according to their own values. As a community, we value a faithful
adherence to Jewish observance while encouraging individuals to
discover their personal approach to Jewish life.
Etz Hayim Synagogue exists to serve the religious and communal needs of
its members. The synagogue community rests on the foundation of its
members' commitment and participation in all aspects of our program. We
highly value the volunteer efforts of our members. Each year our
community has taken on greater obligations - expanding our programs and
our facilities. And we continue to grow under the leadership of our
second rabbi, Rabbi Louis Rieser. This spring we will purchase a site
on which to establish a home of our own.
As a community we are creating a place for study, worship, celebration
and caring. We invite you to join with us and help build the Etz Hayim
Synagogue into a spiritual home for Jewish learning and creativity.
